I am a professional ballet dancer currently performing. I absolutely recommend Alight Ballet not just for students but for us professionals as well! Michael's expertise and experience is undeniable! Raydel Caceres read more

far and away the best and most extensive ballet training and classes for adult beginners and returnees. many locations and a full schedule days and nights and weekends! you will love it read more

I started Align 1 a couple of weeks ago with a friend, and I wanted to sing the praises of this studio not just as a general ballet class, but as a specifically plus-size inclusive space. I've been intrigued by ballet since I was a kid, but never had the body type for it, so I forced myself to tamp the dream down. Finally, as a (still plus-sized) adult taking numerous other dance classes, I figured the urge wouldn't shut up until I at least tried it. Found Align basically on a whim, since it fit my schedule, and figured that if the vibes were rancid I could just quit early. Fortunately, while I'm still one of the bigger people in my class, the vibes haven't been rancid - they're wonderful. Some of this is generally because Align is an adult beginner studio, so the students are all hobbyists - there's no pre-professional intensity that haunted my attempts to sign up as a child. Everyone is here for fun, but that doesn't mean they compromise on learning: they give you specific instructions for every move, and then, because you're adults, trust you to give it your best. I'd like to specifically shout out my teacher, Gabby, for giving incredibly helpful tips regarding muscle placement and alignment (and also for being a ray of sunshine!). You go through material fast, but the teaching is clear and precise, and the hour always flies by. What's made me feel best about Align, however, isn't just the classes, but the flexibility and inclusivity present throughout the studio. Some of this is smaller things - their shoe sizes go up to fourteen (as an eleven, dance shoes often stop at ten), and they aren't strict about the dress code, as long as you can move. In class, Gabby is always quick to stress that it's technique that matters, not mobility or extensions - teaching passe, she tells us to focus on correct alignment (hah) and only lift our leg as high as it naturally goes. During cool-downs, we're only expected to do releves if our body can handle it, and we're never pushed beyond our natural bend for plies (thanks, bad knees). It's really made class a safe space for me, as I get to focus on technique and not feel like I'm falling behind flexibility-wise. Classical ballet is an infamously harsh world, especially for larger body types, but Gabby really conveys the joy of dancing, not its rough edges. I can feel myself getting better after only three weeks, and I hope I get to sign up for Align II, and future levels. I'm so glad to have found such a delightful dance hobby space, especially in somewhere as un-balletic as LA. (And I hope I get to continue working with Gabby! She's a gem.) read more

I am a huge fan of Align Ballet. I grew up as a dancer but let it fall by the wayside as I got older. Align has been the perfect place to pick it back up again. I have been fortunate enough to be able to take classes from different teachers at different studios and find that while each has their own style they are clear on the curriculum needed to learn in each workshop. Therefore you are never behind if you need or want to take a class at a different studio. The teachers are patient, knowledgeable, and kind. Whether this is your first time ever standing at the bar or you haven't done it in a million years Align is a terrific place to start. They truly make the class a safe space to learn no matter your age, sex, or level. I would note that parking can be tricky at certain studios especially for the evening classes so be sure to allow time for parking. read more

absolutely love this place. Michael is an incredible teacher, incredibly passionate and caring about the students. And the place is a safe space for those who are beginning, and a challenging one for those who are continuing. Adults, pros, basic, intermedia levels all welcome. I've become a regular... JP read more

I have been dancing with Align for around 5 years now, possibly more, and over the years this studio has grown to become my personal safe space. Michael has done an amazing job creating an environment and a community that allows adult dancers to flourish. Whether you've been dancing your entire life or you've never heard of a plié, Align is an amazing studio and I strongly recommend it. read more

I signed up on a whim. I was burning out on Pilates and looking for something else to do and am so glad to have found Align Ballet Method! I am winding my way through their beginners classes and am really having a great experience at Align Ballet Method. I have taken both Align 1 & Align 2. Have had had both Alex and Michael as teachers and enjoy their different styles and talents as teachers. I thoroughly recommend Align Ballet Method to anyone considering going. read more

Updating my review just to add that I've been dancing with Align for almost 2 years now and they are brilliant. Even after moving out of state, their virtual classes are amazing, and the instructors are always mindful to show and explain things for both in studio and virtual students. read more

I've been going to this studio on and off for years for adult beginner ballet classes and it's absolutely tremendous. Michael is such an impressive and dedicated teacher, and all of the other teachers I've had at align ballet are talented and kind. They all genuinely want you to improve and learn ballet as best as possible, even as adults. I couldn't recommend this studio more for a hobby or a place to escape the hustle and bustle of LA life. read more

I've been taking Michael's Sunday class (open Align 4) at this location for around 8 weeks. I danced as a teenager and spent 4 years at a full-time dance school. But I gave up ballet in my early 20's. I didn't fancy the low pay and the short career of a professional ballet dancer. In the 25-odd years since, I've taken a few classes but they were never a good fit. Either company classes that were inaccessible to someone who hadn't danced in years, or they were targeted at complete beginners. It's taken me until now to start to clear the cobwebs but I'm starting to experience the unbridled joy of dancing (particularly grande allegro) that was my drug of choice when I trained full-time. But here's the great news (for other returning dancers). I get to experience the joy of dancing without the pressure-cooker environment that I lived in for much of my youth. In the Align 4 class, there's a mix of returning dancers and recent converts who've worked their way up through the Align adult program (my wife's taking Align 2 classes currently!) If you're not a dancer and you've been wearing out Sergei Polunin's "Take me to Church" video on YouTube, then you should definitely come to Align and get started. And if, like me, you're no stranger to ballet shoes and smelly tights, you should absolutely come and join the Sunday Align 4 class. You'll be welcome. read more

