In July 2024, the Erasmus+ project “Dance for Green Futures: A Cultural and Environmental Initiative” gathered youth workers from various countries in Golden Sands, Varna, Bulgaria. The training was unique in its approach. It did not simply discuss climate issues or cultural exchange—it used dance as a language for action. Through movement, storytelling, and shared experience, the program explored how creative arts can support youth work and environmental awareness. It gave participants practical tools to engage young people, promote sustainable thinking, and build leadership through physical and emotional connection. The initiative combined traditional and modern dance, environmental education, and intercultural understanding, creating a rich space for learning and action.
In Bulgaria, the question of sustainability has been gaining importance over the past years. Like many other countries, it faces growing environmental challenges. Plastic pollution remains a concern, especially in coastal and rural areas. While urban centers are slowly adapting greener practices, many small communities still lack structured programs to teach environmental values in creative ways. There is a gap between what is taught in formal education and what is experienced in daily life. Often, environmental campaigns do not feel personal enough for young people to connect to. Many youth lose interest because the messages feel distant or abstract. This was the situation for the youth worker from Alternativi International before joining the project. Working with young people in schools and informal groups, they saw the need for a new way to inspire interest in sustainability—something active, relatable, and emotional.
The experience in Golden Sands was a turning point. From the first day, it was clear that this training was not like others. Instead of sitting in long lectures, participants were invited to move, feel, and collaborate. Sessions involved learning various dance forms like salsa and traditional European dances, but also included deep discussions about climate change, leadership, and how to engage communities. One of the most powerful sessions asked participants to create a dance piece that told the story of an environmental issue in their country. Seeing others perform their interpretations opened up new emotions and sparked many ideas. Through dance, problems such as water pollution, deforestation, and urban waste were transformed into living stories. The group also had the chance to meet local Bulgarian youth and artists who were involved in community-based sustainability projects. They saw how dance could be used in public spaces to start conversations about nature, waste, and responsibility. The mix of cultural exchange and practical learning made the training feel alive and full of energy.
Returning to Bulgaria after the project, the youth worker felt a strong responsibility to continue the momentum. Inspired by the training, they developed a new initiative called “EcoSteps,” a local project that aimed to bring environmental education through dance into schools and youth centers. The idea was simple but meaningful: help students understand local environmental challenges by creating their own dance performances. The project was launched in the autumn of 2024 in three small towns near Blagoevgrad. Each workshop lasted a few days and started with discussions about environmental topics relevant to the local area. Then, with the help of dance instructors and educators, young people worked in groups to create short performances based on what they had learned and felt. These were later shared during community events, sometimes outdoors, sometimes in local cultural halls.
The response was stronger than expected. Many young participants felt more involved in environmental issues than ever before. Some said it was the first time they had thought deeply about pollution in their own village or how they personally could make a difference. Teachers and parents were also surprised by how expressive and motivated the youth became during the process. The dance made the problems feel more real and the solutions more achievable. Local media and even regional schools took interest, and soon the project received support to continue in more areas. What started as a small experiment became a larger program, connecting educators, artists, and young people around a common goal. The work of Alternativi International began to be recognized for its innovative method, and other NGOs asked to join or replicate the concept in their own regions.
The impact of “EcoSteps” continues to grow. Young people in rural and urban parts of Bulgaria are becoming more aware of their connection to nature and more active in community projects. Dance, once seen only as entertainment, has found a new role in education and advocacy. It creates safe spaces for young people to share their voices, connect emotionally, and feel part of a wider movement. More than just learning facts, they are learning empathy, teamwork, and responsibility. The partnership between Alternativi International and local schools is now exploring how to make this method part of regular extracurricular programs, so that even more youth can take part.
Looking ahead, this experience shows the great potential of combining art with action. Youth are not just the future—they are the present, and they are ready to lead change when they are given meaningful tools. Dance has proven to be one of those tools. It crosses language barriers, creates emotional connection, and invites movement—not only of the body but also of the mind. The Erasmus+ project “Dance for Green Futures” was not just a training. It was a starting point for a new way of thinking about education, community, and sustainability. Through the ongoing efforts of Alternativi International and the energy of Bulgarian youth, the rhythm of change continues to grow stronger.