Align Ballet Method – West Hollywood

Align Ballet Method gave me a new lease on life… I thought my pointe days were over and that dancing had become a thing of the past. Everything from the instructors to the locations to the pricing of the classes is PERFECTION. Not to mention I’ve met so many lovely women and men who take the classes. I was back ‘en pointe’ within 4 months of starting. I was a dancer growing up and had quit after only 1 year en pointe. I really believed it was over for me and that I would never be able to do it again. Michael Cornell is an amazing instructor as well as Bjarne, and Grace. I have learned so many new things about dance that I didn’t learn when I was younger… I’m so grateful! I LOVE THIS PLACE!!!

Thanks to Align Ballet Method and our instructor, my love for ballet has been rekindled. I look forward to attending my weekly sessions. I have danced extensively through my teenage years but I forgot how challenging this art form can be. The classes are triggered on how to control your body movements and coordination leading to floor work. I love how there is no sense of competition here. Everyone is here to genuinely learn and improve themselves.
Michael is very patient and works with every single student. There must be a reason why this method is growing with an almost non-​existent marketing. The reason is because it works.
There are numerous workshops around the city, which makes it convenient to the hardcore students who wants to work on their technique. I have only attended a few sessions and I can already see an improvement on my basic positions and poses.
If you are in search of a class that is geared towards working adults, Align Ballet Method is the answer. Classes are informative and fun. Explore for yourself, you will be addicted.

This review is for classes in North Hollywood with Grace.
Align is the ballet studio I have been looking for for years! I took ballet as a child, and even though I enjoyed it, I had to stop. As an adult, I have done other types of dance, but ballet, the one that I actually had experience in, was hard to find. Either dance studios catered to children and teens, or they seemed too
advanced. I liked the idea of starting Align 1 with other people at the same time. Even though there are varying levels of experience in our Align 1 class, everybody is on the same page, there is nothing to be intimidated about. You won’t be asked to do anything that hasn’t yet been covered.
I very much like the focus on technique and form. As well as the idea of taking classes in succession to make sure that everybody has a knowledge base before going into open classes.
Grace has been a wonderful instructor. She always answers questions about technique very clearly, and she is beautiful to watch. She is very easy going and the class time flies by.
That classes are all over the city is very convenient, especially North Hollywood!
I look forward to Align 2 and progressing to pointe – something I never thought I could dream of doing as an adult!

im so happy that i fount Align Ballet Method that was the best decision ever and my gold is to be a better dancer yayyyyyy!!!

Like many people reading these reviews, I tried to find adult ballet classes for years, but kept running up against the same challenges – didn’t work for my schedule, not classical ballet, didn’t mesh with the teachers, or the classes were too advanced. I had taken ballet and pointe up until my low teens, until having to give it up d/​t a complex foot surgery. One night, I searched again, and came across Align Ballet Method. The website was phenomenal – I couldn’t believe how every question and ‘what to expect’ was covered. Needless to say, I was really inspired. I couldn’t wait to sign up. I just knew I found THE gem in a sea of overwhelming dance opportunities.
Flash forward to exactly one year since my first Align class with Michael Cornell. I’ve completed Align 1, Align 2 and I’m now in Align 3 and started pointe 6 weeks ago! Only in my dreams could I imagine going on pointe again at this stage of my life. I completely forget I’m in my 30’s. After every class, I leave incredibly energized, w/​a feeling I can accomplish anything in my personal and work life. My family benefits from this, as I return home with a renewed vigor and focus. Every stress and worry of the past week is gone. Plus, these classes don’t exacerbate my foot issue, as the movement has been very beneficial, and the instructors are great at ensuring your technique won’t lead to or aggravate injuries.
What inspired me the most is the community of dancers at Align. Everyone has busy lives, and most likely, a great deal of pressure during the week. There are so many dancers who have never done ballet before, and I simply can’t believe how far they’ve come. Michael sees every ounce of potential in each individual, and he develops each and every one of his students.
I’ve taken classes with nearly all instructors – Michael, Bjarne, Grace and Kiara. I mostly take Align 3 with Bjarne, d/​t the day and time convenience for me, and how much I appreciate his style and instruction. My favorite instructor is Michael. Perhaps because this is his vision, and he has tremendous passion for leading students toward personal greatness. I love his music selection – wow. This guy is connected to music of all kinds. Grace is such a beautiful dancer, and is great at making corrections that create ‘ah-​ha!’ moments. As a female, she’s really one to look up to as she’s the epitome of ‘former professional ballerina.’ Kiara, in my opinion, is an innate teacher. Her explanations and demonstrational ability is on pointe – like something out of a book. She’s such a sweet person, and I can see her appealing to any demo.
I wholeheartedly recommend Align Ballet. Michael Cornell has created a successful business through respect, lack of complacency, and an effort to appeal to the changing needs of its dancing community. I encourage you to check it out for yourself, and know we will be cheering you on, and look forward to your progression and transformation!

