AFRO-BRAZILIAN DANCE

This September, Newton Moraes returns to The Jamii Hub for five Tuesday mornings of movement, music, and Afro-Brazilian dance with Jamii’s Belonging Older Adults community. Drawing from Samba and Batuque from southern Brazil, these workshops invite participants to move, stretch, build cardio endurance, and spend time connecting with their bodies and each other.

Each session begins seated with breathing exercises and isolated movements of the head, arms, torso, and pelvis. From there, participants move into standing work, learning gestures and movement phrases that activate different parts of the body. The group gradually brings these elements together into a short movement sequence or simple choreography.

The sessions are energetic, but there is also space to slow down and pay attention to how movement feels. Newton places particular focus on individual connection and presence, inviting participants to work at their own pace rather than focusing on technical perfection. Each class closes with a cool-down and relaxation period, giving the group time to settle after moving together.

These Afro-Brazilian dance workshops are open to older adults of all ability levels. No previous dance experience is needed. For participants looking for dance classes, movement programs, or active arts experiences for older adults in Toronto, the series offers a welcoming way to stay active while spending time with a familiar community.

Newton Moraes is a dancer, choreographer, and educator with extensive experience in performance and teaching. His work has taken him across Canada and internationally to Brazil, Cuba, Colombia, and Germany. He has taught with organizations and institutions including Ballet Creole, COBA, Kashedance, York University, and Humber College. As founder and artistic director of Newton Moraes Dance Theatre, he brings years of artistic practice together with a warm, community-centred approach to teaching.

Belonging participants register for the overall program once and can then drop in to the September movement sessions that work for them.

Support free community arts
Jamii keeps programs and events free so everyone can take part, without financial barriers. If you’re able, you can support our $15 for 15 Years campaign and help us reach $15,000 by December 15 for Jamii’s future programs at The Jamii Hub. Your donation moves the goal forward and is eligible for a charitable tax receipt. Donate here now.

Jamii’s Belonging Older Adults workshops are sponsored by Government of Canada, Canada Council for the Arts, Metcalf Foundation - Booster Fund, St. Lawrence Neighbourhood Association, Rama Gaming House, and Charitable Gaming.