About
surdce
a dance collective of a new generation.
We draw from the wild Balkan lands, from the rawness of femininity, from the echoes of myths and ancient traditions. Through contemporary dance, physical theatre, and immersive storytelling, we awaken something deep and untamed—something that has always been there, waiting to be remembered. Our works are portals—windows into a space where time dissolves, where bodies speak in forgotten languages, where movement becomes a spell.
surdce is a beating heart. A call to the wild. An invitation to lose yourself—and find something greater.
Co-Artistic Directors
Marchela-Vasilena Merchant
Artistic Director
Stephanie Handjiiska
Artistic Director
surdce (сърдце) means heart.
It also means core, essence in Bulgarian. The word surdce also alludes to предсърдия, the two chambers of the heart that beat together. The work of surdce explores the Wild Slavic Heart, the limitlessness of feminity, Eastern European heritage, myths and rituals through a lens of dance & visual poetry.
Our cutting-edge work transcends audiences beyond the everyday life and takes them into the ethernal land of no time.
❝ audiences were sucked into an active viewing experience that encouraged a deep consideration of the beauty of dance & myth.❞
-The Place, London
Artistic & Choreographic Awards
Silver Mask of Termina Award for a female lead performer, Serbia, 2025
Special Audience Termina Award for a female lead performer, Serbia, 2025
IMPULS Award 2024 for Dance Production of the Year - for “All of the Love, Towards Everyone, All of the Time”
Emerging Choreographer of Bulgaria, Helios residency, 2024
IMPULS Award 2023 for Incredible Achievements in the Field of Dance Cinema
The Sofia Mayor’s Award four outstanding achievements in the field of culture - Contemporary Performing Art Practices 2022
IKAR Award Nomination for Best Dance Production 2017
Notable Alumni of Honour - New Bulgarian University 2018
Grand Prix in Contemporary Dance, international festival “Slavsya Otechestvo”, Russia, 2013