Derida Dance & Event Center

MOVING BALKANS COPRODUCTIONS 26′ with a premiere in Sofia at Derida Stage

Atanas Maev — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 15:22:56 +0000

We are excited to invite you to the premiere of two dance miniatures, created in the frame of MOVING BALKANS COPRODUCTIONS 26′!

25.04
19:30 ч.
TICKETS

_Seems Familiar_

„Seems Familiar“ grows from a stretched time: the slow formation of a first connection inside something new. Two realities and two temporalities meet – our lives, our meeting, and the work we are creating together. On stage, we seem to carry each other, or to co-exist in a suspended time. From this proximity, a familiarity between our bodies begins to emerge. By spending time together, sharing life stories, and moving with and through each other, we open that sense of familiarity and belonging to the audience as well.

Concept and choreography: Simona Dabija, Deyan Georgiev
Music: Bojidar Vasilev

Suck it up, buttercup!

You are an artist.
You are a thinker. You are the author, the performer and the critic, a bit auto-critical.
You are a teacher, a researcher, a project manager, an event planner, an organizer, an accountant, a cleaning person, a flyer distributor. You are creative.
You are a PR and a marketing person. You make promo photos, promo texts, promo reels, promo statements on promo trends, promo campaigns, promo podcasts, promo posters.
You need to make content. What other skills do you have?
You are a salesman.
You have a piece.
You look and hope for grants, residencies, open calls. You apply, you write to festivals proposing your work.
Please, please, help me be on time for this deadline, you pray.
You are emerging. Still emerging. Not yet emerging.
You meet the audience. You thank the audience for being there. You try to explain to a guy that what you are doing is useful, while he says that football is more useful, football has a bigger audience. You invite him to give you a follow on instagram and come to your other performances.
You are already late for that big opportunity.
You try networking. You are disappointed. You are a disappointment.
You’re an athlete.
You go to workshops, hoping you can still get the moves. You are tired.
Is it enough?
“You’re an artist and that means: you’re a dreamer, you’re a clown. That is what some people think.”, Dieter Lesage

Idea and choreography: Elena Marinova and Mariana Gavriciuc
Performers: Elena Marinova and Mariana Gavriciuc
Collaborator: Ralitza Nikolova
Music and sound design: Martina Stefanova
Produced by: Derida Dance Center and The National Center for Dance Bucharest
Part of: Moving Balkans Co-productions 2026

The two performances are realised with the financial support of the EU’s Creative Europe programme, the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Bulgaria, and the Sofia Municipality – Cultural Events Calendar.

Following a Successful Premiere in Kazanlak and Slovenia, “Scent of Violets” returns to Sofia at Derida Stage

Atanas Maev — Wed, 08 Apr 2026 03:58:35 +0000

Following a successful premiere at Art Gallery Kazanlak and Slovenia, “Scent of Violets” – the latest performance by Derida Company, returns to Sofia at Derida Stage.

When?
May 5th, 19:30 h
TICKETS

Hear what Atanas Maev (producer) and Jivko Jeliazkov (choreographer) shared in an interview for Bulgarian national television.

The work is inspired by the emblematic painting by Ivan Milev (1925), created after a mythic tale by writer and artist Nikolay Raynov about Queen Ahinorа—a significant yet still insufficiently known figure of the early 20th century, both in Bulgaria and beyond.

Building on this encounter between literature and image, the performance provokes reflections on belonging, ideals, and a space of love, explored through the female figure as an embodiment of strength that transcends physical power and reveals a readiness for devotion in the name of love and a greater cause.

The work combines contemporary dance, sound, and a visual environment created through new technologies, where digitized textures from the painting itself shape the lighting design of the stage.

Emerging from this specific cultural and historical context, the performance opens these themes toward the broader horizon of the contemporary world, seeking their meaning here and now.

