Our Story
Movement for wellbeing and connection
We believe that meaningful change begins with connection.
Embody & Connect CIC was created from a simple but powerful belief: that movement can help people feel more connected to themselves, to others, and to their communities.
At a time when many children, young people, and adults are experiencing increasing levels of stress, anxiety, isolation, and disconnection, we wanted to create safe, inclusive, and creative spaces where people can move, express themselves, build confidence, and experience a sense of belonging.
Drawing on creative practice, trauma-informed approaches, and Dance Movement Psychotherapy principles, our work recognises that wellbeing is not only something we talk about—it is something we experience through our bodies, our relationships, and our connection with the world around us.
Our team brings experience from a range of sectors, including education, the NHS, the charity sector, and arts organisations. Through these experiences, we have seen the positive impact that creative, movement-based approaches can have on wellbeing, confidence, emotional resilience, and community connection.
We deliver movement-based wellbeing programmes, creative workshops, school projects, community initiatives, and family-focused activities that support emotional wellbeing, resilience, self-expression, and connection.
Our work is informed by an understanding of the challenges facing children, young people, families, and communities today, as well as a commitment to creating accessible opportunities that support inclusion, participation, and belonging.
Our vision is a future where everyone has access to opportunities that support wellbeing, creativity, belonging, and community.
Whether we're working with children in schools, supporting young people through community projects, collaborating with charities and community organisations, or creating opportunities for adults to reconnect through movement, our mission remains the same:
To use movement as a tool for wellbeing and connection.
As we grow, we hope to build partnerships, strengthen communities, and create opportunities for people of all ages to move, express, connect, and thrive.
Welcome to Embody & Connect CIC.
We're glad you're here.
Our Directors
Cara Louise Horsley
Hello, my name is Cara Louise Horsley.I am the Founder and Director of Embody & Connect CIC.
As a Dance Movement Psychotherapist, educator and creative wellbeing practitioner, I have spent my career supporting people of all ages and backgrounds across NHS, therapeutic, educational, community and arts settings.
I also run Dance Stables, a creative dance community that provides inclusive opportunities for children, young people and adults to connect, express themselves and develop through dance.
I founded Embody & Connect from a deep belief in the power of movement, creativity and human connection to enhance wellbeing, strengthen communities and create positive change.
My vision is to create inclusive and accessible opportunities that empower people to connect with themselves and others, build resilience and experience a greater sense of belonging and wellbeing.
Samina Beckford
Hello, my name is Samina Beckford. I am a Director of Embody and Connect CIC.
I’m a project manager, company director and strategic leader with over 15 years’ experience across the arts, education and charity sectors. I’ve led grant-funded programmes that create opportunities for children, young people and communities through creativity, collaboration and meaningful partnerships.
I’ve worked with organisations including United By 2022, Birmingham Repertory Theatre and Warwick Arts Centre, with a strong focus on participation, connection and widening access. As Co-Director of ViDERE Aquariums, I combine strategic leadership with my passion for nature.
I bring to Embody & Connect a commitment to inclusive leadership, strong governance and creating opportunities that enable young people to thrive.
Agata Olszewska
Hello, my name is Agata Olszewska. I am a Director of Embody and Connect CIC.
I’m a dance professional with experience across performance, education, production and project leadership. I’m passionate about bringing creative ideas to life and creating meaningful opportunities for communities.
I’ve worked with organisations including Avant Garde and Sadler’s Wells Theatre, as well as leading grant-funded projects for Rhythmflow Dance.
I’m currently Associate Producer & Tour Booker for Jasmin Vardimon Company, supporting stage productions and national and international tours, while also teaching young dancers at Dance Stables.
I bring warmth, creativity and experience to Embody & Connect, with a strong commitment to helping children and young people thrive through dance, creativity and connection.
