Images of Ukrainian demonology in folk stage choreography

The purpose of the article is to find out the characteristic features of the use of the images of Ukrainian demonology in the folk-stage choreography of Ukraine. The methodology consists in the application of general scientific methods of theoretical and empirical levels: analysis and generalization of scientific and theoretical bases of research, comparative and logical methods, interview method; also art analysis of choreographic numbers of amateur and professional groups of Ukraine. These methods make it possible to characterize the most common images of Ukrainian demonology and to determine the peculiarities of their use and embodiment in folk-stage choreography. Scientific novelty. For the first time, the article, based on the analysis of choreographic works from the repertoires of amateur and professional groups, highlights the characteristic features of the use of images of Ukrainian demonology in folk-stage dance art. Conclusions. Demonological beliefs of Ukrainians are a kind of synthesis of mythological and religious ideas of the human about the universe and at the same time the embodiment of zest for life and democracy. Demon spirits are endowed with anthropomorphic features, i.e. they usually have a human likeness, and this presupposes the possibility of their use in folk-stage dance art. Choreographers create choreographic works based on their own plot, based on folk beliefs, rituals, and legends, as well as on the motives of literary works, the main characters of which are demonological characters. A stylized folk-stage dance with elements of acrobatics is often used to convey all the versatility and mysticism of mythological images. The use of images of Ukrainian demonology in folk-stage choreography contributes to the popularization of folk choreographic art, as well as increases the interest of modern society in national traditions. Keywords: folk-stage dance; Ukrainian demonology, folk choreographic art.