Concept and choreography: Jivko Jeliazkov
Performance: Vyara Bolgradova, Ivona Mashova, Kalina Valtchanova, Simona Todorova
Consultant: Dr. Plamen V. Petrov
Visual environment: Yana Melamed
Music: Ivan Shopov
Voice: Snejina Petrova
Costumes: Raya Lachezarova
Technical performance: Hristo Milev, Bogdan Dimitrov
Technical team at Art Gallery Kazanlak: Dr. Lyuben Malchev, Katya Hristova, Alexandra Angelova, Joana Bradshaw, Martina Ivanova
Photographer: Georgi Sharov
Graphic design: Bistra Grigorova, Izabel Mitkova
Producers: Atanas Maev, Mira Georgieva

The performance “Scent of Violets” is being realized in the frame of “Whisper From the Past” project by Derida Dance Ltd. in partnership with Art Gallery – Kazanlak, and the financial support of the European Union – NextGenerationEu with contract № BG-RRP-11.020-0114.

Dancing Histor(Y)ies 2026 Heritage in Motion: The 2025 Co-creation Journey

Atanas Maev — Mon, 30 Mar 2026 08:04:00 +0000

From workshop to stage: watch the full journey now

What happens when centuries-old archaeology meets the pulse of modern movement? We are thrilled to invite you behind the scenes of Dancing Histor(y)ies. This isn’t just a performance series—it’s a transformation. We’ve curated a special playlist that documents our entire 2025 journey, capturing the raw, beautiful process of turning Europe’s most iconic heritage sites into living stages.

The heart of the journey

This year, we moved beyond the traditional “stage” to find rhythm in the ruins. Our process focused on three core pillars:

Co-creation: bridging the gap between international artists and the people who live alongside these sites every day.
Archaeology as action: treating historical sites not as static museums, but as active participants in the storytelling.
Shared experience: using movement to translate ancient stories into a language we all speak today.

From Dust to Dance: Watch the Playlist

The 2025 Co-creation Journey playlist takes you through the full arc of our season. You’ll witness:

The first spark: initial workshops where local communities and dancers first met on-site.
The development: behind-the-scenes footage of choreography sessions in ancient theaters and temple complexes.
The final bow: Highlights from performances that breathed new life into the stones of Europe’s heritage.

Watch the Co-creation Journey on YouTube

Join the movement

Heritage belongs to all of us. Whether you are a lover of history, a devotee of dance, or simply curious about how communities can reclaim their past, this journey is for you.

Stay connected

Subscribe to our channel and follow the hashtag #DancingHistories for real-time updates as we continue to move through history.

Warmly,

The Dancing Histor(y)ies Comm Team

The European Commission’s support for the production of this publication does not constitute an endorsement of the contents, which reflect the views only of the authors, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.

DATA MANAGEMENT

In compliance with Regulation (EU) 2016/679 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 April 2016 we hereby inform you that your personal data are part of a specific database for the collection and management of personal data within the project Dancing Histor(y)ies (from here onwards referred to as the “Project”) whose Joint Data Controller is Associazione Enti locali per le attività culturali e di spettacolo, with headquarters in Via Pasquale Paoli n.25 – 09128 Cagliari, VAT number: 01859050922 together with the other Joint Data Controllers defined by the GDPR agreement signed within the Dancing Histor(y)ies consortium. The Joint Data Controllers may process the personal data collected for the period necessary to fulfil the obligations established in the Partnership agreement concluded between the Joint Data Controllers and other project partners and/or in the Grant agreement concluded between the Joint Data Controllers and other project partners and the European Commission. Interested parties can contact the Data Protection Officer (DPO) by sending an email to: dancinghistoriesdpo@gmail.com to have a complete view of the GDPR or to exercise each of the following rights: access to their personal data; obtain a copy of the personal data; correct personal data; delete your data; limit processing; request data portability; exercise the right of objection; file a complaint.

The Dancing Histor(y)ies project is implemented with the financial support of Creative Europe and The National Culture Fund.

“The Scent of Violets” Heads to the International Stage and Its VR Future

Atanas Maev — Sun, 29 Mar 2026 08:00:00 +0000

After its successful premiere in Kazanlak, the visual dance performance “The Scent of Violets” continues its journey beyond Bulgaria. The project by Derida Company was presented to an international audience in Slovenia as part of the program of the cultural organization Zavod za kulturo, turizem in šport Murska Sobota.

