DANCE MORE, STRESS LESS 2.0: Building Resilience through Bachata

Erasmus+ Youth Exchange in Zagreb | June 17 – 24, 2026

Urbana mladež is proud to host the international Erasmus+ Youth Exchange “Dance More, Stress Less 2.0: Building Resilience through Bachata”, taking place from June 17 to June 24, 2026, in Zagreb, Croatia.

The project will gather more than 60 young people from Croatia, Serbia, and Bulgaria, with a special focus on young people with fewer opportunities, creating an inclusive international environment where participants can develop emotional resilience, social-emotional skills, and psychological wellbeing through dance, intercultural learning, and non-formal education.

The project is funded by the European Union through the Erasmus+ KA1 Youth Exchange programme.

Why “Dance More, Stress Less”?

Young people today face increasing challenges such as stress, school pressure, social anxiety, digital overload, and feelings of isolation. “Dance More, Stress Less 2.0” was created as a structured educational and wellbeing-focused Erasmus+ project designed to help participants strengthen their emotional resilience, improve stress-management skills, and reconnect with themselves and others in a safe and supportive environment.

The project combines dance, non-formal education, Social-Emotional Learning (SEL), and intercultural exchange to support participants in developing healthier coping mechanisms, stronger communication skills, and greater self-confidence.

Alongside dance activities, a significant part of the programme is dedicated to practical stress-management workshops where participants will explore different techniques and methods for dealing with stress, emotional pressure, anxiety, and everyday challenges. Through interactive sessions, reflection activities, teamwork, and wellbeing-focused exercises, young people will gain tools they can continue using in their daily lives long after the exchange ends.

Through social dance — especially Bachata — participants will have the opportunity to:

  • learn how to dance with no previous experience required,

  • improve communication and teamwork skills,

  • strengthen emotional resilience and self-confidence,

  • develop “social superpowers” by stepping outside their comfort zones,

  • build trust and feel more comfortable in social situations,

  • learn practical stress-management techniques and healthy coping strategies,

  • meet people from different countries and cultures,

  • reduce stress through movement, connection, and creative expression,

  • explore Erasmus+ opportunities and future mobility possibilities.

Building Psychological Safety Through Dance

One of the central elements of the project is the creation of psychological safety — an environment where young people feel accepted, respected, and encouraged to express themselves freely without fear of judgment.

Through Bachata and group-based activities, participants will gradually step outside their comfort zones while developing empathy, active listening, emotional awareness, and interpersonal communication skills. Dance becomes a practical tool for Social-Emotional Learning (SEL), helping participants improve self-awareness, emotional regulation, collaboration, and relationship-building.

The project also addresses the growing importance of digital wellbeing by encouraging participants to reconnect through real-life interaction, movement, mindfulness-based activities, and meaningful social experiences.

Rather than being only a dance camp, “Dance More, Stress Less 2.0” is a structured educational process that combines wellbeing, stress-management education, non-formal learning, intercultural dialogue, and personal development.

Bachata as a Tool for Resilience and Connection

Bachata is much more than just a dance — it is a powerful method for emotional expression, stress relief, and human connection. Through rhythm, movement, and teamwork, participants will learn how to better understand themselves and others, build trust, and develop a stronger sense of belonging.

The project especially supports the inclusion of young people with fewer opportunities while promoting social inclusion, psychological safety, intercultural dialogue, and shared European values.

By the end of the exchange, participants will not only gain new dance skills, but also leave with stronger emotional resilience, improved social-emotional competencies, practical wellbeing tools, and meaningful international friendships.

Project Goals

The main goals of the project are:

  • strengthening emotional resilience and stress management,

  • promoting social inclusion and psychological safety,

  • developing Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) competencies through dance,

  • fostering intercultural dialogue and shared European values,

  • increasing awareness of digital wellbeing and healthy social interaction,

  • encouraging future mobility and active participation through Erasmus+ opportunities.

What Awaits Participants?

During the exchange, participants will take part in:

  • Bachata workshops and dance activities,

  • group discussions and interactive wellbeing workshops,

  • stress-management and emotional resilience sessions,

  • Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) activities,

  • cultural evenings and country presentations,

  • non-formal learning sessions,

  • social and recreational activities focused on connection and inclusion.

Each national group will also prepare a presentation about their country, including traditional food and drinks.

At the end of the project, all participants will receive a Youthpass certificate, recognizing the skills, competences, and learning experiences gained during the exchange.

Erasmus+ — A Chance for Growth and New Experiences

“Dance More, Stress Less 2.0” offers young people the opportunity to gain valuable international experience through dance, intercultural cooperation, and non-formal education while developing important life skills and becoming more active members of their communities.

Through Erasmus+, participants not only discover new cultures and create international friendships, but also strengthen resilience, independence, communication skills, tolerance, and a stronger sense of European identity.

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