Empowering At-Risk Youth Through Dance: A Unique Opportunity for Dance Studios to Engage in Erasmus+

Dance is more than just movement—it is a powerful tool for social change, personal growth, and emotional healing. This is especially true when working with at-risk youth, who often face challenges that limit their opportunities for self-expression, confidence-building, and social inclusion. Dance studios have a unique chance to contribute to this field by participating in the "Contemporary Challenges of Working with At-Risk Youth" Conference, taking place from June 5-8, 2025, in Radenci, Slovenia. This event, supported by the Erasmus+ programme, covers all costs, including travel, accommodation, and food, making it an accessible and valuable learning experience for dance professionals.

Why Should Dance Studios Get Involved?

While this international conference is aimed at professionals working with at-risk youth, dance educators and studio owners have much to gain from attending. Many dance schools already use movement as a form of social inclusion and emotional support, particularly for young people facing personal hardships. This conference provides:

• In-depth insights into working with at-risk youth, helping dance teachers tailor their classes to be more inclusive and impactful.
• Networking opportunities with youth organizations, allowing dance studios to form Erasmus+ partnerships and create funded projects that use dance for social good.
• Exposure to innovative approaches, including the use of arts and sports in youth development, which can be directly applied to dance programs.
• A chance to learn from experts in social work, psychology, and education, helping dance instructors better support their students’ mental and emotional well-being.

Dance as a Tool for Social Inclusion

Many at-risk youth struggle with verbal communication, emotional expression, and self-confidence. Dance offers a non-verbal way for young people to express their emotions, build self-esteem, and connect with others. By participating in this conference, dance studios can learn how to integrate these principles into their programs, ensuring that dance remains a valuable and inclusive tool for youth development.

How Dance Studios Can Benefit from Erasmus+

The Erasmus+ programme provides funding for international training, partnerships, and mobility projects, and dance studios can register as organizations to take advantage of these opportunities. By attending this conference, dance educators will:

• Gain firsthand experience with Erasmus+ initiatives and learn how to apply for future projects.
• Connect with organizations looking for new project partners, opening doors for collaborations that bring Erasmus+ funding directly to dance programs.
• Learn how to create impactful dance-based projects that support at-risk youth, positioning dance as a vital tool for social change.