Spirit of the Dance Ukrainian Folk Ballet is an evolving, Maryland-based Ukrainian dance company dedicated to presenting Ukrainian choreographic art with clarity, vitality, and respect for tradition.
Founded by choreographer Roman Mykyta, the ensemble grew from years of independent creative projects and collaborative performances centered on his original choreography. Over time, these works developed into a curated repertoire and, in recent years, a formally established ensemble performing throughout the Mid-Atlantic region.
Bringing together dancers of varied backgrounds, Spirit of the Dance shapes traditional and literary source material into original choreography that encompasses regional folk dances, choreographic miniatures, and narrative stage works rooted in Ukrainian history, poetry, and cultural memory.
Honoring heritage while engaging contemporary audiences, the ensemble presents Ukrainian culture as a living, evolving art form—disciplined in craft, expressive in character, and grounded in story.
Photo: Jan Exler
Photo: Jan Exler
Upcoming Performances
Mayfair NPDC Moon Festival (Mid-Autumn Festival)
Frankford & Cottman, Philadelphia, PA | Oct 04
Spirit of the Dance makes its debut at the Mayfair Moon Festival, joining this celebration of Asian culture at the invitation of the Northeast Philadelphia Development Corporation following the ensemble’s performance at Tryzub.
St Matthew Multicultural Festival
Orthodox Church of St Matthew, Columbia, MD | Oct 04
Spirit of the Dance makes its debut at the St. Matthew Multicultural Festival, celebrating the richness and diversity of world cultures while showcasing Ukrainian choreographic art.
United with Ukraine Fundraiser
Port of Leonardtown Park, Leonardtown, MD | May 15
Spirit of the Dance is honored to join the Energy Impact Foundation’s United with Ukraine fundraiser, supporting its work with United Help Ukraine to bring reliable solar power and clean-water infrastructure to rural communities across Ukraine.
Friends of the Dance
Друзі Танцю (Druzi Tantsyu)
Through their annual commitment, Friends of the Dance help sustain rehearsal, costume care, travel, and new choreographic work while supporting Spirit of the Dance’s mission to present Ukrainian culture as a living, evolving art form.
The dancers carry the work forward.
The Друзі Танцю make that work possible.