Board & Artistic Team. Preserving Tradition, Inspiring the Future
Board Of Directors 2024/25
Artistic Directors
Mariia & Dmytro Bodyan
Honoured Artists of Ukraine and internationally acclaimed former soloists of the P. Virsky National Dance Company, they bring decades of performance, teaching, and choreographic experience to Winnipeg. After relocating to Canada in 2024 with their son, Marko, the Bodyans now lead Rusalka with a vision rooted in resilience, cultural preservation, and artistic excellence—uniting the precision of classical choreography with the power and spirit of Ukrainian folk stage traditions. Their arrival marks an exciting new chapter in Rusalka’s history, honouring the Ensemble’s legacy while inspiring the next generation of Ukrainian dancers in Manitoba and beyond.
“Through dance, we carry Ukraine’s story—its beauty, its sorrow, its strength. Dance is our language of hope.”
— Mariia & Dmytro Bodyan
Virsky Soloists
Performed worldwide as featured soloists with the P. Virsky National Dance Company of Ukraine.
Honoured Artists of Ukraine
National recognition of artistic excellence and cultural leadership.
Community Leadership
Nurturing the next generation of artists in Manitoba.
Kyiv Ballet School
Mariia taught folk-stage and classical dance to emerging professionals.
International Classes
Festivals, workshops, and adjudication across Europe & North America
@danceofukraine
Platform uniting and inspiring Ukrainian dancers globally.
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![Ukrainian dance instructor Dmytro standing in a rehearsal hall, leading youth development at Rusalka’s Ukrainian Dance Camp in Winnipeg]()
Dmytro Bodyan
Sevastopol, Ukraine
Dmytro performed as a soloist with the P. Virsky National Dance Company for over 15 years. Recognized as an Honoured Artist of Ukraine, he has choreographed, adjudicated, and instructed at major festivals and workshops, including Yaskrava Kraina, Hopak Camp, Spirit of Virsky, and Yellow-Blue Heart.
His expertise in Ukrainian folk and classical choreography has inspired dancers of all ages both in Ukraine and Canada. Like Mariia, he most recently taught classical dance at Olympium Gymnastic Club.
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![Ukrainian dance artist Mariia holding a traditional floral wreath, inspiring young dancers at Rusalka’s cultural summer camp in Winnipeg]()
Mariia Bodyan
Kyiv, Ukraine
Mariia spent 18 years as a soloist with the P. Virsky National Dance Company. Alongside her performing career, she taught folk-stage and classical dance at the Kyiv Ballet School, becoming a highly sought-after masterclass instructor across Europe and North America.
She is also the co-founder of @danceofukraine, a platform uniting and inspiring dancers worldwide. Since moving to Canada, Mariia has continued her teaching career in classical choreography at Olympium Gymnastic Club in Toronto before beginning her new chapter with Rusalka.
