Project Results for Erasmus+ Youth Exchange: “Dance More Stress Less”
Babilon Travel NGOAt Asociația Babilon Travel (ABT), we are proud to have partnered in the Erasmus+ Youth Exchange project “Dance More Stress Less”, which beautifully aligned with our mission of promoting inclusion, intercultural dialogue, and active European citizenship through innovative tools like adaptive sports and arts. This project, funded by the European Union, held in Zagreb, Croatia, from 05.11. to 12.11.2024, brought together 58 young participants from Bulgaria, Croatia, Romania, and Poland to address stress and mental health challenges through the unifying power of dance.
The Role of Asociația Babilon Travel
As a Romanian partner organization, ABT contributed its expertise in fostering inclusion and intercultural learning by engaging young participants, including those with fewer opportunities, in dynamic activities. The project reflects our commitment to creating accessible and transformative experiences that encourage participants to embrace diversity and develop essential life skills.
Tangible Results
- Free Dance Workshops @ Zagreb
Throughout the project, a series of free dance workshops were held across Zagreb, offering local participants the chance to explore different dance styles, including bachata, hip-hop, K-pop, lady styling, and man styling. These workshops were led by talented instructors from each of the participating countries, making it a multicultural experience accessible to all generations.
You can see more info here: https://www.facebook.com/events/830215659038963/
- Photo Gallery
We’ve curated a photo gallery showcasing the energy, enthusiasm, and connections formed during the project. The images capture moments from the workshops, social interactions, and our concluding dance party, reflecting the spirit of unity and joy that “Dance More Stress Less” created.
You can find photo gallery here: https://www.facebook.com/share/1FASf4RVqY/
- Video Gallery
To bring the project’s dynamic atmosphere to life, we also created a video gallery that highlights key moments and the participants’ growth over the course of the week.
You can find video gallery here:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/18JTnl9MgTkaYITOCVqrR9BQMjAolSRXT?usp=drive_link
Intangible Results: Soft Skills Developed
Beyond the tangible outcomes, “Dance More Stress Less” was a platform for participants to build essential soft skills that will continue to benefit them personally and professionally:
- Stress Management
Participants learned techniques for managing stress through dance and developed strategies to cope with challenges in a healthy, productive way. This skill will help them handle various life pressures with more resilience.
- Teamwork and Collaboration
Working with peers from different countries taught participants the importance of teamwork and collaboration. Whether during dance routines or group discussions, they experienced the power of collective effort.
- Communication Skills
Dance became a universal language, bridging language barriers and encouraging open communication. Through verbal and non-verbal cues, participants improved their ability to express themselves clearly and understand others.
- Self-Confidence and Body Awareness
Learning dance, particularly Bachata, helped participants gain confidence and become more aware of their bodies. This self-assurance extends beyond the dance floor and into other areas of life.
- Intercultural Understanding
By engaging with peers from diverse backgrounds, participants deepened their appreciation for other cultures and fostered a sense of European unity.
- Emotional Intelligence
The program encouraged self-reflection and empathy, leading participants to understand their own emotions and those of others, an essential skill for building strong interpersonal relationships.
Hosted by Urbana mladež (Urban Youth) from Croatia, the project partners include:
Babilon Travel, Romania, Nacionalno dvizhenie obedinenie zarazvitie na sporta i sportna kultura Fuutura, Bulgaria, and Fundacja See Beyond, Poland.
Acknowledging Our Partners
We express our gratitude to Urbana mladež (Croatia), FOOTURA (Bulgaria), and Fundacja See Beyond (Poland) for their collaboration and dedication. Supported by Erasmus+, this project stands as a testament to the power of teamwork and the importance of intercultural exchange.
The ABT Perspective
At ABT, we believe in creating inclusive spaces where everyone, regardless of their background, can experience growth, connection, and joy. The “Dance More Stress Less” project embodies these values, offering a model for how adaptive sports, arts, and intercultural dialogue can bring people together, reduce stress, and promote mental well-being.
We look forward to continuing our work in empowering young people, especially those with fewer opportunities, to engage in life-changing experiences like this. Together, we can build a more inclusive and united future.
