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Performances

2026 Season - Continuum: Ukrainian Dance in Motion

The 2026 season of Spirit of the Dance unfolds as a continuum—where literature, folklore, history, and contemporary artistic voice meet in motion. Drawing inspiration from the poetic imagination of Lesia Ukrainka, Taras Shevchenko, and Mykola Hohol (Nikolai Gogol), from the lineage of Ukrainian classical folk tradition, and from new collaborative works shaped in dialogue with artists from Ukraine, this season reflects both memory and emergence.​

Jessica McElvaney Le, Spirit of the Dance artist in traditional Ukrainian costume

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Through a curated repertory of premieres and established works, Spirit of the Dance explores the mythic, lyrical, and human dimensions of Ukrainian culture. Each work is carefully researched and artistically shaped, honoring regional traditions while engaging the expressive possibilities of the stage.

 

​Rooted in deep respect for Ukrainian artistic heritage—yet alive to the present moment—the 2026 season affirms Ukrainian dance as a living art form: resilient, poetic, and continually renewed.

Spirit of the Dance artist, Renee Jaranson as Mavka in Forest Song

Upcoming Performances

Mayfair NPDC Moon Festival (Mid-Autumn)

October 04, 2026

Frankford & Cottman,

Philadelphia, PA 19135

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At the invitation of the Northeast Philadelphia Development Corporation (NPDC), Spirit of the Dance makes its debut at the Mayfair Moon Festival, sharing Ukrainian choreographic art within a celebration of Asian culture and community. The invitation followed the organizers’ introduction to the ensemble at the Tryzub Ukrainian Festival.

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The appearance is part of a special October 4 for Spirit of the Dance, with ensemble artists performing in both Maryland and Pennsylvania on the same day.

Location and Directions

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St Matthew Multicultural Festival

October 04, 2026

Orthodox Church of St Matthew

7271 Eden Brook Drive, Columbia, MD 21046, USA

 

Spirit of the Dance makes its debut at the St Matthew Multicultural Festival, bringing Ukrainian choreographic art to a celebration of the many cultures and traditions represented throughout the community.

Location and Directions

Festival Schedule & Information

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Location and Directions

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United with Ukraine Fundraiser

May 15, 2027

Port of Leonardtown Park

Leonardtown, MD 20650 

 

Spirit of the Dance is honored to participate in the Energy Impact Foundation’s United with Ukraine fundraiser, supporting a collaborative initiative with United Help Ukraine to bring reliable solar power and clean-water infrastructure to rural communities across Ukraine.

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With solar panels already donated and 12 villages currently in the active project pipeline, funds raised through the event will support equipment transportation and on-the-ground installation. Spirit of the Dance will contribute Ukrainian choreographic art to an afternoon dedicated to strengthening communities in Ukraine through practical, sustainable assistance.

Past Performances

2026

  • Sep 12-13 | Baltimore Ukrainian Festival | St Michael the Archangel Ukrainian Catholic Church, Baltimore MD

  • ​Aug 23 | Ukrainian Folk Festival | Tryzub Ukrainian American Sports Center, Horsham, PA

  • Aug 15-16 | Lehighton Ukrainian Festival with Kazka Ukrainian Folk Ensemble | Ukrainian Homestead of CEC ODWU, Lehighton, PA

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2025

  • Oct 18 | Ukrainian Film Screening Event I Flagship Cinema, Baltimore, MD

  • Sep 27-28 | Baltimore Ukrainian Festival | St Michael the Archangel Ukrainian Catholic Church, Baltimore MD

  • ​Aug 24 | Ukrainian Folk Festival | Tryzub Ukrainian American Sports Center, Horsham, PA

  • Aug 16-17 | Lehighton Ukrainian Festival with Kazka Ukrainian Folk Ensemble | Ukrainian Homestead of CEC ODWU, Lehighton, PA

  • Jun 14 | Patchtown Days with Kazka Ukrainian Folk Ensemble | Eckley Miner's Village Museum, Weatherly, PA

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2024

  • Sep 15 | Washington DC Ukrainian Festival I St Andrew Ukrainian Orthodox Church, Silver Spring, MD

