In August 2023, an international group of youth workers came together in Golden Sands, Bulgaria, to take part in the Erasmus+ project “Dance for Inclusion – Empowering Youth through Movement.” The training course focused on using dance as a creative and inclusive tool to promote personal development and social inclusion. The idea behind the project was simple but powerful: when words are not enough, movement can help young people express themselves, understand each other, and connect across cultures. For youth workers from many countries, including Romania, this training opened a new door into how creative tools like dance can support their local work with young people.
In Romania, and especially in May 2023, many youth workers noticed rising concerns around exclusion and social isolation among young people. In small towns and even in some urban areas, young people from disadvantaged backgrounds, including Roma communities, migrants, and rural youth, were often left out of public programs and educational activities. Discrimination and stereotypes were common, and many young people lacked spaces where they felt safe and accepted. The situation was even more difficult for girls and young women in some communities, where traditional gender roles limited their self-expression and freedom. Youth with disabilities or different learning styles also faced many barriers. The team from Asociatia Tomorrow Hub had been trying to create more inclusive spaces, but it was hard to reach those who had lost trust in social institutions or who simply didn’t feel that they belonged.
The training course in Bulgaria offered something very different. From the very first day, participants were invited to move, to share, and to express themselves without judgment. There were no long lectures or formal lessons—instead, there was rhythm, connection, and mutual respect. For the Romanian participant, it was surprising how quickly the group felt like a community. Everyone danced together, even those who had never danced before. The message was clear: inclusion starts when people feel safe to be themselves.
One of the most emotional sessions focused on using dance to explore mental health and social pressure. Through guided movement, participants shared stories of anxiety, fear, and hope—without using any words. The experience showed how powerful the body can be as a tool of communication. For the Romanian participant, this was a moment of change. They realized that many young people in their town feel things deeply but do not have the tools to express them. Dance could become that tool.
Another eye-opening part of the training was the cultural exchange. Participants from different countries brought traditional dances from their regions, and everyone learned together. This sharing of traditions was not just about music and steps. It became a way to respect each other’s identities and histories. For the participant from Romania, it was also a reminder of how rich Romanian folk dance is, and how it can be used to bring people together across generations and cultures.
After returning home, the participant from Asociatia Tomorrow Hub decided to launch a pilot project in their local community. Inspired by the training, they created a weekly dance and movement workshop for young people aged 14–20, with a focus on inclusion and emotional expression. The project was called “Feel&Flow”. It welcomed all young people, especially those who were feeling excluded, misunderstood, or unsure of themselves. Each session had a simple structure: an open circle for check-in, followed by guided dance and movement, and ending with group reflection.
The workshops used techniques learned during the Erasmus+ training, including storytelling through movement, improvisation, and group choreography. One special session invited participants to express how they see themselves and how they want to be seen by others—using only dance. Another focused on building trust through partner exercises. The project also included some traditional Romanian dances, which helped connect young people to their culture and created a sense of pride.
The results were visible very quickly. Some of the young people who joined Feel&Flow had never participated in any group activity before. Over time, they started to open up. They became more confident, more expressive, and more connected with others. Teachers and parents noticed changes too. A boy who had always been shy began to take leadership during the sessions. A girl who had been bullied at school said that Feel&Flow was the only place where she felt respected. The dance sessions created a space of equality—where no one was better or worse, and everyone had something to offer.
The success of the project also had an impact beyond the group itself. Other youth workers and educators in the town began to show interest in using movement-based methods. The team from Tomorrow Hub shared their experience in a local forum and published a simple toolkit with exercises they had used. This helped spread the idea to schools, community centers, and even a local theater group. In December 2023, the group was invited to perform a short piece at a town event for Human Rights Day. The performance was not just a dance—it was a message about the right to be seen, heard, and included.
The story of Feel&Flow is a clear example of how international training can bring real change to local communities. What began as a one-week project in Bulgaria grew into something alive in Romania. The Erasmus+ experience gave the youth worker not only new tools but also the confidence to try something bold and creative. It also gave them a network of international contacts and inspiration that continues to support their work.
Looking to the future, the team from Asociatia Tomorrow Hub believes more than ever in the power of youth and the importance of inclusion. Young people today face many challenges—social pressure, discrimination, loneliness—but they also have amazing strength and creativity. When given the chance, they can create their own solutions. Dance, movement, and the arts can be powerful tools to help young people explore who they are and how they relate to others.
The experience in Bulgaria showed that change doesn’t always start with big plans or complex strategies. Sometimes, it starts with a single step, a shared rhythm, or a safe space to move. For youth workers across Romania and beyond, projects like Dance for Inclusion are a reminder that small actions, guided by empathy and creativity, can lead to big transformations. The dream now is to continue building spaces where every young person can find their place, their voice, and their movement.