From the 10th till the 16th of October, our volunteers alongside young people from the Netherlands, France and Turkey took part in an International Youth Exchange program in Kastoria, Greece.
The aim of the project was to approach young people with dancing and build a community over time.
In the following lines, you can explore the experiences that our volunteers gained through their participation.
Olympia:
For me, “Dancers4Communities” was the right thing at the right time. I met many dancers that were so different from me, because of our different styles and backgrounds. I also met people who were not dancers, but were dancers in their heart. What all these people had in common, was the passion about just moving their body and this was the first time I experienced something like this. I felt that we managed to create a safe space for everyone to express. An opportunity to show a part of ourselves we don’t communicate in our everyday lives.
This week helped me redefine what dancing is. For me it has always been about interpreting the music I listen to in the best way possible and that was my way to express. Even though this is still true, I rediscovered the purpose of dancing, which is first of all, having fun. I learned this through all of the people in the programme and each of them gave me a different approach to the same result every time. I kept something from every one of them and I already see how all this new information is helping me in my life. It was also one of the few times in my life I felt that I could reach out and form human connections in such a short period of time.
Lastly, we couldn’t have asked for a better accomodation in Kastoria, with such a breathtaking view. To wake up every day and dance in this environment was perfect to boost our creativity and create an atmosphere of calmness and unity. It was like time had stopped for a week, lost in the mountains.
Giannis:
Although this wasn’t my first Erasmus+ experience, I was quite nervous at the beginning because this program involved dancing which is something I am not really good at. However I am really glad that I participated because I feel that I changed a lot during this week in Kastoria.
The dancers from the Netherlands, France and Turkey were brilliant people who taught us different dances in such a short period. Some participants were also talented dancers and this gave me the motivation to be more comfortable with myself and to improve my dancing skills.
The fact that we also had to plan a choreography and to perform in front of a crowd was also really challenging for me but it was a really funny and unique experience and it was totally worth it!
Ioanna:
I participated in a project with GYM in Greece, where I developed a lot of new skills and got knowledge on the topic of dancing (tango, salsa, hip hop, break dancing etc.) I got to know new people from all over the world that I will always cherish and remember.
Our goal was to have fun but also perform a choreography that we made in front of a crowd.
We succeeded and performed in Thessaloniki while people were watching or some of them even joining us.
Participating in a project with GYM was one of the best decisions I made, because I now have memories to cherish for ever.
Fae:
My first erasmus experience was with Greek Youth Mobility in Kastoria. I was very excited that I got to participate in this project but also a bit anxious at first. But the moment I stepped at the venue I realised that it was going to be one of the best moments in my life!
There I got the chance to meet all these awesome people and spend time with them. I also learned a lot of things regarding foreign cultures and traditions. This project also gave me the opportunity for some inner research and reflection. I realised a lot about myself such as how to be cooperative with people of different backround and etc.
I would like to say a big THANK YOU to GYM for this amazing project and also giving me the chance to be part of it! I am looking forward to the next adventure with Greek Youth Mobility!
Greek Youth Mobility 
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