Moonhorse Dance Theatre

Founded in 1996 by celebrated dance artist Claudia Moore, Moonhorse Dance Theatre (MDT) specifically celebrates the work of senior dance artists, revering their long-sighted artistry and bodies of knowledge. Unique in Canada, Moonhorse Dance Theatre breaks assumptions about dance career length and outdated notions about dance audiences and senior community participants. Senior dance artists’ voices offer richness, diversity and experience to dance in Canada. MDT has an important role to play in continuing to develop meaningful relationships and programming that serve to connect senior dance artists and the public.

Moonhorse’s commitment to sharing the gifts of senior artists is most evident in its core program, Older & Reckless (O&R), which is built on the essential pillars of equity, diversity and fairness. Presented annually in Toronto over several days, O&R features the choreography and performance of older artists of diverse cultural backgrounds. The programming also includes a Community Performance Project (a collaboration between senior dance professionals and community members) as well as other public events like Circle Dance Talk and workshops led by O&R artists. O&R has presented collaborations with Canadian and international artists in numerous cities across Canada.

The programming has grown to include a mentorship program supporting meaningful intergenerational exchange between artists. In 2019, MDT founded Engaging Seniors in Dance, a highly successful online dance participation program led by senior dance artists, which continues to foster communities of older movers.

Founded in the visionary, collaborative, generous and open-hearted passion of Claudia Moore, Moonhorse Dance Theatre is now an essential and unique part of Toronto and Canada’s professional dance community. As Canada’s population ages, MDT’s artistic mission is vital to nourishing seniors’ ongoing creative contributions to our communities.

While MDT was originally founded to support Moore’s own work as a dancer and choreographer, she quickly realized the importance of supporting a larger community of senior artists. In 2000, she created Older & Reckless (O & R), which promotes the work of dance artists over the age of 45. Since its inception in 2000, O&R has deeply resonated with audiences, who have embraced Older & Reckless with fervour.