Align Ballet Method

I have been taking ballet on and off for many years and desperately wanted to get back into it – Align has rekindled my love for ballet and I am SO grateful to Michael Cornell for creating such an inspirational, amazing program. Every class is fantastic. The instruction is detailed without being overwhelming and I learn something new every class I take. Step by step, I feel my technique getting stronger and that confidence has truly transferred to other aspects of my life. The environment is very positive and encouraging.
I only wish I had been training with Align from the very beginning! I take as many classes as my schedule allows but I wish I could take more. I cannot recommend this program enough.

Fantastic teachers (I had Michael and Desiree, but i’m convinced the others are phenomenal also), brilliant classes and method… I completely fell in love with Ballet (completely obsessed in fact) and this is because of Michael’s method. I will definitely continue taking lessons at Align. In fact, I want to take as many classes I can! If you ever wanted to start or restart ballet, this is the place to go — Amazing experience!

There is a multitude of LA ballet teachers and studios… and then there is Michael Cornell. I have never before come across such a great teacher and coach. He genuinely seems to care about teaching his students the art of ballet. Unlike other ballet teachers who seem to «phone it in,» Michael really seems dedicated to the process of teaching adults, which I think is very rare and special. He is very good with technique — he talks us through it, demonstrates, and tries to get us to understand the mechanics of each movement so that we can understand how every slight adjustment functions as a whole to the art. I came into his studio as a fledgling beginner and am so amazed at the progress I’ve made in so little time. It’s been life-​changing and beautiful and I’m incredibly grateful.
I’ve also taken classes with Kiara and Grace, both of whom are talented and stunning dancers, and it’s very helpful to have female teachers who can offer you a different perspective. With nothing but great experiences at the studio, I unhesitatingly recommend Align Ballet to anyone who wants to be challenged and grow in a fun and supportive environment.

I have loved getting back into the ballet world as an adult. Kiara’s Align I classes are basic, but progress quickly and challenge both the body and mind. She takes the time to explain the movement, answers questions and provides a comfortable environment for all levels of experience. I’m excited to enroll in level II very soon!

Michael is an excellent instructor and passionate about ballet. He is also a perfectionist, which makes you excel your posture and movements. This is one of the best dance classes I’ve ever taken, and look forward to it every time. I highly recommend it!

I studied dance extensively as a child and teenager, but I never had any ballet training until I was 36. I took some classes at a few other studios a couple of years ago, and generally had fun, but I kept coming up against 2 problems. Either the classes were «all level» classes, that gave very little technical guidance, and that I would always end up bumbling about in at some point, because I was mixed in with people that had WAY more ballet training than I have had… or I would be in a normal, beginner ballet class, that consisted of people WAY younger than me and it had a more serious tone… and, let’s be real, my chances of joining the Joffrey are exactly zero! So, I got discouraged and stopped taking ballet classes for a few years… But I am so happy I stumbled upon the Align Classes!
These are great classes for adult beginners… meaning from absolute beginners (there were several of these in my Align 1 class) to people who have had some ballet in the past, but are rusty. I started off in the Align 1, because I was afraid I was too inexperienced to handle the Align 2 class, but ultimately, I was allowed to go ahead and advance to Align 2. If you are a beginner, but have had any ballet at all (from your teenage years or beyond), and you understand what you need to do if someone tells you to be in 5^th position, or do a Tendu, a Pas de bourrée, or a Grande Battement, you’ll be fine in the Align 2 level class. :-)
Michael is a great teacher! He does a great job of explaining the technical aspects of ballet (something I really need, because I never had any technical training), he is observant, patient, encouraging, and also, really pleasant and funny! Also, the classes are focused on adults who are obviously not going to join the Joffrey, so he has very realistic expectations from his students!
If you ever wanted to start ballet for the very first time, no matter how old you are… or you want to go back after a long absence… I would very highly recommend Align!

I love these classes. I have seen my body transform in the first few months. Michael is an amazing teacher and make ballet understandable and fun. I love his teaching and that he doesn’t dumb it down. I can wait to continue this amazing journey.

I danced as a child and a little as an adult, but never really studied ballet. Michael is knowledgeable, patient, and non-​judgmental. He is supportive and encourages improvement in all of his dancers. Classes are fun and challenging!

Loved my first class here! Michael is an excellent teacher and makes you feel that you can learn ballet. I highly recommend it!