This studio has exceeded my expectations. I don’t know any other LA dance studio that is aimed toward adult ballet beginners. I studied some jazz and modern as a teenager and have taken classes at studios in LA and NYC. I was hoping to find a place without the pressure of a «normal» dance class but every bit as committed to technique.
That is what I’ve found here. I took Align 1 with Grace and Align 2 with Michael and am very happy to move on to Open 2 classes. I think the instructors completely embody their mission of providing encouragement and genuine instruction. It doesn’t matter whether you’ve danced previously or not, you must just bring enthusiasm and desire. In dance class, sometimes you’re in the spotlight and other times you’re in the back, or sometimes you struggle through class and other times you sense your body transforming right then. This is not somewhere you want to check out mentally but instead focus and improve and feel yourself grow, that’s the best part. Try it out and have fun!

I took ballet as a child but didn’t really comprehend the nuances. As an adult, I enrolled in some hybrid ballet exercise classes but none of them were what I was looking for. Align, however, is a lovely and charming re-​introduction to proper and authentic ballet. I look forward to class every week, and there’s nothing intimidating or forced about this class. Michael is a great instructor; he is encouraging but doesn’t hesitate to correct. This is the best program for adult ballet.

I studied dance extensively as a child, but I never did ballet until my very late 30’s, at which point I took about a year’s worth of «all level» ballet classes for adults at a couple of different studios around town. I liked finally starting to learn ballet, but I didn’t really like the concept of the «all level» classes, as 90% of the students had more experience than I had, and I would inevitably end up bumbling around in confusion during the classes.
I am VERY happy I stumbled upon the Align classes! I wasn’t confident of my ballet abilities, so I started off in Align 1. However, I would recommend the Align 1 classes for absolute beginners. If you know what to do if someone asks you to be in fifth position, or do a tendu or a grande battement, you’ll be ok in an Align 2 class!
Michael Cornell is my favorite dance teacher I have ever had, and believe me, I’ve had a lot of them!!! He is very knowledgable and encouraging, and he obviously loves his students and what he is doing. He wants us to have great technique, of course, and gives adjustments when needed, but he maintains a relaxed environment in class. All of the students are adults, and all of us have officially missed our chance to join the Joffrey, so it’s a no pressure kind of class. And it’s the only dance or exercise class that I take that I honestly enjoy every time, and that’s because of Michael, who is really a very special teacher.
If you’ve ever been curious about trying ballet, I really can’t reccommend Align highly enough! These classes make even a clumsy old broad like myself feel like I can actually manage to be graceful for a few minutes here and there! :-D

Align Ballet is THE ANSWER for those adults who feel they «missed» their opportunity to dance. I am so grateful to instructors Michael, Bjarne, and Grace for giving me the knowledge and confidence to progress. I have improved so much! Would love to perform someday… Michael, do you plan on choreographing another Align performance?

I’d never taken any dance classes before starting at Align about 6 months ago and I’m hooked! This is the best place for anyone who wants to learn real classical ballet in a supportive, non competitive but very challenging environment. You will find dancers of all shapes and sizes here and no one judges you when you don’t do something right. I make A LOT of mistakes so I know! As someone with ZERO grace and coordination starting out, I’m truly amazed by how much I’ve progressed here. Michael, Grace and Kiara (There are other teachers but I’ve only taken classes with them) are amazing, encouraging teachers who will push you while still being respectful of your individual limitations. I highly recommend!

I signed up for the series and absolutely enjoyed myself. Michael is a wonderful instructor! Everyone was delighted to be there, it made the class really fun I would highly recommend it to anyone who wants to try ballet or need to brush up on things… They have a few locations in the area with convenient schedules. And, I also appreciate the email reminders they send to all the dancers!

This class is the absolute highlight of my week! I was nervous about taking ballet as I am 26 and haven’t had any training since childhood, but I was immediately put to ease by the understanding environment and Michael’s personal encouragement. I don’t have a dancer’s body, flexibility, and I am too old to train at a super high level; for years I felt that any effort towards ballet training would be a futile pursuit. This class offers a strict classical approach without the expectation that we will turn out to be prima ballerinas. Wish I could give 10 stars!