On March 27 at 7:00 PM, the performance was shown at Park Theater in Murska Sobota, reaching a new audience and expanding its cultural context. The presentation in Slovenia reinforces the project’s direction toward international development and exchange, placing Bulgarian contemporary performing arts in dialogue with the European stage.

Inspired by the works of Ivan Milev and the text of Nikolay Raynov, the visual performance continues to explore themes such as belonging, love, and inner strength through a combination of contemporary dance, digital environment, and original music.

What’s Next

“The Scent of Violets” is entering a new phase of its development. The performance has been recorded in VR format by Enia Belak, allowing audiences to experience it in an entirely immersive way.

The VR version of the performance is set to be presented in four different districts of Sofia, bringing the art to new audiences beyond traditional theater spaces. This initiative continues the project’s mission to combine innovation and accessibility, turning contemporary art into a shared urban experience.

By moving between stage, city, and virtual reality, “The Scent of Violets” establishes itself as a project that not only tells stories but also explores new ways for audiences to experience them.

The events were implemented as part of the project “Whispers from the Past” by Derida Dance Ltd., in partnership with the Kazanlak Art Gallery, with the financial support of the European Union – NextGenerationEU, under contract No. BG-RRP-11.020-0114.

“Whispers from the Past” Premieres “The Scent of Violets,” Opened with a Visual Mapping by Yana Melamed and Music by Ivan Shopov

Atanas Maev — Mon, 23 Mar 2026 08:58:00 +0000

The project “Whispers from the Past” transformed Kazanlak into a stage for contemporary art, where past and present meet through light, sound, and movement. As part of the initiative by Derida Dance Ltd., in partnership with the Kazanlak Art Gallery, audiences had the opportunity to experience two consecutive events that traced a strong artistic line—from an urban intervention in public space to a stage premiere.

On March 20, the façade of the gallery became a dynamic visual canvas through architectural mapping created by Yana Melamed. Inspired by the artistic world of the upcoming performance, the project incorporated digital textures and motifs from the iconic work of Ivan Milev, reinterpreted through a contemporary visual language.

The light spectacle was complemented by a special DJ set by Ivan Shopov, who created a sound environment that transformed the space in front of the gallery into a vibrant meeting point for audiences, music, and digital art. The event, with free admission, brought together residents and visitors of the city in a shared artistic atmosphere.

This audiovisual prologue under the open sky prepared the audience for the following evening—the culmination of the project.

On March 21, the premiere of the visual dance performance “The Scent of Violets”—a new project by Derida Company—took place once again in the space of the Kazanlak Art Gallery.

Inspired by a 1925 painting by Ivan Milev, created after a text by Nikolay Raynov, the performance explores the mythical story of Queen Ahinora. Through this encounter between literature and visual art, the piece raises questions about belonging, ideals, and love, viewed through the female figure as a symbol of strength, devotion, and inner resilience.

Combining contemporary dance, original music, and a digital visual environment, the performance creates a multilayered stage experience. A particular highlight is the use of digitized textures from Milev’s painting, which shape the lighting design and establish a connection between the historical context and its contemporary interpretation.

“Whispers from the Past” is not merely a presentation of artistic events, but a bridge between cultural heritage and contemporary forms of expression. By merging visual technologies, music, and performing arts, the project places local themes within a global context and explores their relevance today.

With its strong visual identity and conceptual depth, “Whispers from the Past” leaves a lasting impression—an experience that continues to resonate long after the performance has ended.

Concept and choreography: Zhivko Zhelyazkov
Dancers: Vyara Bolgradova, Ivona Mashova, Kalina Valchanova, Simona Todorova
Consultant: Dr. Plamen V. Petrov
Visual environment: Yana Melamed
Music: Ivan Shopov
Voice: Snezhina Petrova
Costumes: Raya Lachezarova
Technical realization: Hristo Milev, Bogdan Dimitrov
Technical team (Kazanlak Art Gallery): Dr. Lyuben Malchev, Katya Hristova, Aleksandra Angelova, Joanna Bradshaw, Martina Ivanova
Photographer: Georgi Sharov
Graphic design: Bistra Grigorova, Izabel Mitkova
Producers: Atanas Maev, Mira Georgieva

VR, Cinema, and Contemporary Dance in a Special Evening at Derida Stage with En–Knap Dance Company

Atanas Maev — Tue, 17 Mar 2026 04:06:13 +0000

The Slovenian dance company En–Knap returns to Bulgaria with a special selection of dance films and dance in virtual reality. The events will take place on:

Admission is free for all events.

