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 my students’ lives 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

• 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)
• Studio Arts, Associate of Arts degree, El Camino College (Abstract Oil Painting)
• Apprenticeship with Diane Ratley, distinguished member of the Royal Ballet Academy, England.
• Film Diploma, University of Copenhagen
• State of California Commission on Teacher Asst Credential Permit. Child Development. CA.gov (2021)
• Certified American Red Cross – Adult, Child, and Infant First Aid/CPR/AED
• 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. High school students have won ballet competitions and taken on leadership roles in both artistic and academic programs.
• Since 2021, Classica Ballet Theatre has become CBT Academy, a nurturing and progressive place for children and teens to learn ballet, explore educational programs, and develop their artistic talents. CBT Academy encourages every student to grow at their own pace, fostering confidence, creativity, and a love for dance. Each year, CBT Academy hosts a charity performance that brings together local and professional entertainers to support the community.
• The premiere of GingerBread House was a celebrated success at Palos Verdes Performing Arts and the Rosalie Alvas Showroom in Los Angeles, launching a series of impactful community events.

• Originally, Classical Ballet Theatre was founded through the efforts of
  Ballet Master Kamaletdinov, a dedicated group of ballet students and dancers from across the country, and an enthusiastic community of college students, their parents, and performing artists. This diverse team also included child psychologists with doctorates in early childhood development, whose expertise helped to shape an educational philosophy that is holistic, inclusive, and dedicated to empowering and enriching generations to come.

Phone: (310) 292-8709