Les Rythmes de Nos Cultures

Context

In today’s interconnected world, mutual understanding and respect for diversity are essential for peaceful coexistence. Les Rythmes de Nos Cultures was born from the belief that dance — a universal language beyond words — can bring people together, celebrate identity, and build bridges across cultures.

This Erasmus+ Youth Exchange gathered young people from Romania 🇷🇴, Hungary 🇭🇺, and Réunion Island 🇷🇪 (France) to explore how movement and rhythm can promote intercultural dialogue, tolerance, and solidarity. Over ten unforgettable days in the lush green village of La Plaine-des-Palmistes, participants embarked on a transformative journey of self-expression, learning, and connection.

The exchange began with team-building and trust-based activities that helped participants feel comfortable and connected. Through interactive workshops on stereotypes, empathy, and intercultural communication, they explored what it means to live in a multicultural Europe and how curiosity can replace fear and prejudice.

Using non-formal education methods — games, role-plays, and creative challenges — learning became dynamic and engaging. Participants quickly discovered that every story, gesture, and rhythm has something to teach.

As the project evolved, dance took center stage. Through freestyle, improvisation, and the 5 Rhythms method, participants expressed emotions, ideas, and elements of their cultural identity.

One of the most powerful moments came when the local community joined in, teaching traditional dances from Réunion Island. These shared experiences transcended language barriers and allowed everyone to connect deeply through movement and music — discovering that dance truly is a language spoken by all.

Project team

Les Rythmes de Nos Cultures was made possible through the collaboration of three dedicated organizations:

• ENTENTE RAVINE CREUSE (Réunion Island) – Host organization 🇷🇪

• Asociația Clubul Sportiv ARAO (Romania) 🇷🇴

• Légáramlat Nonprofit KFT (Hungary) 🇭🇺

Together, they empowered young people to explore diversity, develop creativity, and discover how art and movement can become tools for inclusion and empathy.

Impact and Legacy 🌍✨

The project contributed to the priorities of the EU Youth Strategy 2019–2027, promoting:

• Mental health and well-being, by encouraging active, outdoor, and creative participation.

• Quality learning, through experiential, reflective, and non-formal methods.

• Youth engagement, by introducing participants to Erasmus+ opportunities and international cooperation.

Beyond its immediate results, Les Rythmes de Nos Cultures leaves behind a legacy of openness and solidarity. It showed that even if we come from different places, speak different languages, or dance to different beats — we can still move together, learn together, and grow together.

Because sometimes, when words fall short… we dance.