A FESTIVE ENCOUNTER
Over the course of five afternoon workshops held in the atmospheric machine room at Brass, Youngsters brings together Brussels youth and young asylum seekers from all corners of the world in a vibrant, festive gathering. The workshops explore how the shared experience of movement and celebration can bridge the gap between strangers, fostering genuine connections rooted in common ground while simultaneously celebrating the beauty in their differences. Through the power of dance and celebration, these encounters transcend the need for language, creating meaningful connections through the body and its ability to communicate beyond words.

What does dance represent—to me, and to the other? Can there be celebration without dance, or dance without celebration? What do we share in the act of celebrating? These are the questions that guide us through the workshops, inviting participants to reflect on their own experiences while opening up to the perspectives of others. Together, we explore, experiment, imagine, attempt, and embrace our mistakes. It is an opportunity to break down barriers, challenge preconceptions, and create a sense of belonging in a world that often feels divided.

For this series of workshops, Youngsters collaborates with Collectif Umoya, an association dedicated to supporting unaccompanied foreign minors (UAMs) and former UAMs living in Forest. The work of Collectif Umoya is crucial in providing guidance, safety, and emotional support to some of these young individuals, who have faced immense challenges in their journey. By collaborating with them, Youngsters aims to create a welcoming, inclusive space where young people from diverse backgrounds can come together, share their stories, and build connections that transcend borders.

A partnership between YoungstersCollective, Umoya and Le Brass, Centre Culturel de Forest.
With the support of the municipality of Forest as part of the Citizens’ Initiatives, within the framework of the sustainable neighbourhood contract "Wiels-sur-Senne".