ABOUT US
Celebrating &
amplifying lifelong artists for (almost) 30 years
OUR MISSION
Moonhorse Dance Theatre enriches the careers of older dance artists (45+), amplifying their lifelong creative lives through public performances, education, community building and professional exchange.
OUR VISION
In recognition of dance artists’ dedication to their art, Moonhorse Dance Theatre’s work will erase prejudicial assumptions about ageing bodies, thus redefining the public’s appreciation of professional dance.
“There’s no retirement for an artist, it’s your way of living so there’s no end to it”
- Henry Moore
Originally formed to highlight the creative work of Claudia Moore, the company shifted to its establishing mandate for the presentation of mature artists over the age of 45 in 2000. Moonhorse Dance Theatre has developed into an important dance organization providing lifelong artists of all contemporary dance forms opportunities for presentation, commissions, teaching and professional development, as well as mentorship. Claudia Moore was at the helm until stepping aside in 2022. The role of AD was filled by Toronto Dance Artist Allison Cummings.
Currently, we are dedicated to the legacy of Older & Reckless, an annual show presenting works by lifelong artists, both performers and creators. In addition to O&R, Moonhorse activities include dance classes with celebrated professional instructors, workshops for the professional community facilitated by renowned artists, an interdisciplinary exchange program for lifelong artists to jam together and learn from each other. We hold and form working relationships with dance organisations in our community in the spirit of partnership, cohesiveness and artistic growth.
“There’s no retirement for an artist, it’s your way of living so there’s no end to it”
- Henry Moore
Originally formed to highlight the creative work of Claudia Moore, the company shifted to its establishing mandate for the presentation of mature artists over the age of 45 in 2000. Moonhorse Dance Theatre has developed into an important dance organization providing lifelong artists of all contemporary dance forms opportunities for presentation, commissions, teaching and professional development as well as mentorship. Claudia Moore was at the helm until stepping aside in 2022. The role of AD was filled by Toronto Dance Artist Allison Cummings.
Currently, we are dedicated to the legacy of Older & Reckless, an annual show presenting works by lifelong artists, both performers and creators. In addition to O&R, Moonhorse activities include dance classes with celebrated professional instructors, workshops for the professional community facilitated by renowned artists, an interdisciplinary exchange program for lifelong artists to jam together and learn from each other. We hold and form working relationships with dance organisations in our community in the spirit of partnership, cohesiveness and artistic growth.
Our team of incredible people
That you want to meet…
ALLISON CUMMINGS
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
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Allison Cummings is a performer/choreographer/art maker, who produces her artistic work under the umbrella name Sore for Punching You. Her work has been presented at venues and festivals across Canada since 1996 including The Theatre Centre, Hysteria, Edgy Women/Montreal, Toronto Dance Theatre’s ‘Four at the Winch’, SummerWorks, M
Performative Art Festival, 7a -11d, Canada Dance Festival, Fluid Festival, Moving Pictures Festival w/ Trinity Square Video, Older and Reckless, School of the Toronto Dance Theatre, Theatre Passe Muraille, Porch View Dances, Bright Nights (Citadel et Cie) among others. Internationally her work has been presented in Accra, Ghana, and Chiang Mai, Northern Thailand. She has self-produced her own multidisciplinary full-length works, Quiver ’02, Clutch ’06, Devouring Lions ’09, Final Savage Land ’13 and Exhale ’18 at various venues in Toronto. She is the recipient of multiple arts grants and awards including The John D. and Susan P. Diekman Fellowship, California 2012, Chalmers Professional Development 2010, The Toronto Emerging Artist Award in Dance 2000 and was shortlisted for the K.M Hunter Award 2006 and 2008.
