Through the program Play it Right: a dance into consent & respect, we visited schools in Athens, Messolonghi, Lefkada, and Crete, bringing to the forefront the themes of consent, personal boundaries, and safe physical contact for students aged 10–12. The goal of the program is to create a supportive and empowering framework that enhances collaboration and psychosocial development through the art of dance.

Through movement-based games, trust-building exercises, dance improvisations, and group compositions, children had the opportunity to reflect on interpersonal relationships, to feel empowered, and to express themselves through their bodies. Together, we created a caring and safe environment, where the body can have a voice, set boundaries, and dance with respect. The ultimate aim is to cultivate an inclusive and empowering school environment that fosters the psychosocial growth of children through dance.

Highlights of the program included:

– Attending the dance performance We Are All Dancers by the company Still Pilgrim Paradox at the 132nd Primary School of Athens.

– Creating short videodance pieces by the children themselves. At the end of each workshop cycle in every location, students worked in small groups to choreograph and film their own pieces, using movement to express thoughts and feelings around consent and physical contact.

Voices from the children:

🗣️ "The boundaries I set for my body and for what I want — that is consent."

🗣️ "It was really beautiful that when someone wasn’t comfortable doing something, there was the freedom and ease to say it."

🗣️ “I was happy to end my week with creativity.”

🗣️ “We talked in a way that felt comfortable and we all agreed — we made something beautiful for our bodies and for ourselves.”

🗣️ “Dance is joy and energy.”

Project Team

Coordination, Pedagogical Supervision: Maria Papadopoulou

Design – Facilitation: Vasiliki Zafeiropoulou, Lina Vergopoulou, Maria Papadopoulou, Kyveli Kouvatsi

Communication: Kyveli Kouvatsi, Maria Papadopoulou, Niovi Papandreou

Videographers: Anastasia Kratidi, Nikoleta Leousi

With the support and funding of the Hellenic Ministry of Culture.