Maycee Steele on Dancing Backup for Tate McRae and Showing Up as Her Best Self

Maycee Steele is never far from the for-you page. From her creation of the mega-popular “Cuff It” dance challenge with Kaitlyn Hardy in 2022 to her presence as a backup dancer in Tate McRae’s always-trending tour choreography, she has a knack for moving in a way that’s both joyful and power-packed. 

A Kansas City native who has been dancing since the age of 3, Steele got her start in the competitive-dance circuit. Throughout her teen years, she danced ballet during the week and competed on weekends, eventually assisting at Velocity, Pulse, Radix, and other conventions. At 18, Steele moved to L.A. to begin her professional dance career, and she’s since worked with artists like Doja Cat, Taylor Swift, Dove Cameron, and Jennifer Lopez. She has also performed in award shows like the Oscars, the Grammys, the Billboard Music Awards, and the Latin American Music Awards. 

Dance Spirit caught up with Steele fresh off the Think Later World Tour to chat about all things dance, from viral tour choreography to performing with Tate McRae.

The Tour Lifestyle

“One of the hardest parts of touring,” says Steele, “is staying healthy.” In Europe, she did three show days in a row, which meant sleeping on the bus for the nights in between. “It’s really hard to sleep on a bus, but recovery time is so important for your body.” So is eating enough food, she says, and balancing the fun nights spent exploring with the restful nights in.

Before a show, Steele values her quiet time above all. While some people like to get pumped up pre-performance, she says that walking onstage with her nervous system heightened leaves her feeling shaky. “I like to calm myself before all of the craziness starts.” Steele sometimes uses meditation to reach this state of calm before a show or even in her day-to-day.

Fan-Favorite Tour Choreography

“That’s the magic of Sean Bankhead,” says Steele of her tour choreography’s online popularity. “His choreography just always goes viral.” She also credits the positive buzz to the chemistry between her group of fellow backup dancers. “I think we’re a funny group. People resonate with our personalities, too.”

On Working With McRae

So what’s it like dancing backup for an artist who is as skilled in dance as McRae? Her choreography is catered to dancers, for one thing. And according to Steele, everything moves much more quickly because of McRae’s dance training. “She picks up things in like 2.5 seconds…probably faster than a lot of the dancers,” which means fewer rehearsals. “It makes us want to be better and faster too.” 

Of her personal relationship with McRae, Steele says: “I had always known Tate through the convention circuit…It’s cool watching her grow. It’s a full-circle moment dancing for her.” She adds that McRae’s dance background allows her to uniquely understand what her backup dancers do. “She really values dance and values our time and our talents. It’s nice to work with someone who appreciates us so much. It inspires us.”

Advice for Young Dancers

To make it in the commercial world, Steele says: “Don’t let people put you in a box. Be a chameleon and try to be able to do it all.” She stresses the importance of meeting as many people as possible and showing up as your kindest, most hardworking self. “You never know who you’ll meet…They may become the next Tate McRae!”

Looking to the Future

What would Steele’s younger self say if she could see her now? “I think she’d be happy that I’m getting to perform most nights and travel to all of these amazing places I’ve always wanted to go to.” Steele had long dreamt of touring and traveling for dance. Having achieved those goals, she’s excited to explore the production side of things through assisting choreographers.

Quickfire Questions

Dance bag essential?
Advil! Steele will not go to an audition without Advil in her bag. Honorable mentions: Water, a pair of heels, her phone, and lip liner. 

Favorite Tate McRae song?
Steele loves the situationship songs. “Stay Done” is her top pick.

Favorite postshow snack?
Cheez-Its or salami. 

Any onstage mishaps?
Falling while walking during a tour with Colombian singer Maluma.

The post Maycee Steele on Dancing Backup for Tate McRae and Showing Up as Her Best Self appeared first on Dance Spirit.