 

2023

  • Aug 19 | Lehighton Ukrainian Festival | Ukrainian Homestead of CEC ODWU, Lehighton, PA

  • Jun 24 | One Journey Festival with Gerdan-Kaleidoscope of World Music | Washington National Cathedral, Washington DC

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2022​

  • Dec 21 | Christmas in Ukraine with Gerdan-Kaleidoscope of World Music | Millennium Stage, Kennedy Center, Washington DC

  • Oct 6-27 | World Arts Festival Residency with Gerdan-Kaleidoscope of World Music | Montgomery College, Rockville, MD

  •  Aug 29 | 81st National Folk Festival with Gerdan-Kaleidoscope of World Music | Salisbury, MD

  • Jun 25 | One Journey Festival with Gerdan-Kaleidoscope of World Music | Washington National Cathedral, Washington DC

  • Mar 25 | Benefit for United Help Ukraine with Gerdan-Kaleidoscope of World Music sponsored by Carpe Diem Arts | Sandy Spring Museum, Olney, MD

  • ​Mar 18 | Benefit for United Help Ukraine with Gerdan-Kaleidoscope of World Music sponsored by Carpe Diem Arts | Historic Avalon Theater, Easton, MD

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2021

  • Aug 21-22 | Lehighton Ukrainian Festival | Ukrainian Homestead of CEC ODWU, Lehighton, PA

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2018

  • May 9 | World Artists Experiences with Gerdan-Kaleidoscope of World Music | Maryland State House, Annapolis, MD

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2017

  • Dec 20-21 | A Carpathian Christmas with Gerdan-Kaleidoscope of World Music | Bryn Mawr Church of Christ, White Oak, PA

  • Dec 17 | A Winter's Eve of Revelry with Gerdan-Kaleidoscope of World Music sponsored by Carpe Diem Arts and St Michael's Community Center | St Michael's Auditorium, St Michael's, MD

  • Aug 19-20 | Lehighton Ukrainian Festival | Ukrainian Homestead of CEC ODWU, Lehighton, PA

  • Jul 22 | ALS Benefit Concert with Kazka Ukrainian Folk Ensemble| Ukrainian Homestead of CEC ODWU, Lehighton, PA

  • Feb 16 | Sarah Barham Senior Piano Recital | Gildenhorn Hall, University of Maryland, College Park, MD

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2015

  • ​​Jan 8 | Soul of Ukraine with Gerdan-Kaleidoscope of World Music sponsored by World Artists Experiences | Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts, Annapolis, MD

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2014

  • Nov 7 | Patronal Feast of Holy Archangels Orthodox Church | Annapolis, MD

  • Aug 24 | Ukrainian Independence Day Celebration with Gerdan-Kaleidoscope of World Music | Holy Trinity Ukrainian Catholic Church, Silver Spring, MD

  • May 4 | Slavic Soul with Sarah and Sam Barham | Friendship Hall, Ginger Cove, Annapolis, MD

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2013

  • Sep 26 | World Artists Experiences Ukraine with Gerdan-Kaleidoscope of World Music | Ukrainian Embassy, Washington DC​

  • Aug 26 | Ukrainian Independence Day Observance with Gerdan-Kaleidoscope of World Music | Metropolia Center of the UOC of the USA, Somerset, NJ

  • Aug 10 | Community Celebration | Ginger Cove, Annapolis, MD​

  • May 25 | Springtime in Ukraine | Friendship Hall, Ginger Cove, Annapolis, MD​

  • Apr 14: Worldplay Traditional Music of the World with Gerdan-Kaleidoscope of World Music | Hill Center at the Old Naval Hospital, Washington DC

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2012

  • Nov 11 I Concert with Gerdan-Kaleidoscope of World Music sponsored by The Washington Group Cultural Fund | The Lyceum, Alexandria VA

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2008

  • Sep 13-14 | Washington Ukrainian Festival | St Andrew Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral, Silver Spring, M​

  • Sep 6-7 | Baltimore Ukrainian Festival | Patterson Park, Baltimore, MD

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