HEIDI MCDONALD
ADMINISTRATIVE MANAGER
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Heidi loves to brighten a person’s day, whether that’s with a chat, a cup of tea, or by checking things off a to-do list. Her favourite work environment involves surrounding herself with creative people while managing their administrative needs, and she is thrilled to now be doing this for Moonhorse Dance Theatre. Her resume includes lighting design for theatre and opera, working in film as the assistant to the producer, managing a retail boutique, and managing a shop that makes custom footwear for film and television. Her passions also include decorative paper planning, playing D&D, tap dancing, bike riding, and hanging out with her awesome hubby and teenage daughter. You should totally meet them (and you will, at Older and Reckless!).
MICHELLE SILAGY
CLASS COORDINATOR
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Michelle Silagy is a Toronto-based dance artist. Her choreography has been presented in Amsterdam, Inuvik, New York, Canada and in Toronto venues including The Gardiner Museum, where she presented ReTrace a multi-generational performance. A Certified DanceAbility [DA] International Advanced Facilitator, Silagy trained and performed with DA Founder Alito Alessi at the ImPulsTanz International Dance Festival in Vienna, and in Mexico and Uruguay. Silagy’s extensive work with youth informs her desire to create with artists through playful collaboration. As former director of 32 years for The Young Dancers’ Program at the School of Toronto Dance Theatre (recently renamed The Dance Arts Institute), Silagy facilitated creative movement and inclusive classes for children and instigated inclusive dance for adults, in partnership with Canada’s National Ballet School. Silagy has written and delivered curricula connecting movement with oral and written language, for The Royal Conservatory of Music throughout Canada and in London, England. Silagy and Director Lynda Hill co-created Dora Nominated Flying Hearts, a relaxed performance, which premiered at the International Wee Festival and toured in Ontario and Winnipeg in the Spring of 2019. Silagy continues to work with Andrea Nann’s Dreamwalker Dance Company’s multi-faceted approach to sharing practice(s) which brings together Communities, Indigenous Teachings, and Art and Educational Practitioners. Silagy is developing, The Reverie Duets, a work celebrating the gifts of contemporary dancers and dancers who possess an extra set of Chromosome 21. The Reverie Duets Project is generously funded by The Ontario Arts Council and The Toronto Arts Council. Silagy is thrilled to be part of coordinating Moonhorse Dance Theatre’s Dance Encounters which she believes is best defined and joyfully felt by being there.
ORIN T. MCREY
SOCIAL MEDIA & MARKETING MANAGER
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Orin channels her passion for communication and storytelling through her multifaceted career as an interdisciplinary performer, movement facilitator, host, and Social Media/Communications Manager. She revels in facilitating experiences that foster empowerment and play while nurturing connections to both community and the Earth. Her desire to give back to the community has guided her into leadership roles she has been proud to stand in: MC for Shine Dance Festival; Dance Educator for Luminesque Dance, iDance, BAMDance and KasheDance; Co-Facilitator for Her Tribal Roots youth residencies; and Social Media Manager for various individuals and organizations. Since moving to Tkaronto, she has joined KasheDance as a company member and launched her sensual embodiment classes LUSH FLUX.
Find her on IG @orintmcrey for more!
“Cause you can’t, you won’t and you don’t stop”
BEASTIE BOYS, Sure Shot
MEET THE FOUNDER
Claudia Moore
Claudia Moore, performer, curator and founder of Moonhorse Dance Theatre, has been a force on the Canadian dance scene since the late 70’s.
What we value
QUALITY
RISK TAKING
OPEN EXCHANGE
NEW POLICY
Balancing Act
Coming soon!
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JOIN HERE
Board of Directors
ALLEN MACINNIS
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Allen MacInnis started his career as an actor and director at a time when Canadian theatre was burgeoning, which offered him wide-ranging work across Canada in contemporary theatre, new plays, musicals, classics, works by Indigenous artists, and theatre for young audiences. In 1995, he was appointed Artistic Director of Winnipeg’s Prairie Theatre Exchange. There he reinvigorated audience engagement and broadened the company’s artistic programming. Appointed to lead Toronto’s Young People’s Theatre in 2002, Allen spent 19 gratifying years creating theatrical experiences for the best of all audiences, young people. He is especially proud of YPT’s industry-leading Education and Participation department, which developed during his tenure along with the company’s highly respected new play development programs. As a volunteer, Allen has served on the boards of the Toronto Alliance for the Performing Arts, the Professional Association of Canadian Theatres and Moonhorse Dance Theatre.
