ABOUT US
Founded in 2018 by Alea “Didi” de Castro and Arnaldo “Effect” Betancourt Silva, Moov is an Ottawa-based performing arts company rooted in Street & Club Dance and Hip Hop culture.
What started with a goal to bring more Street Dance to Ottawa has grown into weekly classes, battles, workshops, community programming and professional performances across Ottawa, Canada and internationally.
Moov works with people at every stage - from those taking their first dance class to experienced dancers and professional artists looking to train, teach, battle, perform and work within the industry. Whether we're teaching, performing or creating events, the history, foundations, music and culture of Street & Club Dance remain part of how we work.
At its core, Moov creates more ways for people to learn, experience and participate in Street & Club Dance - in the classroom, in the community and on stage.
We are not a dance studio.
OUR MANDATE
Moov creates opportunities for people to learn, experience and participate in Street & Club Dance.
Through classes, workshops, performances, battles and community programming, we support both new and experienced dancers while staying connected to the history, culture and foundations of the dances we practice.
OUR CORE VALUES
Culture & History
We respect where these dances come from. History, music, culture and foundational movement are part of how we teach and share Street & Club Dance. As an organization led by Black, Brown and racialized artists, we make a conscious effort to highlight the communities and voices that created and shaped these dances.
Quality Training
We offer programs for absolute beginners while creating spaces for experienced dancers to train, gain knowledge, showcase, be challenged and continue developing their craft. In short.. we offer dope stuff for our community, regardless of their level!
Accessibility
We recognize that barriers to dance exist. Within our capacity, we work to reduce them through free and lower-cost programming, wheelchair and stroller-accessible spaces when available, bilingual programming and parent-friendly events. We prioritize creating opportunities for communities that have historically faced barriers, including Black and Brown communities, low-income youth, and queer and trans people.
Community
Street & Club Dances are social by nature. We create safe(r) spaces for people to dance, connect, exchange and be part of the culture beyond the classroom.. Think dance battles, parties, dance classes and celebrations.
Collaboration
We work with dancers, DJs, artists, schools, organizations and community partners to create programming that we couldn't build alone. By bringing together different skills, experiences and ideas, we create spaces that are stronger because they're built together.
WHAT WE DO
Moov works across different industries and community programming, including:
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Weekly classes for kids and adults
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Dance workshops and training
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Battles and community events
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Professional performances
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School and youth programming
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Community and corporate programming
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Professional opportunities for dancers
Our work ranges from absolute beginner classes to professional performances and projects.
WHY MOOV EXISTS
Moov started with a simple goal: to bring more Street Dance to Ottawa.
Today, that goes beyond classes. We create opportunities for people to dance, train, battle, perform, work and experience Street & Club Dance throughout the city and beyond.