Our Team.
Founded in 1993 by Ami Bremer, our studio quickly became nationally recognized for its award-winning clogging program. In 2009, renowned Russian Ballet Master Elena Serykh took the helm, bringing a new vision that blended classical ballet training with well-rounded dance education. This foundation has fueled the success of our highly decorated competition team and shaped the future of our dancers.
Today, Serykh Conservatory of Dance is known for providing a safe, supportive, and inspiring space for students of all ages—whether they dance for fun, personal growth, or professional aspirations. Each year, more than 125 dancers, ages 3 to 70, travel from over 10 communities across Missouri and Arkansas to train in our state-of-the-art studios. Students commit anywhere from one to six days a week, immersing themselves in a variety of programs—from school-year classes and summer intensives to masterclasses with visiting artists, performances, and competitions.
Our commitment to excellence extends beyond the dance floor. We foster discipline, perseverance, and confidence—qualities that help our students shine both on stage and in life. Many of our graduates continue their dance journeys in prestigious university programs, professional companies, or as passionate advocates for the arts. Above all, our mission is to nurture not just talented dancers, but remarkable individuals ready to make their mark on the world.
Owner/Instructor
Elena Serykh
Vadim and Elena Serykh are an award-winning husband-and-wife acrobatic adagio duo, celebrated in both the Soviet Union and Russian Federation. They have performed worldwide, including multiple appearances for the President of Russia at the Kremlin, and have received top honors such as a Presidential Award for contributions to Russian culture and recognition from President George W. Bush. Vadim, a Master of Sport in acrobatics and tumbling, was a Soviet Armed Forces Champion, while Elena began performing at age six before training at the prestigious Russian Academy of Art, Theatre, and Dance. Together, they were the star attraction on the Branson Showboat for a decade before Elena became owner of Premiere Dance Academy (now Serykh Conservatory of Dance). She continues to uphold a standard of excellence, teaching Russian ballet, ballroom, folk, contemporary, and modern dance, and has choreographed for productions including Warner Brothers’ Polar Express, Kenny Rogers’ Toy Shoppe, and Silver Dollar City’s WorldFest.
Owner/Studio Director/Instructor
Mariya Serykh
Mariya Serykh is originally from Moscow, Russia. She made her first professional dance appearance at the young age of 4, on the Showboat Branson Belle. Since then, she has trained with world-class teachers from all over, in every style of dance possible, to eventually become a competitive dancer at Premiere Dance Academy. During her competitive career, she has won numerous National Championships, World Championship, and Choreography Awards, as well as winning the titles of Miss Dance America, Miss Nexstar, and Miss Power of Dance. She was also chosen by the Hollywood Dance Jamz Convention/Competition to become an assistant teacher with their company, traveling around the US. Her professional performances include the Silver Dollar City WorldFest, Cirque Montage, the Toy Shoppe Broadway Musical, the Showboat Branson Belle, the Texas Tenors, and most recently Hamners' Unbelievable Variety Show. Along with her long list of achievements as a dancer, she has been the featured aerialist/acrobat numerous years of her career.
Recreational/Company Instructor
Dasha Ruden
Dasha began her career at the age 6 when she was accepted into The Russian Ballet Youth Academy. When she turned 16, Dasha started dancing professionally with the Russian Traditional Ballet Company. Her amazing talent took her all around the world, getting jobs with major dance companies in China, Italy, and many other parts of Europe. In 2010, she got hired to perform on Princess Cruise lines, which brought her to the United States for the first time. Dasha is proud to call the United States home and has been performing nationwide ever since. Locally, here in Branson, she has performed in several production shows like “The Kirby Van Birch Show” and “The Magic of Rick Thomas.” She was the lead dancer in many shows at the Kings Castle Theatre and currently can be seen at “Legends In Concert.” It’s always been her passion to teach the youth of America.
Tumbling Instructor
Claudine Huenergardt
Claudine grew up in Rock Island, Illinois where she began gymnastics at the age of 5. She advanced to competitive gymnastics at the age of 8 where she trained at Moline Turners in Moline, Illinois. including training with the Arizona Twisters in Phoenix, AZ where she learned Nadia Comaneci dismounts along with intensive training for Junior Olympics. Claudine competed in State competitions, and at the age of 13 placed 5th all-around in the Junior Olympics. She has almost 20 years of experience teaching gymnastics and tumbling as well as numerous experience with many events in the local area with her gymnasts. Her students have opened for theaters, half time shows for NAIA basketball tournaments, pre-show for Acrobats of China, and local competitions. Claudine has always loved the sport of gymnastics and always will.
Receptionist/ Recreational Instructor
Faith Willis
Faith started dancing at the age of 2, starting with the basic Ballet, Tap and Jazz. Once she joined competitive dance she started expanding her knowledge of dance, learning clogging, Irish, aerial silks, contemporary, and pointe. Being part of Serykh Conservatory of Dance, it opened many performing opportunities around Branson. At 14, Faith started performing with Silver Dollar City, The Polar Express, Yakov Smirnoff, Bill Dean and many others. Faith is excited to be back at Serykh Conservatory of Dance. Along with being in the studio, You can find Faith behind the desk!