Cultural Connections
How Dance Fosters Integration and Unity
Abstract
With increasing migration, integration has become a critical priority for host countries. This article discusses the findings of the research project titled “All the Same with Dance”, which examines the role of cultural activities, specifically dance, in the integration process of migrants. Migration often involves challenges such as xenophobia, which hinder social cohesion. Employing qualitative methods, including semi-structured interviews, content analysis and focus group discussions, “All the Same with Dance” explored how dance influences perceptions of similarity and reduces prejudices. Findings reveal a shift from nationalistic sentiments before the event to a focus on shared experiences afterward, demonstrating the positive impact of dance. This article contributes to the academic discourse by highlighting the transformative role of cultural exchange in fostering migrant integration.
Keywords: dance; integration; xenophobia; cultural biases; migrants.
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