I cannot say enough about how much I love Align Ballet Method. It is the most incredible space for adult ballet, for beginners, intermediate dancers, and those looking to experience it again. The studio itself is great, and the instructors are top notch. I feel like I'm learning and growing in dance, really experiencing it again, which is wonderful. I only wish there was more of it! :) read more

For the longest time I was searching for a place to take adult ballet classes, as I had so much fun dancing as a child. I came across align ballet and am sooo happy I did!! The classes are so unique since they are taught according to each individual level. The instructors are beyond incredible and the overall environment/energy of the classes are amazing. What I also love about the classes is the teachers will breakdown the steps (and correct your form) so you can learn and absorb what is being taught; let's face it- classical ballet is no easy task!!! I'm hooked and I'm sure anyone taking classes will be too :) I'm addition to regular ballet classes, I've recently started taking a class called flight school, which is a cardio based ballet class for anyone who wants a fun, yet challenging workout (it's helping me shed the baby weight & I love it!!!). HIGHLY HIGHLY recommend looking into this place for classes. read more

The instructor, Cleo, is a doll. She makes me very comfortable in the class and very encouraging. She takes time with each student to make sure they all are doing the correct position. She is a cheerful young girl. First time in my life I am taking ballet. It is strengthening my leg muscle's and relaxing my upper body. I'm looking forward to the next classes, even though my muscles ache. read more

My experience with Align has been top tier. I danced briefly as a child and started back up again as an adult beginner. Teachers like Michael and Grace offered encouragement and support in an environment where no one is too old, too fat, too short, too anything to enjoy dancing. I've suggested many friends try Align and they've always come back to me glad they tried it. Whether it's the Align 1-3 beginning courses, Align 4 and 5 weekly workshops, or the Variations classes (my personal favorites) I always feel safe to have fun and try new things. If you're worried about how you'll look in a leotard, if other people will have higher kicks than you, you're not coordinated enough: Align is a place for all! read more

I love Align ballet so much! I love that you can take classes at different locations because now I have a new job and the speaker location is going to be the most convenient. The quality of instruction is excellent, it's very effective to have everybody almost at the same level but I'll be learning at the same time. You don't have to worry about showing up to a class and not knowing what you're doing. If that happens that means you're on the wrong level. Additionally, customer service is great. Whenever I send an email or leave a message I always get a response within 24 hours always exact answers I need. I really love that this exists in LA! read more

I signed up for Align 1, six week series and am totally hooked after just one class. My instructor, Kiara, is an excellent communicator, encouraging instructor and effective teacher! I was incredibly intimidated and to my surprise the class was fun and non-judgemental. Everything was thoroughly explained; truly laying the groundwork for a proper foundation. I can't wait to update my review upon completion of my initial series. read more

I used to take Align 4 classes at this location when I decided to get back into Ballet and it was a great start to the rest of my training. Classes are methodical and mindful which is very important when understanding ballet technique. read more

Align classes are fantastic. Instructors are professional, patient and dedicated, and always 110% at every session. You can truly see that they love dancing, and they love teaching. It is the only school in LA/OC that offers true basic training for new dancers to build a great foundation, and open to advanced dancers at all levels. - Dedicated 4th yr student read more

I give these instructors a hard time daily. But the committed Align team works around my stubbornness to train me and rework my martial arts instincts. Ballet is a different movement for me, but it's what I was looking for, so I took (and repeated) their beginner workshops a half-dozen times and still drop into them whenever I feel disconnected. I work 50+ hours a week, but there are a lot of night and weekend classes around L.A. so I manage to attend 10-12 times a month. My brain is happy. I'm bored with most things in life after 2 years, but I've stayed with Align for 4 years now. Probably because their studios keep growing... As an added bonus, they've become an unexpected community for me. The regular dancers at all the locations are diverse and supportive with their own tips and cautions to add to my practice. And when I attempt other activities like trapeze, or pound, or yoga, ...or parkour (eventually), it's easier for me now than before Align Ballet. They're constantly improving how I place my SELF and my *energy*... literally from head to toes. read more

I love taking class at Align with Michael Cornell and Bjarne Hecht. They have so many classes to choose from and are located all around the city, so there's no excuse not to go. I think that Classical Ballet is the best exercise for the body. There's nothing like it. And Align's classes are non-pretentious and will whip your bod into shape for summer... that reminds me, I've got to get to class this week! read more

I'm am glad to have finally found an adult ballet class that caters to the beginning and advanced. I had taken classes previously at some of the professional Hollywood Studios, but found I wasn't progressing as there was no structure to the classes. Bjarne Hecht has been my instructor for Allign 1 - 3, and he is awesome. He gives us students great pointers and tips that completely improves your approach instantly. read more

align ballet method is deeply attuned to the needs of their growing adult students. all the instructors are kind, gentle, yet technique driven. outstanding to see swift student progress take place in front of your eyes. read more