“Erin Newton is a treasure to her students and community. She’s the teacher we all wish we had. She’s the overflowing auditorium in the climax of Mr Holland’s Opus, full of adults that can point backwards and say I’m here today because of the guidance, support and presence of this particular teacher crossing my path. As a fellow arts educator, sharing years of students with Ms. Newton, I have witnessed teenagers communicate sincere admiration and respect for this teacher, as well as excitement and commitment to be a part of her classes and productions. Her dedication to her work and students is palpable. She’s a beacon of confidence with unwavering enthusiasm and authenticity. She infuses every moment with infectious joy, reminding us that the stage is not just a platform for expression and artistry but a sanctuary for the soul. This teacher’s impact extends far beyond the spotlight, for she doesn’t just teach her students to act; she teaches them to live with passion, purpose, and unbridled joy.”

J.J. Moore | Choreographer | Movement Coordinator | Producer | Founder & A.D. of @jjdancearts

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“Mrs. Newton‘s teaching style goes above and beyond what can be taught in the classroom. Her love, dedication, and care for each student teaches them that it is not only important to learn the skills, but to treat everyone with respect and kindness. Mrs. Newton goes above and beyond to make every student feel welcome, comfortable and encouraged in everything they do. Whether it’s a dance routine, a drama class, or any other project she’s working on, Mrs. Newton gives 110% which then motivates her students to give everything to their project. Mrs. Newton’s positive attitude makes every atmosphere a joy to be in”.

Laura Neubrand | Glendale Arts Parent

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“Erin Newton was such a gift to witness through both her Level 1 & 2 Trauma Informed Movement and Presence Certification. Not only did she dive into the theories but ran with them, weaving them seamlessly into her own teachings. Her presence is nothing short of magical and healing. I can’t wait to see where these practices of mindfulness and compassion take her next.”

Maddi Rundle | Registered Psychotherapist | Movement and Mindfulness Instructor

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“Erin is an impassioned educator with vast amounts of energy, empathy and experience to share with her students. She fosters a safe, empowering space where emerging artists can explore and confidently develop their unique talents, passions and expressions. She is a teacher who continually breaks down barriers to create equitable opportunities. Erin’s immeasurable influence lights a spark of lasting creativity which is illuminated in the accolades of thousands of former students.”

Kelly McKinney | Former Student | H.W.D.S.B. Educator

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“Erin embodies an extremely rare combination of professional artist and educator in today’s creative environment. Her vast set of skills and experience as a performer, stage director and choreographer are focused solely upon those young, emerging artists whom she mentors passionately, without the need to draw attention to her own very obvious talents.”

David Speers | General and Artistic Director - Calgary Opera (1988-98) | Arizona Opera (1998-2004) | Opera Hamilton/Ontario (2004-2014)

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“Erin is a true artist in every sense of the word. Her commitment and passion for sharing her experience and skills is boundless. Young people who have the opportunity to work with her are affected positively for the rest of their lives. They truly become more creative and social citizens.”

Cydney London | Performer | Musician | Educator

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“Having worked with Erin as both a performer and choreographer, I have the utmost respect for her talent as both a gifted performer and a creative force. Erin brings creativity and insight to each project she works on. Her work on my production of Cabaret was stellar. She worked with both dancers and non-dancers alike to create a unified look that enhanced and moved the production forward. I look forward to the opportunity of working with her in partnership in the future when the opportunity presents itself.”

David Dayler | Theatre Director | Retired Educator with the H.W.D.S.B.

“Erin is pure sunshine. She brings the absolute best out in others with her encouragement and positive attitude. She is a pleasure to be around and to work with.”

Kerri Nowacki | Former Student | Employee

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“I am a former student of Erin’s, and I still get the pleasure of bumping into her here and there in the field, and seeing her now still brings the same cheer and happiness it did 20+ years ago. Erin is like a musical theatre snowball that has grown into an avalanche! As time rolls on she just gets bigger and better with her ideas, concepts and lessons. She takes students from all walks of life, and shows them how to work together, providing them with a safe space to be themselves, and life skills they’ll take with them wherever they go. She’s a perfect balance of discipline and compassion. In one moment she can teach you the importance of showing up on time, and being ready to go, while also being there to comfort her students when needed. Erin is the type of person who, whether you’ve met her once in a workshop, or known her forever, she leaves a positive, lasting impact on your life. Having Erin as a mentor was such a privilege and it truly makes me so happy watching her mold these next generations because I know they will come out of these lessons better people in the end, having had her guide them.”

Trisina Safi | Former Student

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“Mrs. Newton has had a really positive impact on myself and other students. Her teaching style is very motivational and encouraging. She has helped me with my confidence both on and off the stage. Mrs. Newton always brings great energy to every class.”

Kaitlyn Griffiths | Student

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“Mrs. Newton approaches teaching in a way that highly prioritizes every single student, their needs, and who they are. She makes every environment safe so that everyone can learn and experience whatever it is she is teaching through watching, listening, and doing it themselves. Learning with her is always a pleasure.”

Miranda Pilcher | Student

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“I have had the pleasure of knowing Erin Newton as both my teacher and my student. As a teacher Erin weaves a kind of magic that is equal parts HER unique creative expression, grounded tools, and group collaboration; all held is a trauma informed “safe space”. Erin is the kind of teacher you trust with your ideas; and who lifts you ever so gently in a way that reminds you that you are already flying. Erin is a forever student, always filling herself up on new modalities and philosophies; this keeps her own offerings exciting and cutting edge. I cannot wait to watch this new endeavor take form. Everything Erin touches is full of magic.”

Trish Masters | HealEvolveThrive | ERYT500 | Trauma Informed Yoga

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Ms. Erin's passion for teaching is contagious, creating an energetic and motivating learning environment for our students! If performance is your goal then Ms.Erin is your person!

Fran McKechnie | Director | Steps Performing Arts Centre Inc.

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"Erin's presence in my life during high school left a mark so profound, it’s the kind you mention in award acceptance speeches. She is both a force and a light in the creative world! In high school, I had the privilege of working with Erin on one of her favourite shows, Cabaret, amongst others. Through her passion and love for the musical, it quickly became one of my most cherished and treasured productions of all time. Leading such a complex and heavy show with high schoolers at the helm was no small feat, but Erin handled it with brilliance. As a visionary and gifted director, she is incredibly organized, thoughtful, and original. And as a teacher, you couldn’t ask for a more caring, warm, and cheerful individual to guide and nurture you. Erin inspires results not only because she is fiercely dedicated but because she is so naturally respected. Looking back, I have nothing but cherished memories of my time working with Erin. She inspired me to be a better performer and pushed me to new limits. I am immensely grateful for her presence in my life and proud of the connection we've maintained over the years. I could not be more thrilled for Erin and this new venture. I have no doubt she will continue to accomplish incredible things, and I look forward to cheering on every one of them!"

Carly Gordon | Performer | Choreographer | Artist