OUr Mission
Our Mission: What We Do
CDS Movement Collective is a non-profit organization dedicated to finding and creating opportunities for arts to be a vehicle of cultural understanding, health and socioeconomic development.
Mandate: How We Do It
- provide project management and project coordination services to artists, arts organizations and social-focused organizations running arts-based programs
- create and support development opportunities for emerging and professional artists
- produce and administrate interdisciplinary projects that foster artistic exchange and/or advance development initiatives
Vision: Why We Do It
For a world in which the arts are respected as a source of wellness, a catalyst for personal and social development, a noble life path and invaluable to the human experience.
A short history
We've Been Evolving Since 2009
In 2009, CDS Movement began as a one-woman enterprise focused on community dance classes and event entertainment. Through the years of connecting through arts and travel, the organization evolved into a hub for a dynamic network of artists dedicated to creating original and inspiring works with impact.
As a result, the name officially changed to CDS Movement Collective, and the organization registered as a nonprofit in 2019.
What does CDS stand for?
CDS stands for 'Collaborative Design Space' - a place where a vibrant mix of movers, makers and thinkers come together to share their passion for creativity and explore new artistic frontiers, with the aim of inspiring, challenging and moving audiences.
CDS Movement Collective has collaborated on activities in North America, Africa, Europe and the Caribbean.
Watch the video to hear our founder's story about the evolution of the organization. (COMING SOON)
Our Team
Samara Dos Santos
Founder / Lead Artist & Innovator
Samara is a multidisciplinary artist with a foundation in movement.
Holding an M.A. in Development Economics, Samara focuses her artistic work on social + socioeconomic themes and outcomes.
Her movement studies have included Contemporary & Modern Dance (Release, Horton, Limon and Dunham Technique), Oriental Dance, Russian Romany Dance, Afro-Caribbean dance and Somatic Movement methodologies (Franklin, Alexander and Feldenkrais techniques), in addition to variety of world folk dances. She has been recognized by the Canada Council as a Cultural Connector, and has been funded by both the Ontario Arts Council and the Canada Council to undertake choreography projects in Canada and abroad.
As a teacher, her course offerings have included: Holistic Bellydance, Afro-Caribbean Dance, Dance Improvisation, Movement Meditation, Supple & Strong: Hip and Pelvic Floor Training and SocaFit.
Our collaborators
Roots of Light
Aiding Dramatic Change in Development
Ombetja Yehinga Organisation
Ombetja Yehinga Organisation
Aiding Dramatic Change in Development
Ombetja Yehinga Organisation
Aiding Dramatic Change in Development
Aiding Dramatic Change in Development
Aiding Dramatic Change in Development
Canada
Participatory arts practices to foster innovation and development
Jonny Riddim
Aiding Dramatic Change in Development
Aiding Dramatic Change in Development
Thailand/Canada
Independent Producer of music and moods