Creative Dance Theatre
Creative Dance Theatre, 4027 Avati Dr, San Diego, CA 92117
About
Creative Dance Theatre offers dance lessons that include creative movement, creative ballet, ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, modern dance, contemporary dance, pointe, international folk dances, yoga, and children’s yoga. Classes include options such as combo classes like ballet/tap or tap/jazz, Creative Ballet classes for 3–5 year olds that combine basic ballet technique with creative activities, and classes starting at 18 months that explore movement, music, and fun for child and parent. The program also offers TOPs and Jr. TOPs invite-only performing groups that meet twice weekly.
• Ages: 1–18 years old
• Schedule: Class options Monday–Saturday, generally between late morning and evening hours
Creative Dance Theatre was founded in 1958 by Helen Hithersay and was known from 1960 to 1969 as the “Clairemont Community Dance Workshop,” which then grew a performing troupe called “San Diego Children’s Repertory Dance Theatre.” In 1974, Hithersay retired and the studio was turned over to four of her teen students; in 1989, one of those students, Faye, moved to Washington and Laura Roach bought the studio and shortened the name to “Creative Dance Theatre.” In January 2021, Laura Roach retired and Erika Madero bought the studio, and the studio ownership has passed from teacher to student over generations.
The leadership team includes Erika Madero as Owner and Director of CDT, Alexa Lopez Plush as TOPs Director, Erin Kracht as Jr. TOPs Director, and Becky Jonestrask as Office Manager. Staff credentials include Alexa Lopez Plush, who graduated from San Diego State University with a B.F.A. in Dance and from San Diego City College in 2018 with a double Associates Degree in Dance and Business Administration & Management; Erin Kracht, who graduated summa cum laude from San José State University with a BFA in Dance, was granted the Virginia Ann Excellence in Dance Scholarship, and is certified to teach Progressing Ballet Technique; Ranier Martinez, who is pursuing a BFA in Dance at San Diego State University; and Sarah DeGuzman, who received her BA in Human Development from the University of California San Diego and earned a “Kidding Around Yoga” children’s yoga certification in 2022.
According to its mission statement, Creative Dance Theatre believes that dance is a living art passed down through generations and honors its roots by teaching folk dances from different cultures and preserving studio traditions as it has passed from teacher to student. The program does not participate in competitions and states that it provides an intentional environment where children can be comfortable expressing themselves and communicating their emotions through movement and dance. The mission statement also says that students develop self-confidence, dance technique, self-awareness, leadership qualities, and coordination while having fun and feeling successful, and that the program is developmentally appropriate and allows dancers to experience a variety of dance forms.
Creative Dance Theatre teaches international folk dances to the San Diego community, and its Performing Groups classes appear at multiple community venues per year, including street fairs, retirement homes, an annual Winter Showcase and Recital, and Disneyland.
Last updated June 20, 2026.
• Ages: 1–18 years old
• Schedule: Class options Monday–Saturday, generally between late morning and evening hours
Creative Dance Theatre was founded in 1958 by Helen Hithersay and was known from 1960 to 1969 as the “Clairemont Community Dance Workshop,” which then grew a performing troupe called “San Diego Children’s Repertory Dance Theatre.” In 1974, Hithersay retired and the studio was turned over to four of her teen students; in 1989, one of those students, Faye, moved to Washington and Laura Roach bought the studio and shortened the name to “Creative Dance Theatre.” In January 2021, Laura Roach retired and Erika Madero bought the studio, and the studio ownership has passed from teacher to student over generations.
The leadership team includes Erika Madero as Owner and Director of CDT, Alexa Lopez Plush as TOPs Director, Erin Kracht as Jr. TOPs Director, and Becky Jonestrask as Office Manager. Staff credentials include Alexa Lopez Plush, who graduated from San Diego State University with a B.F.A. in Dance and from San Diego City College in 2018 with a double Associates Degree in Dance and Business Administration & Management; Erin Kracht, who graduated summa cum laude from San José State University with a BFA in Dance, was granted the Virginia Ann Excellence in Dance Scholarship, and is certified to teach Progressing Ballet Technique; Ranier Martinez, who is pursuing a BFA in Dance at San Diego State University; and Sarah DeGuzman, who received her BA in Human Development from the University of California San Diego and earned a “Kidding Around Yoga” children’s yoga certification in 2022.
According to its mission statement, Creative Dance Theatre believes that dance is a living art passed down through generations and honors its roots by teaching folk dances from different cultures and preserving studio traditions as it has passed from teacher to student. The program does not participate in competitions and states that it provides an intentional environment where children can be comfortable expressing themselves and communicating their emotions through movement and dance. The mission statement also says that students develop self-confidence, dance technique, self-awareness, leadership qualities, and coordination while having fun and feeling successful, and that the program is developmentally appropriate and allows dancers to experience a variety of dance forms.
Creative Dance Theatre teaches international folk dances to the San Diego community, and its Performing Groups classes appear at multiple community venues per year, including street fairs, retirement homes, an annual Winter Showcase and Recital, and Disneyland.
Last updated June 20, 2026.
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