Impact on the population

Photographer : Orestis Alexiadis

Co-creation with the population in a cultural diverse context : impact on the population

The participants had the opportunity to share their feedback through a questionnaire, reflecting on what being involved in co-creation and choreographic work had brought to them, as well as their emotional experiences during the process. The questionnaire also explored how the experience had impacted their imagination and self-expression. This was supplemented by emotion-sharing sessions and discussion groups. Overall, the experience was highly valued, with most participants expressing a strong desire to continue the process.

Well being Feelings

The feedback forms revealed a shared emotional landscape among participants, with recurring experiences of joy, inspiration, liberation, playfulness, interest, excitement, and freedom. Participants described themselves as feeling relaxed, calm, connected, and grounded. (Sitia)

The playful nature of the workshop was especially appreciated. It was seen as an ideal way to close out the week, bringing a sense of lightness and enjoyment. Participants reported an emotional shift—from sadness, uncertainty, and confusion to feelings of relaxation, happiness, and excitement. The experience was widely described as unique, positive, caring, and even miraculous, with a strong emphasis on energy and freedom. Frequently mentioned emotions included: happiness, fulfilment, belonging, freedom, peace, love, exhilaration, excitement, trust, satisfaction, and curiosity. (Karlovac)

Participants experienced a range of powerful emotions throughout the workshop—moving from initial skepticism and surprise to excitement, and ultimately to feelings of joy, peace, and love. (Briançon)

Τhe workshop was described using terms such as inspiring, educational, pleasant, incredible, kind, fun, valuable, and harmonious. (Athens)

Gain of Self-confidence

The participants shared that they faced specific challenges during the workshop, such as the fear of communicating and cooperating with others, doubts about their physical or mental capacities, and the fear of failing to connect with themselves.

However, each of them appeared to gradually transform these fears over the course of the process, ultimately embracing the idea of self-exploration and collective performance. Overall, the participants were highly engaged in the workshop and the co-creation process. They overcame their initial difficulties and all reported a positive emotional shift—from feeling uncomfortable and disconnected from their bodies and from others, to feeling a deeper connection with themselves and the group, accompanied by a clear increase in self-confidence, made possible through a strong and open group dynamic. (Sitia)

Self-expression opportunity

Participants expressed that the co-creation process allowed them to pursue personal goals and explore self-expression through movement, even though some initially found it challenging. Over time, feelings of shame subsided, fostering a sense of safety that enabled participants to express themselves more freely and build trust in the process. The successful completion of creative tasks and the emotional impact of the practice further enhanced their sense of inspiration and accomplishment. (Athens)

The emotional spectrum revealed the depth of engagement and personal exploration that unfolded throughout the day. A common sentiment was the feeling of being accepted and encouraged, with many participants pleasantly surprised by how open they felt in expressing themselves. Contemporary dance was recognized as a medium for self-exploration in all kinds of life situations. One participant observed that, unlike salsa—where one leads and the other follows—contemporary dance offers more fluid and interpretative connections. (Karlovac)

Language barrier

Engaging in this process allowed participants to overcome language barriers, fostering connection beyond words. (Athens)

For some, the language barrier was the primary challenge; however, many appreciated the support they received through translation. One participant even noted that this linguistic difference made them more attentive and receptive to what others shared. (Briançon)

Sense of belonging

During the experience, participants expressed a profound sense of connection—with themselves and with others. A strong feeling of belonging and community emerged throughout the process. One participant visiting from Slovenia shared that, despite it being her first time meeting the group, she felt an instant bond. (Karlovac)

Participants highlighted that practicing contemporary dance, combined with affirming feedback, made them feel accomplished and fully integrated into the group. (Athens)

A shared energy between the choreographer, participants, and musicians stood out as a defining element of the experience. The fusion of each person’s input and impulses became the heart of the creative process, where individual energies blended to form a powerful collective expression. (Karlovac)

Photographer : Fotografika

A first approach to co-creation

One participant deeply appreciated being introduced to the culture of contemporary dance, which she hadn’t experienced before. (Briançon)

Participants offered detailed feedback on their involvement in the co-creation and choreographic work, noting both the challenges faced and the positive impacts they felt. (Athens)

The value of the creation process was widely acknowledged, with many participants highlighting the rewarding experience of collaboration and collective artistry. The opportunity to co-create with others had a lasting impact on how they viewed creativity within a group context. Participants expressed profound gratitude for this unique multicultural opportunity, where they felt encouraged to open up and explore new ideas. The entire group was motivated by the diverse inputs and creative exchanges that shaped the process. (Karlovac)

In Briançon, where the freedom of creation was pushed to its limits, the feedback about the space provided for creative liberty was mixed. Some appreciated having time to create independently, while others wished for a more structured approach. (Briançon)

Participants who responded to the question about co-creation on the form stated that they had “contributed some ideas, which the choreographers included in the performance.” (Sitia)

An experience to be continued

All participants found this experience important and expressed a desire to participate again. (Sitia)

Those involved felt grateful for the opportunity to engage with contemporary dance and were excited to contribute to the co-creation process. Despite experiencing fatigue and initial fear of exposure, the workshop left them motivated and eager to continue exploring this form of expression. (Athens)

The process sparked a personal desire to dive deeper into dance and its potential for exploration. This reflects the empowerment felt by the participants to continue discovering and expanding their creative boundaries. The experience brought smiles to their faces, deepened their gratitude for life, and left them wishing for more opportunities to continue dancing. (Karlovac)

Feedbacks about performing

The final performance was appreciated, as participants enjoyed showing what they had created and seeing what others had created. However, the performance context was noted as stressful. In Briançon, after the first performance, participants felt either incapable and insecure, empty, or liberated and proud. After the second performance, they primarily felt happiness, pride, confidence, importance, inspiration, ecstasy, and exhaustion. (Briançon)

Participants described the performance experience as wonderful and deeply connecting. Many emphasized how impressive it was to successfully create and present the entire performance in just three days. Working with renowned dancers and mentors was highlighted as a very unique opportunity. Despite initial nervousness and stage fright, these feelings disappeared during the performance, allowing participants to fully engage in the moment. Overall, they felt proud of the collaborative process and the result on stage. (Karlovac)

Page updated

Google Sites

Report abuse