NORMA ARAIZA
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Mexican of Yoeme/Basque heritage, performer, choreographer, and instructor living in Toronto, Norma works in different modalities within the arts blending dance, physical theatre, vocals, percussion, and text with cultural and traditional themes in a contemporary context. Norma has studied with international artists such as Jerzy Grotowski, Eugenio Barba, Natsu Nakajima, Tascabile di Bergamo, Kei Takei, Pol Pelletier, Charles Koroneho, among others. Norma is the co-artistic director of Vanguardia Dance Projects, a collective promoting Latin American and Indigenous dance artists. She holds a master’s degree in Dance Ethnology from York University and she graduated from the Expressive Arts Therapy Program at CREATE Institute. She has a private practice as an Expressive Arts Therapist. Her work has been presented at different venues in Toronto, throughout Ontario, Montreal, Hungary, California, Rochester, NY, New York City, Colombia and throughout Mexico.
DAVID CHAN
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Born and raised in Hong Kong and lived in the UK for 4 years, I moved to Toronto at the age of 18 with my family and have been lucky to call it home since. I studied Accounting at the University of Toronto, pursued my CPA designation and have been working in the banking industry. I am very excited to join the Board for Moonhorse and learn about the performance art world, something that is completely new to me.
SANDI TRILLO
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Claudia’s dance as well as Moonhorse's productions have long been an inspiration to Sandi who dances for fun. She was an eager participant in Claudia’s ‘Dance for All’ community project in 2014-2015, which gave non-professional dancers an opportunity to take to the stage prior to some amazing Older and Reckless performers.
For more than a decade Sandi has consulted to organizations in various non-profit sectors. She brings the board extensive knowledge of non-profit governance, strategic planning and stakeholder engagement. She recently completed a M.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies at York University, and also holds a B. Ed. (University of Toronto) and B.Comm. (University of Guelph).
“I am looking forward to helping others discover and experience Moonhorse's marvellous, engaging performances. And to celebrating 20 years with all those who’ve been part of this welcoming dance community Claudia has nurtured and cultivated.”
SUSIE BURPEE
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Traversing both dance and theatre, Susie Burpee is a choreographer, performer and teacher. She has been profoundly influenced by the many unbridled dance-theatre artists with whom she has worked over the past 25 years, and she is grateful for the opportunities to continue to work in community. Susie is passionate about teaching dance at a post-secondary level, and in 2020, she furthered her own studies, completing a MA in Theatre, Drama, and Performance Studies (University of Toronto). Susie is currently Artistic Producer of Theatre Direct's Balancing Act, a national initiative to support parents, caregivers, and care needs in the performing arts.
AMANDA HANCOX
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Amanda’s performance career as a dancer and an actor in theatre, film and television spanned over 30 years. From 2006 – 2019, she was the Executive Director of the Dancer Transition Resource Centre (DTRC), a national, not-for-profit arts service organization with a mandate to help dancers make necessary transitions into, within and from professional performance careers. Throughout her tenure at the DTRC, she contributed her expertise to many major national and international conferences and was a member of the Board of the International Organization for the Transition of Professional Dancers (IOTPD). Amanda acts as an arts consultant, a career transition consultant within and outside the arts community, and as a facilitator/trainer for the Cultural Human Resources Council’s Maintaining Respectful Workplaces in the Arts workshops. She recently finished a six-year term as Chair of the Dance Committee for the Toronto Arts Council and is currently Past Chair of the Board of WorkInCulture.
