Ukrainian Choreographic Art as an Instrument of Cultural Diplomacy: Traditions and Modern Practices

The purpose of the article is to explore Ukrainian choreographic art as an instrument of cultural diplomacy, to outline its traditional foundations, modern practices and significance in the context of foreign policy challenges, in particular a full-scale war. The main focus is on studying dance art as a means of communicating cultural meanings and forming a positive image of Ukraine at the international level. The research methodology is based on an interdisciplinary approach that combines culturological analysis, a comparative method, elements of art criticism, and case studies of cultural diplomacy practices (state and independent projects). Discourse analysis of academic publications, cultural policy documents and international reviews is also used. The scientific novelty of the article lies in highlighting choreography not only as art, but also as an effective soft power mechanism capable of producing narratives of resistance, resilience and identity during wartime. For the first time, examples of international dance initiatives of Ukraine in the context of cultural diplomacy are systematised and the prospects for their further development are outlined. Conclusions. Ukrainian choreography performs a dual function: preserving the national heritage and actively promoting the modern Ukrainian cultural image in the world. Its integration into diplomatic platforms contributes to the expansion of the influence of Ukrainian culture, the formation of a positive reputation of the country and intercultural dialogue.