Charitable foundation · Montreal
To include, uplift and unite through dance.
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
Making dance a right, not a privilege.
Inclusion
Dance breaks down barriers of language, origin and income.
Excellence
The rigor of an award-winning school, devoted to the common good.
Community
We move forward with local organizations, cities and people.
Dignity
This isn't charity: we give people means and pride.
The founder
Sandra Campanelli
Born in Montreal to an Italian father and a Chilean mother, Sandra Campanelli grew up immersed in the arts. Founder of the Latin Groove dance school, she made her name as a dancer, choreographer and singer, and trained in New York under legends such as Sonny Allen and Eddie Torres.
“Dance gave me everything. The Foundation is how I give it back.”
In music, she released the album Sinceramente Sandra and the single Mamasita, which reached #8 on the Canadian remix chart. Her songs also appear in the soundtracks of international films such as Taking Lives (with Angelina Jolie) and The Last Kiss. Since 1999, her school has become a landmark of the Montreal scene.
Our programs
Three ways we change lives
Groove Youth
Scholarships and free classes for low-income children and teens. School workshops that fight dropout through self-expression and belonging.
Groove Wellness
Dance as movement, joy and connection. Adapted workshops in hospitals and for isolated seniors, plus benefit events for health causes.
Groove Community
Large gatherings that celebrate diversity, and partnerships with Greater Montreal cities to bring dance to parks, cultural centres and neighbourhood festivals.
Our impact
We don't just promise. We've already done it.
Long before it was incorporated, the spirit of the Groove Foundation was already alive through the actions of the Latin Groove school.
McGill Talent Show — La Petite Maison des Enfants Soleil
At 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.
Cedars CanSupport — Dragon Boat Race & Festival
At 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.
Relay for Life — Concordia University
A free salsa class led at the March 11, 2023 event, in support of the Canadian Cancer Society and honouring cancer survivors.
Montreal Children's Hospital — pediatric oncology
Twenty class passes donated for every gift of $25 or more, supporting pediatric oncology research (MUHC).
Testimonials
Voices from the community
“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
Your gift makes a future dance.
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.
Contact
Let's talk about what we can build.
Donations, partnerships, volunteering, invitations: write to us — we reply to every message.