Remixing tradition
Remixing tradition
Participants collaboratively explore traditional music and dance from their regions, working together to create new expressions inspired by these traditions. This method uses dance, music and songwriting to foster inter-cultural dialogue, creativity and tolerance. Both by honouring and questioning different traditional songs and dances, it aims at connection with cultural heritage and open a dialogue between tradition and contemporary topics and social issues.


THEME
Intercultural dialogue, tradition, inclusion and diversity

COMPLEXITY
Advanced

GROUP SIZE
15-20
participants

AGE
15+

TIME
110
min.
Objectives
- Foster cultural exchange and empathy
- Develop creativity and critical thinking
Materials
- A room suitable for dancing (enough space, light, adequate flooring), projector and a panel/white wall, laptop or mobile phone and loudspeakers.
Overview
Participants collaboratively explore traditional music and dance from their regions, working together to create new expressions inspired by these traditions.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Introduction (5 min): Explain the purpose of the activity (cultural exchange, self-expression, creating “new traditions” by remixing traditional dances and songs).
- Breaking the ice (15 min): At the beginning, the participants stand in a circle, and throw a ball to each other. In the first round, whoever gets the ball must say a word that answers the question “What does tradition mean to you?”. If you work with a group of people who don’t know each other, incorporate a name game previously.
- Traditional music and dances (35 min): Participants are invited to reflect on their country or region’s traditional music and/or dances. If some participants know a song or some steps, they can teach the others some simple steps or melodies. If not, they can research online and find a video representing their tradition to share with others. The group then watches together a couple of videos and reflects on the differences and similarities of the folk music and dances they’ve seen. They should name the characteristics of traditional and folk expression, what topics they represent, what was the life of people when it was created compared to today, and how they feel towards it. The group is then divided in two – one group chooses a song from any cultural background they watched, and the other group chooses a dance. They are given 15-20 minutes to rehearse a couple of verses/steps.
- New tradition (40 min): Now the participants are given the task to use the verses and steps they’ve learned and rehearsed to create some modified song or dance that can resemble the traditional dances and songs, but can be altered using any kind of creative expression. For instance, they can mix different region’s materials, add some new motifs, words or steps that might come from contemporary dances or topics. They can express the song’s topic in a new way, changing the lyrics and the dance movements in a contemporary way. Each group should practice their newly created material a few times, making sure to reach a choreography and mutual pace. They can repeat the sequence in a “loop” a couple of times and add an ending. The groups then show each other their short song and choreography. At the end the whole group can try to do it simultaneously, blending the song and dance into one performance.
- Reflection and evaluation (15 min): The participants sit in a circle and share thoughts on the shared experience.
Reflection Questions:
-
- How was the exercise for you?
- Was it difficult to learn a traditional song/dance and modify it?
- What was the most interesting part?
- Did your view on ‘tradition’ change in some way?
For evaluation, observe participant engagement and mood, the way they react to the assignment and how they collaborate in groups. Collect feedback verbally, via a quick survey or through association cards.

Tips for Facilitators:
- Create a welcoming and non-judgmental atmosphere.
- Make sure the participants feel comfortable and free to express themselves.
- Provide extra support to participants who might struggle with the task.

Variations and adjustments:
- This activity can be modified for discussing different topics and social issues. This can be done by changing the topic of the traditional song that is being altered, or the moves in the dance that send different messages. For instance, the facilitator can prepare in advance some words like: democracy, climate change, gender (in)equality, solidarity, peace, and so on, and the group chooses one of them as the topic for creating their remix of the traditional dance/song.
- If there is not enough time or the group is smaller, the method can be focused on only a song or a dance.
- If there is more time and the group discussion is fruitful, deeper questions can be raised related to tradition, identity and culture.
- If the group can work together continuously for a period of time, the remixed song/dance can be further developed and rehearsed, and even performed in front of an audience.

Disclaimer:
- The activity is especially interesting for participants that come from different cultures in a mixed group. Be mindful about their relationship with tradition and explain that the activity is about creation with tradition and connecting with it, as well as intercultural exchange, without any intention to dishonour tradition. This can be well communicated from the start, even in the invitation and description of the activity.
MODULE 1 NEEDS ANALYSIS
Needs analysis activities
MODULE 2 MUSIC AND MOVEMENT

