Dedicated to the creation, performance & production of contemporary dance works

About Newton Moraes Dance Theatre

Newton Moraes Dance Theatre is a contemporary dance company devoted to the creation, performance, and production of innovative works that explore and deepen the artistic connections between Canada and Latin America. Under the vision and leadership of founder and Artistic Director Newton Moraes, the company places a special focus on Brazilian culture, while embracing diverse influences to develop new forms of contemporary artistic expression.

The company was founded on May 22, 1997, during a transformative journey to Germany with two exceptional dancers, Rebecca Ostwald (now Rebecca Baptista) and Sonya Stefan. Our debut performance took place at the intimate and inspiring Makal City Theatre in Stuttgart—founded by renowned German pantomime artist Peter Makal, a student of the legendary Marcel Marceau.

I extend my heartfelt thanks to Rebecca and Sonya for being part of this journey from the very beginning. I also honor the memory of my beloved partner, Robert Shirley, Emeritus Professor of Anthropology at the University of Toronto and my life partner of 23 years, whose unwavering support helped shape the foundation of this company.

A special thank-you to Ulla from the Goethe-Institut Toronto, whose guidance led us to Makal City Theatre and helped set this extraordinary artistic journey in motion.

Our Vision

At Newton Moraes Dance Theatre, we are committed to:

  • Inspiring and empowering young people, offering them role models through the arts.
  • Supporting dance artists who work with forms rooted in the Latin American Diaspora in Canada.
  • Bringing together professionals who preserve and share the rich traditions of Latin American dance.
  • Fostering appreciation of Latin American cultural heritage and increasing its visibility.
  • Elevating critical discourse around Latin American dance by promoting awareness of its complexity and encouraging deeper engagement with the work of its practitioners.

We aim to provide an environment where artists can create bold, innovative forms of expression that resonate with diverse audiences. Through our work, we serve as cultural ambassadors both nationally and internationally, celebrating the power of dance to connect, transform, and inspire.

Cheers, peace and love,
Newton