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, and combo classes such as ballet/tap or tap/jazz. The program also offers Parent & Me classes, yoga, exercise, and summer camp, and adults can take part with drop-in options. Summer Camp and Class 2026 enrollment is listed as open, and the studio has invite-only performing groups called TOPs and Jr TOPs that meet twice weekly and take part in performances such as an annual Winter Showcase and Recital, street fairs, retirement homes, and Disneyland.
• Ages: 1–18 years old
• Schedule: Class options Monday–Saturday during afternoon and evening hours, with morning options on Wednesday and Saturday
Creative Dance Theatre was founded in 1958 by Helen Hithersay, and from 1960 to 1969 it was known as the Clairemont Community Dance Workshop, later growing a performing troupe called San Diego Children’s Repertory Dance Theatre. After Hithersay retired in 1974, Faye directed the studio for 15 years before moving to Washington in 1989, and Laura Roach then guided the studio for 33 years until her retirement in January 2021. Studio ownership has passed from teacher to student over generations.
The leadership team includes Owner and Director Erika Madero, TOPs Director Alexa Lopez Plush, Jr. TOPs Director Erin Kracht, and Office Manager Becky Jonestrask. Alexa graduated from San Diego State University with a B.F.A. in Dance and from San Diego City College in 2018 with a double Associate’s Degree in Dance and Business Administration & Management. Erin 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. Sarah received her BA in Human Development from the University of California San Diego and earned a “Kidding Around Yoga” certification in 2022.
The program states that it believes dance is a living art passed down through generations and that it honors its roots by teaching folk dances from different cultures and preserving studio traditions as it has passed from teacher to student. It states that it does not participate in competitions and that it believes each student has winning attributes and value regardless of individual skill. The program describes providing an intentional environment where children can be comfortable expressing themselves and communicating their emotions through movement and dance, and it states that students develop self-confidence, dance technique, self-awareness, leadership qualities, and coordination while having fun and feeling successful. It also states that it offers a developmentally appropriate program where dancers can experience a variety of dance forms and describes itself as a positive environment where young people are encouraged to explore and develop their creativity through the art of dance.
Creative Dance Theatre performs at multiple community venues per year, including street fairs and retirement homes, and teaches international folk dances to the San Diego community. The program also notes that it does not participate in competitions.
Last updated March 17, 2026.
• Ages: 1–18 years old
• Schedule: Class options Monday–Saturday during afternoon and evening hours, with morning options on Wednesday and Saturday
Creative Dance Theatre was founded in 1958 by Helen Hithersay, and from 1960 to 1969 it was known as the Clairemont Community Dance Workshop, later growing a performing troupe called San Diego Children’s Repertory Dance Theatre. After Hithersay retired in 1974, Faye directed the studio for 15 years before moving to Washington in 1989, and Laura Roach then guided the studio for 33 years until her retirement in January 2021. Studio ownership has passed from teacher to student over generations.
The leadership team includes Owner and Director Erika Madero, TOPs Director Alexa Lopez Plush, Jr. TOPs Director Erin Kracht, and Office Manager Becky Jonestrask. Alexa graduated from San Diego State University with a B.F.A. in Dance and from San Diego City College in 2018 with a double Associate’s Degree in Dance and Business Administration & Management. Erin 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. Sarah received her BA in Human Development from the University of California San Diego and earned a “Kidding Around Yoga” certification in 2022.
The program states that it believes dance is a living art passed down through generations and that it honors its roots by teaching folk dances from different cultures and preserving studio traditions as it has passed from teacher to student. It states that it does not participate in competitions and that it believes each student has winning attributes and value regardless of individual skill. The program describes providing an intentional environment where children can be comfortable expressing themselves and communicating their emotions through movement and dance, and it states that students develop self-confidence, dance technique, self-awareness, leadership qualities, and coordination while having fun and feeling successful. It also states that it offers a developmentally appropriate program where dancers can experience a variety of dance forms and describes itself as a positive environment where young people are encouraged to explore and develop their creativity through the art of dance.
Creative Dance Theatre performs at multiple community venues per year, including street fairs and retirement homes, and teaches international folk dances to the San Diego community. The program also notes that it does not participate in competitions.
Last updated March 17, 2026.
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