Contact
Iuliana Adriana PAVEL (project manager)
iuliana.pavel@a4action.ro
A4ACTION – Antim Ivireanu Culture House, Islaz Alley, Ghermănești, Snagov, Ilfov District, Romania, 077170
Co-funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the ANPCDEFP. Neither the European Union nor the ANPCDEFP can be held responsible for them.
The project is conducted by the following organisations: A4ACTION (Romania) – coordinator, Udruga Delta (Croatia), InterAktion (Austria), Asociación Espacio Rojo (Spain) and GAIA Museum Outsider Art (Denmark).
Walkshop
Home | Toolbox | M1 Needs analysis | Walkshop
Walkshop
A walkshop is a combination of a walk and a workshop, which can be used as an educational and collaborative method held outdoors, in urban or natural settings. It integrates physical activity with focused intellectual engagement to foster new perspectives and encourage deeper understanding of a topic. The participants discuss the topic while physically moving along a predefined route.
Participants are given a map of the area and a task related to the topic. They have enough time to walk to and through the designated area while thinking together in smaller groups about the task. After the walk, they create together a “fantasy map” of the area they explored through the given task and present it to the other participants. A facilitated discussion is held after each map presentation.


THEME
Personal, group or community needs

COMPLEXITY
Intermediate
Advanced

GROUP SIZE
15-20
participants

AGE
15+

TIME
180
min.
Objectives
- Explore the environment and engage in focused observation
- Identify problems and needs in the local community
- Express oneself creatively through drawing
Materials
- A map of the area, a printed or digital task, paper and drawing utensils.
Overview
Participants explore a designated area (e.g. their neighbourhood) by walking, with the help of a map and through a given topic/task (e.g. inclusion). They engage in focused observation of the area, exploring it though the task and then translate their observation in a “fantasy map” they present to the others.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Introduction (15 min): Explain the activity to the participants and hand out the maps and tasks, dividing the participants into smaller groups of 4-5 people.
Each group gets a different topic/task and a different area to explore, which is marked on the map. The topics and tasks can be anything important and relevant to your context. For instance, one group’s destination is the neighbourhood in which you are located and the topic is inclusion. By walking the area, they should observe the surroundings though the task and topic, which are explained on a handout paper or sent via a digital platform. Be sure the topic and task are explained clearly and provide some questions to help the group immerse into the topic:- Exploring inclusion in our neighbourhood
Today, you will explore your neighbourhood through the lenses of inclusion.
Inclusion, as best defined, means that the members of an environment or society feel that they are valued, respected, and included regardless of their background or identity. They have the same opportunities as others, and they are not overlooked or excluded. Think about what inclusion means to you. Observe the surrounding through your route considering the following questions:- How does this neighbourhood enhance the inclusion of different people?
- Do you feel included in this surrounding?
- Imagine you are a person moving with a wheelchair or not speaking the local language. Which elements can you observe that support or fail to support your feeling of inclusion?
- What would need to change in this neighborhood in order to create a more inclusive and pleasant environment that celebrates diversity?
- How can we support the idea of inclusion in our daily life?
Fantasy map creation
When you return to the working space, you will create an inclusion fantasy map (a map of your neighbourhood) that illustrates your observations and answers to the questions. Design your map to show how this environment could be improved to support the inclusion of different people. Illustrate what you saw already existing in the area and how you imagine it to be with the proposed improvements.
- Exploring inclusion in our neighbourhood
- Exploring the local community (60 min): Participants go for a walk through the designated area and route, exploring together the given topic and task. They can take notes, photos or just verbally answer the questions and talk about their observations and ideas.
- Creating the fantasy maps (60 min): Participants return to the working space and are given enough time to design the area they’ve explored as a fantasy map. They use a bigger piece of paper (A1, A2 or A3 sizes) and use different drawing materials (pens, colours, collage, even something they’ve collected while walking) to illustrate their observations.
- Presentation and reflection (45 min): Each group presents their fantasy map and explains their observations. Others are encouraged to reflect on and respond to what is shared, fostering discussion and deeper understanding.
After all the groups presented their maps, an overall reflection can be conducted with the following questions:- What did you enjoy about this activity?
- How was the walk – was it pleasant, hard, insightful…?
- How did the task help you see the area with a fresh perspective?
- Did you learn something new about yourself, others and your community?
If time allows and there is interest, the group may explore potential next steps to address specific problems and needs identified through the maps.

Tips for Facilitators:
- Adapt the topics and tasks to your context and your target group.
- If time allows, you can start by a brief discussion about the topic before the walk.
- You can remind the participants to take into account several elements during the walk, like the condition of the walking path, accessibility, aesthetics, safety, microclimate, human scale, the presence of public services and places for social interaction and rest.
- Make sure the space allows for open discussion and participants feel safe to share their thoughts.

Variations and adjustments:
- If you conduct the activity in a small town or village, the groups can have the same designated area with a different topic/task.
- If there is interest, the maps created can be turned into a local community exhibition to raise awareness about a specific issue.

