Daily Inspiration: Meet Maryna Moisieieva

Today we’d like to introduce you to Maryna Moisieieva.

Maryna, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
In March 2022, I moved to Los Angeles straight from the war in Ukraine. It was rough and challenging at first, but three years later, I’m proud to say I’ve performed with Will Smith at the CONCACAF 2025 event at SoFi Stadium and choreographed and performed for Ukrainian superstar Tina Karol in Los Angeles and Chicago. These past few years have been intense and full of hard work, but I’m truly happy with the results.

Looking back, I see how much I’ve accomplished in such a short time. Even the basics — speaking fluent English, building a credit score, leasing an apartment or a car — were completely new to me when I moved here. For locals it might seem normal, but for someone who started from zero in a new country, those things are a big deal.

From there, I grew into being part of the U.S. entertainment industry and sharing my artistry: I am signed with one of the top dance agencies, Bloc LA, booked a seven-month contract for a feature project in Atlanta, performed with Will Smith and Marques Houston, and choreographed for artists like Tina Karol, Lele Rose, and Julia Barabanova, teaching in one of the biggest LA dance hubs – Eighty Eight Studios.

All of this happened because I never stopped believing in myself and kept showing up, no matter what. Hard work and consistency really do pay off.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The entertainment industry isn’t easy anywhere, but in Los Angeles it’s on another level. The competition here is huge — some of the most talented people in the world are in one city, all chasing their dreams.

I think, the first challenge is finding your people — the ones you can trust and grow with. It doesn’t happen right away; you go through losses, disappointments, and misunderstandings before you build that circle. But once you find your team, everything changes. You have people to rely on, to share ideas with, to plan, discuss, and support each other. That’s something I value deeply — my people keep me grounded and honest. And I can share my wins and mistakes with them.

The second challenge is financial stability. Los Angeles is one of the most expensive cities in the world. For artists, it’s not always easy to cover all the bills here while staying creative and focused on your craft. It takes time to build a system that allows both — to live comfortably and keep working in the industry. I think over these three years I’ve built a pretty good balance that lets me move forward in Los Angeles with confidence and peace of mind.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m a choreographer, dancer, and movement director originally from Ukraine, now based in Los Angeles. I love shaping movement that highlights the performer, elevates the music, and makes the performance feel alive.

I started my career in Ukraine, working with one of the country’s biggest artists, MONATIK, and spent years touring internationally, performing in shows, and live productions. I also founded DIVAS PLACE, my own dance studio in Kyiv, and created two large-scale productions called Dance DIVAS Shows, where I directed, choreographed, and produced full theatrical dance performances. Those projects were a big part of building my creative identity.

After moving to Los Angeles, I continued growing in the U.S. industry — signing with Bloc LA, performing with Will Smith at CONCACAF 2025 at SoFi Stadium, and choreographing for artists like Tina Karol, Lele Rose, and Julia Barabanova. I’m proud that in just three years here, I’ve managed to bring my European stage experience into the American entertainment world.

What sets me apart is the way I show up: a unique look, powerful dancing, and a work ethic built on loyalty, honesty, and professionalism. I bring creativity, intention, and consistency into every project — whether I’m choreographing, directing movement, or supporting an artist.

Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
For me, the biggest risk I’ve ever taken was moving to Los Angeles. I left behind everything familiar — my career, my community, my life in Ukraine — to start completely from scratch in a city where nothing is guaranteed. It’s been intense: I’ve celebrated huge highs and faced tough, humbling lows.

I don’t know yet if it’s “worth it” in the traditional sense, but the experience itself has been priceless. It’s pushed me to grow, trust myself, and stay committed even when the outcome is uncertain. To me, risk isn’t about doing something reckless — it’s about stepping forward anyway, embracing the unknown, and letting it shape who you are.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://instagram.com/divamarinka
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maryna.moiseeva
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maryna-moisieieva-39a605381
• Youtube: https://youtu.be/JiUHiqiat9Y
• Other: https://waylight.me/divamarinka/tip/1a8a7-4cc5e

Image Credits
Beige outfit – Lindsay Rosenberg
Teaching in the studio – Aldaleo Photography
Stage photos – Dima Otvertchenko
Blond hair – Nneoma Ajiwe