About Peter

Peter Stanton was born in England and raised in Newmarket. He exhibited a keen interest in dance at the early age of 4. Dance remained a life passion all through his childhood, adolescence and adulthood. After finishing school he moved to Europe where for 7 years he toured Europe, Asia and Africa performing in two professional dance companies. During this time he also modeled and sang professionally before bringing his talents back home. Upon his return to Canada he was a Shakespearean actor and appeared on stage and screen while taking his dance teacher's exam with B.A.T.D.

Peter’s talent and inspiration made him much in demand for school dance programs and gymnastics and skating choreography. He had a wide spread reputation for his different and original award-winning choreography and his love of teaching children.

An enthusiastic participant in many local events, and the co-founder of the Newmarket Dance Festival, Mr. Stanton’s passion for the arts has inspired many throughout the years. Mr. Stanton had many gifts, not the least of which was instilling a love of dance in those he taught. No matter your shape, size or age, the courage and passion to “dance for the love” was paramount in his teachings. These characteristics, along with the school’s strong competition, accredited and recreational programs, have carried many current and former students through their studies and in their work. Many of his students have furthered their dance careers at the college and university levels, with The National Ballet of Canada, as dance teachers and also as professional performers.

Mr. Stanton's passion for dance was truly contagious, and through the Peter Stanton School of Dance that passion will continue to encourage artists of all kinds, and instill a love of dance in this community. Mrs. Annette-Gravelle Stanton, along with the entire teaching staff at the Peter Stanton School of Dance, will continue to teach and foster those values and characteristics of courage, passion, family and community for many years to come. The doors will be open and the beat will be playing for dancers of all shapes, sizes and ages.