TEASER

The program for each evening includes a presentation of Stage360 — dance in a VR environment — and a screening of a selection of some of the most striking dance films by choreographer Iztok Kovač and director Sašo Podgoršek. Their collaboration is one of the longest-lasting partnerships in European dance cinema and has received numerous international awards, including the Grand Prix at International Video Dance – Stockholm.

The audience will have the opportunity to meet the creators and experience the performances from the unique perspective of the performers themselves.

Iztok Kovač is one of the most influential Slovenian choreographers, who in the early 1990s helped place Slovenia on the European dance map. He has created more than 35 productions and has worked in the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Belgium, Israel, and South Korea. As a choreographer and dancer, Kovač and En–Knap developed a distinctive dance aesthetic that has become a hallmark of Slovenian contemporary dance.

At the visual and emotional core of the cinematic language of the Kovač–Podgoršek duo lies the industrial landscape of Trbovlje — the choreographer’s hometown. For nearly three decades, this former mining town with a 200-year history has deeply shaped the sensibility of the two artists and has become their “natural Hollywood”: a raw environment of mines, chimneys, concrete, and abandoned structures with a powerful visual character.

These are not simply “dance moments captured on film.” Rather, the film itself begins to dance, while the dance is refracted through imagery like a visual-musical orchestration — closer to a choreographed installation than a conventional genre work. That is why their films may include dialogue, silence, or the rough presence of voices, yet still remain unmistakably choreographic in the way they shape and recreate time.

The film program includes:

Vertigo Bird (1997)
Dom Svobode (2000)
What Are You Going to Do When You Get Out of Here? (2005)
Vašhava (2014)
The Last White Bisons — the newest project of En–Knap Dance Company

Stage360 is En–Knap’s expanded and innovative stage format that explores moving contemporary dance and movement beyond the traditional stage. Filmed with a 360° camera placed at the very center of the action and viewed through a VR headset, the selected works invite the viewer inside the performance — closer to the performers than ever before.

Here, the viewer’s gaze is completely free. Without a fixed frame, each audience member becomes the director of their own experience, choosing what to watch and where to focus within the 360° sphere.

The events are organized by the Informbureau Association Foundation and funded by the European Union – NextGenerationEU under project No. BG RRP 11.024-0017 “From Movement to Image: Dance Films and VR Art with En–Knap – Slovenia”, part of procedure BG RRP 11.024 “Presentation of Contemporary European Productions from the Cultural and Creative Industries to Bulgarian Audiences.”

Dancing Histor(Y)ies 2026 | March with us: from Italian festivals to global discussions

Atanas Maev — Mon, 16 Mar 2026 08:00:00 +0000

March is shaping up to be a bit of a whirlwind—the good kind! We have a packed calendar featuring on-site workshops in Italy, scientific exchanges in Poland, and a deep dive into accessibility online. Whether you’re a cultural operator, a researcher, or just someone who believes art can breathe new life into ancient stones, there’s a spot for you. Here’s where you can find the Dancing Histor(y)ies project this month.

IT – Foligno: CREA Cultura Festival
Dates: 18–19 March 2026
Location: Foligno, Italy
We’re heading to the heart of Umbria to get hands-on with cultural heritage. We aren’t just showing up; we’re bringing two distinct ways to engage:
The Workshop: we’ll be diving into our Peer-to-Peer (P2P) methodology. Participants will work in groups on real-world case studies from incredible sites like Nora, Su Nuraxi (Barumini), and Viminacium. The goal? Exploring how to activate these spaces through environmental sustainability and social inclusion.
The Stand: drop by our project stand to explore the Dancing Histor(y)ies (DH) Model. We’ll have visual materials and videos from our past festivals to show exactly how performing arts can transform community engagement.

