Who we are
Marie Steffen is a lifelong dance educator with a career spanning over four decades. Originally from England, she taught in NewYork before moving to Newfoundland 34 years ago. She has since become a vital presence in the province’s dance community.
She is a graduate of the prestigious London College of Dance (UK) Full Time Professional Program and Owner and Co-Director of Steffen Dance.
Throughout her career, Marie has taught thousands of students—many of whom have gone on to professional careers in dance and the performing arts. Countless others have found a lifelong love of movement and creativity under her guidance.
Marie continues to attend national and international training events to stay at the forefront of dance education and evolving industry trends. She has also served on several arts boards, including Arts NL, further contributing to the broader arts community in Newfoundland and Labrador.
In addition to teaching, Marie is an accomplished choreographer. Her work has been featured in many of St. John’s most prominent productions, including The Little Mermaid (Theatre St. John’s), Sister Act, Billy Elliot, and 9 to 5 (Atlantic Light Productions), Cabaret, Cats, Chicago, and numerous Divas Do Christmas shows (TaDa!), as well as Phantom of the Opera (Opera on the Avalon).
Martin Vallée is an award-winning, professionally trained dance artist, Ballet Master, and Choreographer with a profound influence on the dance community of Newfoundland and Labrador. As Artistic Director of Kittiwake Dance Theatre (2007–2023), he shaped the company’s artistic vision and left a lasting legacy.
Trained at L’École Supérieure de Danse du Québec and the Alberta Ballet School, Martin performed as a soloist across North America and Europe with renowned companies such as Alberta Ballet, Ottawa Ballet, and Les Sortilèges. His choreographic repertoire for Kittiwake includes full-length productions like Narnia, Peter Pan in the Park, Alice, The Nutcracker, and original works such as Soundscape, Alone Together and After the Dust Settles.
In recognition of his artistic excellence, Martin was named BMO-ArtsNL Artist of the Year (2018). A passionate advocate for dance, he played a role in the founding of DanceNL, earning an honorary lifetime membership for his dedication to the art form.
Now working as a performer, artistic advisor, and educator, Martin continues to share his expertise with dancers in Newfoundland and Labrador and internationally, shaping the next generation of dance professionals.
Contact us
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