Love this place! I’ve taken classes with both Michael and Kate, and I’ve enjoyed them both. I’m a true newbie to ballet and have discovered a new passion as well as a deep appreciation for this art. I love taking classes here! I drove a ways for a couple months to come here before traffic and the distance bested me… but it was worth it! Thank you! I will be back one day.

Michael is brilliant. He has a very clear vision towards what he wants to translate to his students. His ballet program is sharp like a razor.

I just finished a 6 week Align 1 serious with Kate and really enjoyed the experience! As a true beginner (took some tap when I was younger, but not ballet) I needed someone to start from square one with me — and that is what Kate did. I’ve become so engaged in this that I am also taking a few private lessons with her as well. I really appreciate the slow pace and the attention on form. She really takes the time to explain how your body should feel as you move through the positions/​movements. I’m planning to repeat the Align 1 series one more time in order to really feel comfortable and then move into Align 2 — which is more of a drop-​in schedule.

If your a teen or adult with little or no experience, or a person who hasn’t danced in years these classes are perfect for you. Micheal is a wonderful instructor. Unlike other dance teachers who simply go through the motions, his goal is to get each person to progress & develop your talent at your own pace. Not to mention the other students are very friendly as well. I signed up for the Align 1 Series & absolutely loved it. I will be signing up again for Align 2 & another Align 1 to master what I’ve already learned. Try it! It’s worth it!

Just another person here to say how much I love this. If you are looking for a REAL beginning ballet, this is the place to go. I am taking Align 1 for the second time and I love it. I feel stronger and more in-​tune with my body. I used to dance when I was younger but college and life got in the way so I stopped. 10 years later I wanted a dance class that would push me without expecting me to be brilliant. This is it. The pace is slow but not boringly so. Maybe more importantly, the people who teach and the people who attend are NICE. I have attended other dance/​gym/​workout classes where everyone is judging, competitive and nasty. That is not the case with the Align Ballet Method.
I look forward to my class all week long.

Love Michael and his classes are great I am usually sweating 5 mins in and I leave feeling great. He is an excellent teacher as well as Kate. His class moves a good pace not too slow not too fast. I have been attending his classes since February of this year and I already see so much change! I wish he had more availability to do more classes because I would be in class much more than I am. Not to confuse anyone he has multiple classes available for his students but they dont all work with my crazy schedule! I look forward to when he expands and is able to offer even more!

Couldn’t say enough good things about Align Ballet Method. This place is AMAZING.
If you used to dance and are looking to pick back up where you left off this place is perfect. If you are a beginner and always thought that ballet was just out of your reach, think again. With Michael Cornell (one of the most talented teachers I’ve ever danced for) every class opens you up to new possibilities that you thought your body and balance could never achieve.
He’s patient, supportive and inspiring all in one class. Align Ballet Method is a place where you won’t feel intimidated and won’t be overshadowed by a 15 yr old girl who can lift her foot higher than her head. It’s a class for women and that’s something to be celebrated.
If you’re reading this post attempting to make a decision on whether you should sign up or not, please stop reading and put your name on the list today! I started with Michael a couple months ago and look forward to his class the entire week. It’s the beacon in the dark of my week!

Private Ballet Los Angeles is BY FAR the IT PLACE to go to if you have a true desire in learning the art/​essence of Ballet! I did my research with a few places even took a Ballet course in college and that was… let just say a nightmare! I won’t bore you guys with my college experience but this review is lonnnnng over due so here it goes… :)
My infatuation, lust and passion for Ballet will NEVER be the same because of Michael Cornell! He is the utmost incredibly patience teacher I have EVER had in my life! I’ve had the pleasure of being in his six week course classes (Ballet 101) @ Soma Studio as well as doing private one on one lessons with him @ 3^rd street dance the experience for me as countless others has been phenomenal. I love how passionate, encouraging, energetic, and above all approachable Michael is with his students that in itself make’s him standout as a Professional Ballet Instructor. I highly recommend Michael Cornell’s Private Ballet Los Angeles to ANY one that has or has never taken a Ballet course in their life!
The great thing about his classes are the environment it’s welcoming, peaceful, and has a very intimate setting, I love that I don’t feel like cattle in a classroom as I did in college. Oh, I almost forgot… the price, THE PRICE… it’s ridiculously affordable even the private lessons :) if your like me and have school and or life in general but you seriously want to take a six week course or a private just budget believe me it’s worth every penny! Your mind and body will thank you later when you start to relieve your stress because believe it or not Ballet isn’t stressful it’s both therapeutic and invigorating for the soul!

