Urbana mladež is thrilled to share the impactful results of our Erasmus+ Youth Exchange project, “Dance More Stress Less.” This unique initiative united 58 young participants from Bulgaria, Croatia, Romania, and Poland in Zagreb, Croatia, for a transformative journey of learning, and cultural exchange to tackle stress and mental health challenges through dance. Funded by the European Union under the Erasmus+ KA1 program, this project not only brought young people together but also created a supportive space where they could develop vital skills and alleviate stress through dance.
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.
This youth exchange took place in Zagreb, Croatia, from 05.11. to 12.11.2024.
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.
The “Dance More Stress Less” project has been a success in fostering personal growth, community connection, and stress relief through the joy of dance. Urbana mladež is proud to have hosted this project and looks forward to seeing the positive impact it will continue to have on our participants and community.