Explore the Event Page

PL – Poznań: Society, Education, and Culture
Dates: 19–20 March 2026
Location: Poznań, Poland
In coordination with our partners at the Polish Dance Theater, we are taking the conversation to the academic stage. We will be presenting at the 1st International Interdisciplinary Scientific Conference: “Society, education and culture in turbulent times.”
This is a vital space for researchers and practitioners to discuss how culture can navigate the transformations of our modern world. If you’re interested in the intersection of social change and the arts, this is the place to be.

View Conference Details

💻 Online: Culture Action Europe lunchtime session
Date: 30 March 2026
Time: 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM (CET)
Grab your lunch and join us from wherever you are! We’re partnering with Culture Action Europe for a café session focused on inclusion and accessibility in the cultural sector.
This isn’t just a webinar to “watch”—it’s a discussion to join. We want to hear your perspectives on how we can make the cultural sector more open and accessible to everyone.
Join the conversation: Your voice matters in shaping a more inclusive cultural landscape.

Register via Zoom Here

We look forward to seeing you—either in person or through a screen—to keep dancing through history together!

Warmly,

The Dancing Histor(y)ies Comm Team

Keep following us and don’t forget to subscribe to DH’s official newsletter by filling out the form on www.dancinghistoryies.org

DATA MANAGEMENT

Dancing Histories project is implemented with the financial support of Creative Europe and the National Culture Fund.

Kazanlak Welcomes the Premiere of the Visual Dance Performance “Scent of Violets” by Derida Dance Company and a Special Visual Mapping on the Facade of the Art Gallery

Atanas Maev — Mon, 16 Mar 2026 06:00:00 +0000

On March 20 and 21, 2026, the Kazanlak Art Gallery will host two events combining contemporary dance, visual technologies, and electronic music.

The program begins on March 20 at 7:30 PM with a special urban event—an architectural visual mapping and open-air DJ set, followed by the premiere of the visual dance performance “Scent of Violets” by Derida Dance Company on March 21 at 7:30 PM inside the gallery space.
Admission to both events is free.

The events are organized by Derida Dance Company in partnership with the Kazanlak Art Gallery and are part of the project “Whisper from the Past,” which explores the connections between Bulgarian cultural heritage and contemporary performing arts.

March 20: Visual Mapping and DJ Set on the Gallery Facade

On the eve of the premiere, the facade of the Kazanlak Art Gallery will transform into a dynamic visual canvas through architectural mapping created by Yana Melamed.

The visual projections will use motifs and digital textures inspired by the artistic world of the performance “Scent of Violets” and by the work of artist Ivan Milev, whose 1925 artwork serves as the starting point for the stage project.

The event will be complemented by a DJ set by composer and electronic musician Ivan Shopov, who also composed the music for the performance itself.

In this way, architecture, light, and sound will form an immersive urban experience, turning the space in front of the gallery into a stage where the public meets contemporary art and digital culture.

March 21: Premiere of the Performance “Scent of Violets”

On March 21 at 7:30 PM, the Kazanlak Art Gallery will host the premiere of the new visual dance performance “Scent of Violets” by Derida Dance Company.

The performance is inspired by the iconic 1925 painting “Ahinora” by Ivan Milev, created based on a text by writer and artist Nikolay Raynov—a mythical narrative about Queen Ahinora.

These two significant figures of Bulgarian culture from the first half of the 20th century remain relatively little known both in Bulgaria and internationally.

Drawing on the meeting between literature and visual art, the performance raises questions about belonging, ideals, and the space of love, explored through the female figure as an embodiment of strength beyond physical power and a readiness for devotion in the name of love and a greater cause.

“Scent of Violets” combines contemporary dance, sound, and a digital visual environment created with new technologies.
Part of the stage design includes digitized textures from Ivan Milev’s painting, which shape the light environment of the performance.

Starting from the local cultural and historical context, the performance opens these themes toward the broader horizon of the contemporary world, seeking their meaning here and now.

