In December, the ACG Deree Dance Club was invited by the Dance Club of the American University in Cairo (AUC) to participate in a cultural exchange in Cairo, Egypt. From the moment they arrived, ACG students were warmly welcomed by the AUC community, whose generous hospitality, traditions, and cuisine created an immediate sense of connection and belonging.
The visit brought together students from diverse backgrounds, united by a shared passion for dance, cultural exchange, and artistic expression. A highlight of the trip was the Dance Night event, where the ACG Deree Dance Club presented a performance inspired by the theme “Dance in Cinema.” The program combined Greek dances with selections from well-known musicals, reflecting both tradition and creativity.
The performance was the result of a collaborative effort, with all members contributing to the selection of music, choreography, and costumes. Through this shared creative process, the final presentation reflected the group’s diversity, teamwork, and collective vision.
Beyond the stage, the experience fostered meaningful connections through moments of interaction, laughter, and shared discovery. It also highlighted the cultural ties between Greece and Egypt, deepening participants’ appreciation for both cultures.
The ACG Deree Dance Club extends its sincere gratitude to AUC for its generous hospitality, as well as to the students and chaperones whose presence and support made the journey unforgettable. The visit will be remembered as a celebration of culture, friendship, and the unifying power of dance.
Student Testimonials
My dance trip to Cairo, Egypt was an unforgettable experience! I want to express my deepest gratitude to my college, ACG, and to AUC for welcoming us with such open hearts. From the very first moment, we felt at ease, knowing that whatever we needed, they were there for us. They even organized a warm welcome with traditional Egyptian food that instantly made us feel like home!
The dance night event was perfectly organized, and I enjoyed it with all my heart! I lived every moment on that stage, and it was truly touching to feel the appreciation from the audience—one person even wished me to become a star. Moments like these stay with you forever. It was amazing to share the stage with dancers from different cultures, to watch the Cairo performers, and to create new friendships.
Egyptian culture—the food, the songs, the dance, the history—reminded me so much of Greece, and that connection made the whole experience even more special. We enjoyed every single moment, day and night, creating memories that I will cherish forever!
A big thank you to the wonderful people I traveled with. Although we barely knew each other before this trip, we have now written our own little history together in Cairo. My lovely co-dancers and Miss Griva made this journey truly unforgettable—because the company you have always makes the biggest difference.
I’m already looking forward to many more opportunities like this!
– Anonymous Student
I want to say a heartfelt thank you to both ACG and AUC for giving us this chance to experience something truly unforgettable. This trip opened my eyes in so many ways to new people, new energy, and a culture that welcomed us with so much warmth. Some of my favorite moments were the simple ones: talking, laughing, sharing meals, and realizing how natural it felt to connect with everyone. It didn’t matter where we came from we all blended together so effortlessly. And honestly, that’s what made the whole experience so meaningful for me.
Dance Night was another highlight. The atmosphere, the music, the excitement it felt like everyone in the room was fully present and enjoying the moment. It was one of those nights I know I’ll look back on and smile. Thank you again to the American University of Cairo for hosting us with such kindness. I’m leaving with beautiful memories, new friendships, and a deeper appreciation for what cultural exchange can create. This is definitely an experience I’ll never forget.
– Anonymous Student
I am beyond grateful to both ACG and AUC for this once in a lifetime opportunity. I got to meet amazing people that have made my overall experience the best thing I could ever ask for. It’s the best trip I have been to yet. I got to meet people from my campus that I probably never would’ve met if it weren’t for this opportunity.
As soon as we landed in Egypt, we were met with a warm welcome from the Egyptian community, which made me feel even more at ease. The American University of Cairo also welcomed us with beautiful stories about their culture and prepared for us a delicious Egyptian breakfast that pleased my stomach.
The day of our dance performance I wasn’t stressed at all because the event was organized perfectly and everything went smoothly. The audience embraced our performance and we got to share a piece of each of our cultures.
This cultural exchange we got to do opened my eyes to all the riches each individual brings in this world.
I would do it all over again without changing a thing if I could. Thank you to the girls I got the chance to dance with and make beautiful memories with, Mrs. Griva for being the best chaperone anyone could ever ask for, and thank you to the AUC staff and students who welcomed us with open arms.
– Anonymous Student