In August 2023, a group of passionate youth workers from across Europe came together in Barcelos, Portugal, for the Erasmus+ project titled “Dance for Inclusion – Empowering Youth through Movement.” This international training course was more than just a learning experience—it was a space where young leaders from different backgrounds connected through the universal language of dance. The project focused on how movement, art, and creativity can be used to break social barriers, create inclusive environments, and empower young people to become active participants in their communities. The training stood out because it mixed theory with practice and allowed participants to discover new methods of inclusion through physical expression.
For the Bulgarian participant representing the NGO International Connection, the project held special meaning. Coming from a country where marginalized youth still face significant challenges in education, employment, and community participation, the idea of using dance as a tool for inclusion was both exciting and unexpected. The category of the project—Inclusion & Diversity—was not just a theme, but a daily reality for many young people in Bulgaria.
In May 2023, Bulgarian youth workers were facing several pressing social issues. Many young people from minority backgrounds, especially Roma youth and young people with disabilities, remained excluded from mainstream social activities. Access to inclusive education and public cultural spaces was limited, especially in smaller towns. In rural areas, youth lacked access to artistic programs that encouraged creativity and community engagement. There was also a strong sense of disconnection between different ethnic and social groups. Stereotypes were deeply rooted, and social initiatives aimed at inclusion were often poorly funded or not sustained over time. These barriers led to isolation, low self-confidence, and fewer opportunities for self-expression among the affected youth.
Arriving in Barcelos, the Bulgarian participant quickly noticed the energy and openness of the local community. The town was filled with public art, green spaces, and community-led events. But what stood out most were the local youth initiatives that used dance and physical expression to connect people. One local group, for example, had started weekly dance workshops that brought together people of different ages and cultural backgrounds in shared spaces. There was no need for perfect rhythm or professional skill—what mattered was movement, emotion, and presence.
The training course itself was filled with practical sessions that focused on different dance styles, group facilitation techniques, and inclusive methodologies. One particularly eye-opening moment came during a session on non-verbal communication. Participants realized how powerful movement could be in expressing emotions that were difficult to say in words—especially for youth who had experienced trauma or discrimination. These moments reminded everyone that inclusion does not always require advanced tools or large-scale policies. Sometimes, a safe space and a shared rhythm can open up entire worlds.
During the exchange, the group also learned about best practices from other countries. A team from the Netherlands shared how they organized “movement festivals” in urban areas to promote mental health and cultural inclusion. Another group from Italy presented a project where young refugees used contemporary dance to tell their personal stories. These stories helped to shift public perception and gave the youth a sense of visibility and dignity. All of these examples expanded the Bulgarian participant’s understanding of how art and activism could work hand in hand.
Returning to Bulgaria, the youth worker felt inspired and motivated to take action. Together with their NGO International Connection, they developed a pilot program called Move Together. The program focused on offering free weekly dance workshops in Plovdiv and nearby rural communities. The workshops welcomed youth of all backgrounds, including Roma teenagers, children with disabilities, and LGBTQ+ youth who often felt excluded from other social spaces. Instead of focusing on dance performance, the workshops encouraged expression, cooperation, and trust-building. They were led by volunteers trained in inclusive facilitation methods, many of whom had participated in Erasmus+ projects before.
The connection to the training in Portugal was clear. Many of the exercises and approaches used in the Move Together program came directly from the sessions in Barcelos. For example, one of the most appreciated activities was a “mirror movement” exercise where pairs of young people had to silently follow each other’s movements, promoting empathy, focus, and collaboration.
The program had a noticeable impact. In less than three months, over 60 young people joined the sessions, and local schools began inviting the team to lead short workshops during cultural days. Parents reported increased confidence and happiness in their children. One participant, a 15-year-old Roma girl, said it was the first time she felt truly included in a group activity outside her school. The workshops also created stronger connections between youth from different neighborhoods, leading to small but meaningful changes in attitudes and behavior.
Besides the direct impact on youth, the program also influenced local policy conversations. The Plovdiv Municipality invited International Connection to present their work at a forum on youth inclusion, and the city’s cultural department agreed to support the project with free venue access for the next season. Slowly but surely, what started as an idea in a training room in Portugal began to grow into a recognized movement back home.
Looking ahead, this experience has strengthened the belief that youth have the power to shape more inclusive and creative societies. It also showed that change can start from something as simple as a shared movement or a moment of connection. The Erasmus+ project reminded everyone that international cooperation is not just about travel or language exchange—it is about building bridges, learning from each other, and returning home with the courage to act.
The Bulgarian youth worker now sees a long-term vision where dance and other forms of physical expression become regular parts of inclusive education. They hope that in the future, more schools, municipalities, and NGOs will work together to create programs that allow every young person to be seen, heard, and valued—regardless of their background or abilities. The journey from exclusion to inclusion is not easy, but with creativity, courage, and care, it becomes possible. And sometimes, it all begins with a single step on the dance floor.