I am so thrilled to have this opportunity to rave about Michael Cornell, Kate and Private Ballet. Michael is an incredible teacher as well as person and I am beyond grateful to have found Private Ballet.
The last time I took ballet I was probably 8 or so, but I have long remembered the foot positions — simply because I loved it so much. I go to the ballet every chance I get and always leave wanting to be a ballerina. I had been thinking about taking ballet classes for the last 3 years (I even bought shoes, tights and a leotard last year) but, up to now, I had been too intimidated.
I would periodically Google «adult ballet classes Los Angeles» and a few months ago his name came up. I was struck by the amazing reviews on Unilocal and just loved his ethos in teaching ballet to adults as expressed on his website.
After I left my first class, on very wobbly legs, I was beyond elated. I felt like I was 7 again — giggly and happy and excited. I was overcome with that feeling of innocence you have when you do something that brings you pure, absolute joy and without question that feeling was totally because of Michael. He is a wonderful teacher — kind, patient, encouraging, non-​judgmental and, as a former dancer, incredibly knowledgeable. None of his adult students are going to be prima ballerinas, but his care, attention and dedication to his us is unwavering. He believes we all can dance, that we all have it in us. He has a true love of dance, which he shares with his students in each and every class.
In short, I cannot recommend him and Private Ballet highly enough. It is truly a special experience. Just one warning — you’ll be hooked!

Another great Ballet class today taught by one of my favorite instructors, Michael Cornell. If you live in the Los Angeles area, I highly recommend you try out any of his classes.
The website is extremely helpful
it gives all the specific details, including but not limited to: class descriptions & schedules, about the instructor, actual live video clips of how classes are structured & taught, studio directions for the corresponding ballet class — all are located in close proximity & in West Hollywood area. Currently three studios are used: 3^rd Street Dance Academy, Soma Studio & Swerve Dance Studio.
I like his Intermediate Ballet & Perfect Technique Classes best so far.
Overall, He’s just a fabulous instructor– very friendly, encouraging, energetic, positive attitude… oh yeah, and did I mention he’s also an incredible professional dancer, with a very impressive repertoire to match.
Really, it’s a treat to watch him demonstrate a Ballet combination. Very precise, fluid movements that come together with ease, shaping this harmonic melody of dance.
Michael does everything full out in every class before the students perform. He’s not a lazy bones, tenderfoot kind of teacher. I like his style in general– it pushes me, yet just enough– the exact right amount of challenge. I always leave class as if I just stepped out of a sauna.
I think truly it goes both ways– not only does the teacher need to keep up with student progression in every class, but it’s also what you decide to make of the class.
The more you test your bodies strength, endurance, balance, coordination, and focus on turn-​out, posture, spotting, how arms should be held, how high can you really hold that leg steady & turned out, etc, etc… The more you’ll get out of every class & the faster you will progress.
Another thing I came to realize is how Michael seems to always find a way to make sense out of a difficult movement, turn, jump, etc… I need that mind/​body connection, some people just follow their instinct & get it right, not me. First you get my mind to see it right, then my body will move right. I wish I didn’t need that but everyone learns differently.
Lastly, Michael Cornell has patience and I admire that so much when it comes to teaching any genre of dance to any class level– be it beginners or advanced.
Try a class out, you’ll gain: Posture, Grace, Energy, and a new ballet groupie of friends:)

I LOVE ballet… LOVE it.
And I’ve wanted to learn for years but as it turns out since adults have zero prospect of entering the ballet world professionally what I would usually find in lessons is a watered down version that is geared more toward a workout than a dance lesson or classes labeled «beginning ballet» for people who already know what they are doing! Not the case with Michael! He is all about teaching ballet, real ballet. Michael is patient and encouraging; he breaks down the steps while maintaining the integrity of the art. I always leave class tired but inspired.
When I signed up for Michael’s Ballet 101, I thought that I would learn how to get through a beginning ballet class and then go to classes closer to my home but I’ll deal with the drive because I know I’m learning good technique, I really enjoy the class, and I leave feeling encouraged that I’m progressing.