Best ballet lessons one could ever find! Without previous experience, I have completed both align 1&2 workshops in two months and then moved on to the open classes (a level in between align 2 and align 3) in three months. Now I’m able to do a full barre exercise and already started practicing ballet turns in center. No need to mention how much progress I’ve made on balancing (on both feet and on one foot). And I only attend classes about twice a week.
When I was little I gave up on dancing because I was terrified of the competitive class environment. Also I thought I had no talent whatsoever because there’s little communication between the teacher and the students. That being said, I was extremely lucky to have found Align Ballet Method this spring and urged myself giving a try. I could only say that Michael is the best teacher I’ve ever had, especially comparing to my previous coaches and trainers at school and at other gyms. He has professional dancing and teaching experience. He never pushes anyone yet encourages us to try our best so that we can progress little by little without forcing ourselves. The program is so well paced that you actually learn as much as you could possibly learn and be able to absorb everything in each one hour lesson. No pressures at all. I know that Michael improves his program design all the time, because the second time I went through the align 1 workshop, the way he talked us through and demonstrated the movements was already different, and that was only three/​four weeks after my first workshop. Even if you have never danced, you can trust Michael with his teaching ability (he’s professional and knows what he is doing) and progress on your own pace.
I’ve had classes with Grace and Desire too and they’re both great teachers. They all have different teaching styles but the program design is the same, so feel free to try these classes out and stick with the one you like.

I have had so much fun at Align. I took ballet in college and ever since had been searching for formal adult ballet that was not a barre class. Finally I found REAL ballet!
I started with align 1 and just finished the align 2 workshop tonight. Michael is an incredible teacher who takes the time to get to know his students and is extremely open to any questions no matter how small. His method is extremely practical, easy to understand, and fun
Now I’m ready to go to his open classes! I definitely recommend him and Align to anyone who wants real, formal ballet instruction.

I absolutely love love Michael’s class. Previously, I have done bar method and basic ballet training w a principal dancer for a year and a half. But due to my work schedule, I had to stop. I was going through Google trying to find adult beginners classes that would work w not only my schedule but a workshop that focus only on stages. Basic intermediate advance and pointe. I’m so grateful that Michael has created a system of steps for ballet training for adults. He is an amazing & knowledgeable instructor. Every week, look forward to his classes.

Tonight is the last night of my Align 1 Workshop and I’ve already signed up for the next level — Align 2. That should tell you something!
Over the years, I’ve taken a number of dance and workout classes to finally come across Align. I absolutely love this program.
I’ve been taking Cardio Barre classes for the last 5+ years and it gave me the urge to want to explore formal ballet. The two are not comparable as one is a rigorous fast-​paced cardio work out with heavy ballet undertones and then other (Align) is specifically classic ballet instruction.
I love the precision involved in ballet. It’s a beautiful art form like nothing else and I feel amazing during the classes and after. If you are looking for a challenge and have patience in building strength and balance with elegance, this is a fantastic avenue to pursue.
The Align classes are very welcoming and I feel right at home. So far, I’ve only attended the Santa Monica (The Pretender’s Studio) location but I plan to go to West Hollywood for one of my workshops. With regard to instructors, Kiara has been fantastic and I look forward to working with her in my Align 2 workshop.
Excellent program, HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

The Align Ballet Method changed my life. Seriously! I started Align I a few months ago and it has been an amazing experience since day one. Michael is an excellent teacher, very patient and great at explaining the combinations. I had no previous ballet experience and now I feel I’ve learned so much in such a short period of time. I recommend it to anyone who wants to learn ballet!

Finding Align has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. The teachers are encouraging, smart, funny and talented. ABM is like my home away from home. The energy among the students is very loving and family-​oriented. Observing my growth along with the growth of my friends has been incredible. Come join us! Confidence. Flexibility. Strength. Balance. Dance!!!

It is rewarding to notice yourself move forward with each class attendance. Observing your classmates do the same is neat too. My one year anniversary is coming up, yet I wish that I found Align when their doors first opened.

Align classes are fantastic. Instructors are patient, not at all intimidating as you would expect professional ballerinas and ballerinos (lol) to be, dedicated and always 110% at every session. You can truly see that they love dancing, and they love teaching. I’ve learned primarily under Michael Cornell, Founder, and vow that you will get your time and effort and money’s worth whether you’re looking to fine tune your technical skills, dance more gracefully, lose weight, get a better looking body, or just kick up your endorphins to feel better everyday.