Creative Team

Concept and Choreography: Zhivko Zhelyazkov
Dancers: Vyara Bolgradova, Ivona Mashova, Kalina Valchanova, Simona Todorova
Consultant: Dr. Plamen V. Petrov
Visual Environment: Yana Melamed
Music: Ivan Shopov
Voice: Snezhina Petrova
Costumes: Raya Lachezarova
Technical Implementation: Hristo Milev, Bogdan DimitrovTechnical Team of Kazanlak Art Gallery:
Dr. Lyuben Malchev, Katya Hristova, Alexandra Angelova, Joanna Bradshaw, Martina Ivanova
Photographer: Georgi Sharov
Graphic Design: Bistra Grigorova, Izabel Mitkova
Producers: Atanas Maev, Mira Georgieva

About the Project

As part of the project, a VR recording of the performance will also be created and presented to vulnerable communities in four neighborhoods of Sofia: Filipovtsi, Fakulteta, Ovcha Kupel, and Voenna Rampa.

The performance “Scent of Violets” is produced within the project “Whisper from the Past” by Derida Dance Ltd. in partnership with the Kazanlak Art Gallery and with the financial support of the European Union – NextGenerationEU under contract № BG-RRP-11.020-0114.

Invitation to the Final Event of the Project“Dancing Histor(Y)ies” / “Dancing Histories”

Atanas Maev — Thu, 12 Mar 2026 01:25:08 +0000

We are pleased to invite you to the final event presenting the results of the three-year international European project “Dancing Histor(Y)ies” (“Dancing Histories”), implemented by Derida Company and its partners.

The event will take place on March 30, 2026, at 5:00 PM at Derida Stage (32 Tsar Samuil St., Sofia).

During the meeting, we will present the working model developed within the project, which combines contemporary dance, cultural and historical heritage, and collaboration with local communities through the creation of site-specific performances in significant historical spaces. We will share our experience from the processes of research, creation, and international collaboration, as well as the main results and lessons learned from the three years of work on the project.

The event will conclude with a screening of video recordings featuring excerpts from the site-specific performances created by Derida Company within the framework of the project “Dancing Histories.”

We would be delighted for you to join us as our guests and to celebrate together the conclusion of this inspiring creative and research process.

Location: DERIDA Stage
Date: March 30, 2026
Time: 5:00 PM
Admission: Free

The project “Dancing Histories” is funded by the EU Creative Europe Programme and the National Culture Fund.

“Whisper from the Past” Comes to Life: Derida Company’s Second Visit and Premiere Date Announced for “Scent of Violets” in Kazanlak

Atanas Maev — Tue, 03 Mar 2026 23:06:58 +0000

The project “Whisper from the Past” by Derida Company has entered its decisive technical phase. After our first trip in January, which was dedicated to finalizing research activities and immersing ourselves in the cultural heritage of Kazanlak, our second visit (February 20–23, 2026) laid the foundations for the physical development of the performance and the finalization of plans for its long-awaited presentation.

We are excited to announce that the premiere of “Scent of Violets” will take place on March 21 at 7:30 PM at the Art Gallery – Kazanlak. Admission to the event is free, and we warmly invite the residents and guests of the city to experience this innovative dialogue between past and present.

As a special gift to the audience, on the evenings just before the premiere, the facade of the gallery will come alive through a large-scale video mapping. The light installation will transform the building’s architecture and offer a glimpse into the visual worlds the performance will reveal.

A key focus during our second mission was the work of our visual artist, Yana Melamed. She conducted a series of measurements and projector tests to ensure unprecedented image quality and is currently developing the visual environment of the performance.

Working meetings with Dr. Plamen Petrov, Director of the Art Gallery – Kazanlak, and the gallery team were essential in finalizing the technical rider of the production. Alongside the technical preparations, we also completed our PR strategy to ensure that “Scent of Violets” reaches the widest possible audience.

The project “Whisper from the Past” is implemented by “Derida Dance” Ltd. in partnership with the Art Gallery – Kazanlak with the financial support of the European Union – NextGenerationEU under Contract No. BG-RRP-11.020-0114. The sole responsibility for the content of this text lies with “Derida Dance” Ltd. Under no circumstances can it be regarded as reflecting the official position of the European Union and/or the National Culture Fund.