Elena Kozhemyachenko —

Elena's career as a professional dancer and teacher has spanned 34 years, in Siberia, China and Australia.

Elena graduated from the Buryat State Choreographic College with a Diploma as a Professional Ballet Dancer, then spent 18 years at the Buryat Academy State Theatre Opera and Ballet, performing in many of the Classical ballets, as the Principal or second Soloist. Concurrent with a career as a professional ballet dancer, Elena started to teach, first as an assistant, then as an independent teacher of Classical dance.

An invitation from a Ballet School in Shenyang China to implement a Russian Ballet Programme started Elena on 10 year part time involvement with teaching in China. When an opportunity arose to study teaching disciplines at the Vaganova Academy of Russian Ballet, she enrolled and completed a Course in Professional Instruction. Finally she also graduated from the East-Siberian State Academy of Culture and Art as a "teacher–choreographer”.

Concurrent with teaching in China, Elena still managed classes at the Ulan –Ude Choreographic College, again covering Classical, Folk, National and historical dance regimens.    

Throughout her career as a teacher, Elena has prepared many students for both International and Domestic Ballet Competitions in Russia and China.