Disclaimer:
- Take into account the weather conditions. Make sure the participants move in a safe way through the neighbourhood, reminding them to be aware of traffic and careful about dangerous places.
Needs analysis activities
MODULE 1 NEEDS ANALYSIS
Needs analysis activities
MODULE 2 MUSIC AND MOVEMENT

Contact
Iuliana Adriana PAVEL (project manager)
iuliana.pavel@a4action.ro
A4ACTION – Antim Ivireanu Culture House, Islaz Alley, Ghermănești, Snagov, Ilfov District, Romania, 077170
Co-funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the ANPCDEFP. Neither the European Union nor the ANPCDEFP can be held responsible for them.
The project is conducted by the following organisations: A4ACTION (Romania) – coordinator, Udruga Delta (Croatia), InterAktion (Austria), Asociación Espacio Rojo (Spain) and GAIA Museum Outsider Art (Denmark).
World café
World café
This methodology is a simple and flexible format for hosting large group dialogue, and it can be modified to meet a wide variety of needs. Specific context, numbers, purpose, location and other circumstances are factored into the organisation. The discussion in small groups allows each participant to have his or her opinion heard. Also, the facilitator leads and adapts the discussion to the specifics of the group.


THEME
Conversation about needs in small groups

COMPLEXITY
Intermediate
Advanced

GROUP SIZE
30-50
participants

AGE
15+

TIME
95-120
min.
Objectives
- Recognize one’s own needs
- Express one’s own needs
- Engage in meaningful dialogue
Materials
- Small tables and chairs all over the room, paper and pens for taking notes, snacks for a relaxed, informal setting.
Overview
In small groups, participants rotate between tables (20 -30 minutes per table), discussing a different topic (need) at each one. At each table there is a facilitator who leads the discussion and takes notes that can be used for a big group discussion at the end or for drawing conclusions.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Welcome and introduction: The host begins with a warm welcome and a short energizer activity. Then, they explain the goals and structure of the session:
“Today, you’ll have the opportunity to discuss various topics (your needs) in small groups. Each group will have a facilitator to guide the conversation. Please share what you feel comfortable with and respect what others have to say.”
The host also introduces the facilitators at each table and clarifies their role. Participants are then divided into small groups. This group division can be gamified to help participants relax and foster group cohesion. - Small-Group Rounds: The space is pre-arranged with tables spread out across the room. Each table will be dedicated to a specific topic (e.g. education, employment, housing) or to one main topic approached from different angles (e.g. feelings, frustrations, experiences, new ideas related to a particular issue).
Each table has a designated facilitator who leads the discussion and asks guiding questions. Facilitators should prepare in advance with a set of questions and, if necessary, do some background research on the topic.
Groups rotate between tables, spending around 15 to 20 minutes at each, depending on group size. Facilitators ask open-ended questions that encourage participants to express their needs and opinions. They actively listen, reflect back, and paraphrase to ensure understanding. Notes are taken throughout and will be shared during the final part of the activity.
Each table also has paper available for participants to write, illustrate, or draw—whichever form of expression feels most natural to them. - Harvest: Facilitators are invited to share insights or other results from the conversations with the rest of the large group.[1] Participants are encouraged to respond with reflections, additions, or comments to enrich the shared conclusions.
- Reflection and evaluation: Evaluation is conducted using a digital tool (e.g. Mentimeter). Questions are prepared in advance, such as:
-
- How did you feel during today’s activity?
- Did you learn something new or gain a new perspective?
- What stood out to you the most from this activity?
- What would you have liked to be different?
Responses are submitted anonymously and projected for group reflection and discussion.

Tips for Facilitators:
- When setting up the space, make sure there’s enough distance between tables to allow for undisturbed conversations.
- When selecting facilitators, it’s helpful to choose individuals who are familiar with the topic and who have strong communication skills, especially for working with young people.

Variations and adjustments:
- If the group is small, participants can rotate through all the tables.
- For larger groups, the number of tables (or discussion rounds) can be limited, and participants can choose which topics they’re most interested in.

Disclaimer:
- For large groups, provide a microphone and reliable sound equipment to ensure that all participants can hear clearly.
[1] The World Café Community Foundation. World Café Method. Retrived April 2025. https://theworldcafe.com/key-concepts-resources/world-cafe-method/.
Needs analysis activities
MODULE 1 NEEDS ANALYSIS
Needs analysis activities
MODULE 2 MUSIC AND MOVEMENT

Contact
Iuliana Adriana PAVEL (project manager)
iuliana.pavel@a4action.ro
A4ACTION – Antim Ivireanu Culture House, Islaz Alley, Ghermănești, Snagov, Ilfov District, Romania, 077170
Co-funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the ANPCDEFP. Neither the European Union nor the ANPCDEFP can be held responsible for them.
The project is conducted by the following organisations: A4ACTION (Romania) – coordinator, Udruga Delta (Croatia), InterAktion (Austria), Asociación Espacio Rojo (Spain) and GAIA Museum Outsider Art (Denmark).














