Dancing Through the Chill: Ukraine’s Resilience in the Face of Adversity
A Winter Scene in Kyiv
On a cold Saturday afternoon, the soccer turf at Urban Sport City in the center of Kyiv is blanketed in frost, surrounded by snowdrifts. The temperature hovers at a biting -12°C. Despite the frigid conditions, the sun occasionally breaks through hazy clouds, offering a glimmer of warmth—symbolic perhaps of the resilience of the people who inhabit this city. Here, beneath layers of winter clothing, Dmytro “Dima” Kholod stands in a striking dark red puffer jacket, but his purpose today is not to play soccer. Rather, he is set to energize a community through music and dance.
The Birth of “Supportive Parties”
Known in the music scene as DJ Dave Kold, Kholod has initiated what he calls “supportive parties.” As Ukraine grapples with a prolonged war that has changed lives and landscapes, Kholod organizes these gatherings to uplift spirits, foster community connection, and withstand the cold—both climatically and emotionally. “We can’t be in a state of suffering all the time,” he asserts. “It leads to depression, and we know that depression is a reason why people die.”
In Kyiv, such neighborhood gatherings have become a lifeline for residents dealing with not just the winter chill but also frequent power outages and heating issues exacerbated by Russian assaults on the country’s energy infrastructure.
Coping Through Community
Ukrainians have a deeply rooted cultural instinct to come together during difficult times. As Ganna Gladkykh, now residing in Stockholm, notes, “There is a culture of gathering around some misery and doing something altogether.” These interactions create a shared sense of hope and unity, a necessary counterbalance to the bleakness and uncertainty of life under siege.
The Context of War
The backdrop to these supportive parties is a grim reality: since February 2022, Russia has waged the largest and most lethal war in Europe since World War II. The ongoing conflict has resulted in an estimated 2 million casualties by early 2026, with Ukraine’s energy infrastructure repeatedly targeted. The country’s power generation capacity plummeted from 38 gigawatts to a staggering 11 gigawatts, leaving millions without consistent heat, water, or electrical services during harsh winter months.
Inventive Escapes: Block Parties and Barbeques
Amidst these hardships, spontaneous events have sprung up throughout Kyiv. Block parties and barbeques, often forming organically, allow neighbors to gather and create warmth both physically and emotionally through shared experiences. Kholod’s initial foray into DJing stemmed from a small get-together with friends during an extended blackout, and what was supposed to be an intimate affair transformed into a vibrant gathering of around 150 people, energizing a community in the grip of winter and war.
Norwegian expatriate Melissa Søvik, who attended one of Kholod’s parties, captured the essence of these gatherings. “Without electricity and heat, there’s not much to do in your apartment. So, why not be outside? Enjoy the time with others and get some heat in your body by dancing,” she explains.
Magic on the Ice
Dmytro Chubakov, also known as DJ Mr. DiVibe, shared a similar story of camaraderie and resilience. On January 24, 2026, a planned gathering at the frozen Kyiv Reservoir turned into a celebrated event, bringing together around 500 people. They danced hand in hand, wrapped in winter gear, in defiance of the bitter cold. Chubakov describes that day as “magical,” a testament to the power of music and community spirit to uplift even during dire circumstances.
Turn Up the Music, Turn Down the Cold
Kholod’s supportive parties at Urban Sport City incorporate a lively atmosphere where attendees can gather, enjoy hot tea, and dance. His eclectic DJ set includes electric dance music, tech house, and drum and bass, ensuring that both children in colorful winter suits and adults join in the dance—a shared release of stress and an assertion of joy amidst adversity.
Despite facing logistical hurdles, such as obtaining necessary permits and managing costs, Kholod believes in the importance of his mission. He emphasizes that maintaining mental well-being is paramount, declaring, “We need to stay strong, stay together, and these events help us to stick together.”
Reimagining Traditions and Resilience
Kholod is not alone in this endeavor; across the nation, individuals have utilized music as a tool for coping amid the chaos of war. The summer following the invasion saw the rise of “clean up raves,” where people gathered to restore occupied areas while dancing to pulsating techno beats.
In addition, various concerts and club nights have been held, often before the imposed 11 p.m. curfew, blending the joy of dance with fundraising efforts for the Ukrainian military. As the country moves through its turmoil, a renewed sense of creativity flourishes, with musicians shifting from Russian to Ukrainian tracks and celebrating local heritage.
The Power of Music as a Coping Mechanism
The act of gathering to dance during such tumult is not mere escapism; it aligns with psychological concepts like terror management theory. When faced with existential threats, engaging in meaningful experiences—like music and dance—can help individuals maintain their emotional stability and challenge negative feelings.
Historian Christina L. Baade highlights how music has often served as a vehicle for resilience in troubled times, like during World War II when the BBC broadcasted dance music to lift morale. In Gaza, similar uplifting acts have emerged against oppressive conditions, underscoring the universal need for human connection through the arts.
An Anthem of Unity
Among the tracks that resonate deeply for Kholod and many others is ‘Love Tonight’ by the duo Shouse. Originally a 2017 release, this song found new life as a COVID-19 anthem and has since evolved into a symbol of unity amidst chaos for many Ukrainians. Its message of collective support and love offers solace, making it an unofficial anthem of resistance amid hardship.
As Kholod reflects on the challenges faced by the people of Ukraine, he imagines tweaking the lyrics for his times: “All I need is love, heat, and electricity.” His commitment to the vibrant spirit of the community shines through even in the darkest of winters, suggesting that warmth can be found not only in physical heat but also in the shared bonds of humanity during challenging times.
