About

Classical Ballet Theatre (C.B.T.) is a premier school of ballet in Torrace based out of Palos Verdes, Rolling Hills Estates and Los Angeles, performing arts program and company, composed of young girls who learn classical ballet and perform in spectacular productions.

Mission

We are committed to provide students positive learning experiences in discipline and supportive environment, motivate dancers to achieve personal and professional goals, develop new talents, present classical ballet tradition and performances and enrich the community.

 

Founder of C.B.T. & Chief Instructor: Kotomi Matsuda

Kotomi is a graduate of California State University of Long Beach with a B.A. in Fine Arts and a minor in dance. She has performed with internationally renown ballet companies and ballet masters from Moscow City Ballet, Vaganova Ballet Academy and New York City Ballet. Kotomi was directly trained by Mansur Kamaletdinov, Artistic Director of Bolshoi Ballet and Alla Khaniashvili, Prima Ballerina of Bolshoi Ballet Academy. She has performed with New York Ajkun Ballet Theatre and toured east coast since 2003.

Kotomi has taught classical ballet, rhythmic ribbon and baton flag dance to students of Palos Verdes and South Bay for 15 years. She has produced more than 100 successful ballet performances and films in Los Angeles and New York.

Many of Kotomi's students have achieved recognized careers as dancers and professionals. Her students have been accepted by Russian Vaganova Ballet Academy, school of American Ballet Theatre, Kirov Ballet Academy, Alvin Ailey, American Dance Theater, U.C.L.A., Boston University, New York University, California State University, Performing Arts Company and other prestigious venues.

Her mission is to preserve and pass on legacy of Classical Ballet and performing arts, inspire young dancers achieve personal & professional goals and discover new talents for lifelong success.

Awards

In 1985 Kotomi performed at California State University Dance Festivals staged by Van Duzer Theatre of Humbolt State University and awarded by a principle dancer of American Ballet Theatre, Gretchen Warren, who was working closely with Mikhail Baryshnikov in the recruitment and training of young dancers from across the country. Kotomi performed in Disney Land Parade as a Special Baton Flag Twirler. She performed at world largest Star Alliance's Celebrations and won a gold medal in both 1998 and 1999.

Instructors

Jan Kain, PhD

Jan was trained at George Balanchine's New York City Ballet and performed with the company. She holds a PhD in public health, is a registered nurse R.N. and also teaches pilate for injury prevention and recovery.

Judy Hwang ~ Assistant to Director for Master Ballet Workshop

Judy recently graduated with honors from University of Southern California. Judy studied at ballet schools in Orange County and performed in classical productions. She has taught, shared her love of dance with children and young dancers in the south bay.

Steve's DeGuzman ~ Principle Dancer & Back Stage Assistant to Director

Steve graduated from Bishop Montgomery High School in 2004 and is currently attending University of Southern California and majoring School of Cinema-Television. Learning ballet from Classical Ballet Theatre is an exciting challenge that reminds Steve that dance is not simply physical movement, but inner grace.