Charitable foundation · Montreal
The Groove Foundation puts the power of dance to work for Montreal's communities — giving a place, a sense of pride and a future to those too often left on the sidelines.
Our mission
Dance breaks down barriers of language, origin and income.
The rigor of an award-winning school, devoted to the common good.
We move forward with local organizations, cities and people.
This isn't charity: we give people means and pride.
The founder
Sandra Campanelli is the founder and director of Latin Groove, one of Montreal's largest Latin dance schools. Founded in 1999, it has grown into a true institution — over 120 classes a week across two studios, in Montreal and Brossard, where thousands of dancers have become, over the years, one big family. Salsa, bachata, cha-cha-cha, kizomba, belly dance and Latin fitness are all taught there.
“Dance gave me everything. The Foundation is how I give it back.”
Born in Montreal to an Italian father and a Chilean mother, both artists and musicians, Sandra grew up surrounded by music and began dancing at the age of eight. A dedicated performer, she refined her craft in New York under salsa legends such as Sonny Allen and Eddie Torres. A singer and recording artist, she also led her own band and released the album Sinceramente Sandra and the single Mamasita, which reached #8 on the Canadian dance/remix charts.
For more than twenty-five years she has carried the same belief: dance brings joy, connects people and builds confidence. That mission — making dance accessible to everyone — is what led her to create the Groove Foundation, carrying this energy beyond the studio, to the communities that need it most.
Our programs
Scholarships and free classes for low-income children and teens. School workshops that fight dropout through self-expression and belonging.
Dance as movement, joy and connection. Adapted workshops in hospitals and for isolated seniors, plus benefit events for health causes.
Large gatherings that celebrate diversity, and partnerships with Greater Montreal cities to bring dance to parks, cultural centres and neighbourhood festivals.
Our impact
Long before it was incorporated, the spirit of the Groove Foundation was already alive through the actions of the Latin Groove school.
2018At Club Soda, before 300–400 guests: a free dance class for all 300 participants plus four six-week course packages, in support of children in need. A contribution recognized with Gold sponsor status.
2019At the 14th edition of the festival (1,000+ paddlers, over $425,000 raised), four six-class packages awarded to the top-fundraising team, supporting cancer patients and their families.
2023A free salsa class led at the March 11, 2023 event, in support of the Canadian Cancer Society and honouring cancer survivors.
Testimonials
“My daughter never dared to dance. Today she shines. The Foundation opened a door we could never have opened on our own.”
“During my son's treatment, that dance class was our only hour of pure happiness all week.”
“Seeing 300 people rise for a cause, carried by dance — that night, we understood the power of this project.”
Sample testimonials. To be replaced with the real messages received (postcards, emails).
Take action
Every contribution funds scholarships, free classes and moments of joy for those who need them most.
DonateBecome a volunteerSecure donation platform to be integrated. Tax receipts subject to registered-charity status.
