When young people from across Europe gathered in Hollókő for the Glee It Up youth exchange, few knew how deeply ten days of music, dance, and storytelling could shape them. What began as a simple idea, exploring performing arts and joy soon turned into an experience that many described as transformative.
“Do you know the feeling when your soul is so full of joy and excitement that the only way to continue living is by letting out a little scream or moving your body in a little dance?” one participant wrote afterwards. “That’s how I felt when I arrived in Hollókő. From the first night, as guitars and shakers filled the room, I knew something magical was about to happen.”
Over the days that followed, participants learned not just about theatre, music, or movement, but about themselves and each other. The programme focused on self-expression, co-creation, and cultural exchange, encouraging everyone, regardless of experience, to try new things and step out of their comfort zones. Workshops on storytelling, improvisation, and stage presence blended with spontaneous jam sessions, shared meals, and evening reflections.
“Not my first Erasmus experience, but my first in Hungary,” another participant reflected. “Not my first performing arts programme, but the first where they really showed us what we are capable of. Szandi and Dimitris created a space where everyone could freely spread their wings, creativity, and thoughts. For the first time, I felt that they saw us the way we wanted to be seen.”
The facilitators encouraged openness and collaboration rather than performance perfection. Participants described learning to dance like nobody’s watching, sing like in the shower, and perform as they used to in their living rooms when they were kids. Through this atmosphere of freedom, many rediscovered the simple joy of creating something together.
Another participant shared how challenging and rewarding the creative process was:
“What began as simple curiosity turned into an unforgettable experience. We explored music, storytelling, and culture, from improvising scenes on the spot to performing for high school students and even doing street performances. By the end, we stood on stage with courage most of us hadn’t known we possessed.”
Beyond the skills and performances, Glee It Up became a reminder of why creativity matters. “It gave me something I didn’t know I was missing: the courage to take myself and my passion seriously,” one person wrote. For many, the project was not just about learning how to act or dance, but about reconnecting with their own sense of purpose and joy.
This spirit of togetherness continues with the upcoming The Holidays Special of Glee It Up, a seasonal version of the project that will explore how music, storytelling, and movement can bring warmth and connection during winter. It’s a chance to slow down, reflect, and create something meaningful while celebrating the season in an international community.
For those who believe that art has the power to connect and heal or who simply want to end the year surrounded by creativity and new friendships, Glee It Up The Holidays Special offers exactly that.
Applications are open, come join, create, and glee it up this winter.
