Director & Teachers
Hello, everyone! Welcome to CBT! Our mission is to inspire a profound love of ballet that empowers children and students to reach their full potential. Dance serves as a transformative tool for self-expression, communication, and connection. By fostering a supportive and inclusive community, I am dedicated to helping students discover their unique talents, build confidence, and grow both as dancers and individuals. Through our shared passion for dance, we are creating a vibrant and diverse community that honors culture and creativity. I am genuinely grateful for the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of my students with all of you.
Artistic Director/Instructor
Kotomi Matsuda has performed with internationally recognized companies and masters from the Vaganova Ballet Academy and the New York City Ballet. She has also danced with the Ajkun Ballet Theatre and performed in Europe and on the East Coast.
Education & Certification
- State of California Commission on Teacher Credential Permit. Child Development. CA.gov (2021)
- Certified American Red Cross – Adult, Child, and Infant First Aid/CPR/AED
- Film Diploma, University of Copenhagen
- Fine Arts, Bachelor of Arts, and Minor in Dance, California State University of Long Beach
- French, Associate of Arts degree, El Camino College (Literature – postgraduate program)
- Apprenticeship under Diane Ratley, a distinguished member of the Royal Academy of Ballet.
- Teacher certification, Kamaletdinov Vaganova Ballet
- Many of her students have been accepted into prestigious institutions, including the Vaganova Academy, the School of American Ballet Theatre, U.C.L.A., U.C. Berkeley, Notre Dame, the University of Pennsylvania, Duke University, Boston University, the University of Utah, Performing Arts Companies, and academies. Students aged 9 – teens have won ballet competitions and received first place. High school students have taken on leadership roles in both artistic and academic programs.
- Her mission is to preserve and pass on the legacy of classical ballet and the performing arts and inspire children and dancers to dance from their hearts.
How does our training benefit students?
At CBT, we specialize in helping students build core strength, emotional resilience, and their individual talents.
Grounded in an art-therapeutic, well-being–focused approach—supported by hands-on training and dedicated guidance—our methodology helps students make meaningful progress in their physical abilities, academic achievement, and artistic development.
Through classical ballet technique and rhythmic ribbon dance, students develop musicality, coordination, and grace. Ultimately, we nurture originality and help each student feel proud of their unique gifts.
We especially welcome students who:
• Love to dance.
• Want to learn classical ballet technique and dance to beautiful classical music.
• Have studied ballet and are eager to dance en pointe in theaters.
• Find ballet challenging but still want to perform and express their inspirations.
• Aspire to become outstanding dancers and joyfully entertain audiences.
• Want to excel in figure skating, team sports, gymnastics, theater, talent shows, or school leadership.
Because our instruction is tailored to each student’s needs and goals—and we keep each class small—every dancer receives focused, individual attention and improves steadily.
Join us and experience what the power of the arts can do for you!
We also make new classes upon request. Please let us know.
Email: CBTcontactLA@gmail.com