[vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”925″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center” title=”Align Founder Michael Cornell”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Written by Michael Cornell and Stephanie Farrell
Since 2012, Align Ballet Method has been devoted to the enrichment of a robust and diverse community of adult ballet-enthusiasts. Over the years, we have earned praise for our distinct capability to transform total beginners into genuine and authentic dancers.
Even with our excellent track record and new student enrollment at its peak, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020 left us reeling.
Gathering together for daily class is what we do in the ballet world. Not surprisingly, our initial feelings of loss and uncertainty were palpable. Then, we noticed other fitness and dance studios offering online classes. Admittedly, we wondered, “Why would anyone want to take virtual streaming adult ballet?!” But with no end in sight to the lockdown restrictions, and not wanting to abandon our loyal clients, we jumped head-first into moving our program online!
Thankfully, Align has not only adapted, we see massive potential in what the “virtual frontier” has to offer our staff and clients worldwide.
Feeling skeptical about yet another online workout? The Align program is unique. Below are Five Reasons you should try virtual ballet with us. We sincerely hope to see you in class![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”1480″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
- VIRTUAL CAN EXCEED EXPECTATIONS
Ballet culture tends to pride itself on an adherence to “old school” practices. That said, since day one, Align has strived for the integration of classic ballet tradition with modern technology. Even so, we still had doubts about abruptly migrating the entire instructional platform online when COVD-19 hit.
Thankfully, our investment in innovation paid off! Though we are all working under unusual circumstances (particularly our students; many of whom have newfound schedule constraints, limited access to space and/or equipment, etc), customer feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Our instructors continue to notice the remarkable progress most students (including total beginners) are making, even after just a few at-home sessions.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”716″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
- VIRTUAL IMPROVES FOCUS AND UPHOLDS PRIVACY
Stay at Home mandates have required all of us to reconfigure our health, wellness and self-care routines. And despite some potential challenges to at-home exercise, Align clients actually report increased levels of concentration, development, and energy.
Pros seem to dance effortlessly….floating through choreography, perfectly executed to the music. The Align system is engineered to be on par with professional companies; such high expectations can be challenging for adult beginners.
One student might find a group class to be full of distractions, and another might even feel self-conscious. Let’s face it — whatever your learning style or confidence level, dancing ballet is humbling. It is normal to feel uneasy and vulnerable at first, but streaming class at home is a great way to quickly mitigate those nerves![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”971″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
- VIRTUAL INCREASES ACCESSIBILITY
Commutes, parking nightmares, work emergencies, atypical schedules or residing in areas without
studio access are no longer barriers to entry for ballet class. Align can connect with
students globally, and with access to our ever-expanding digital library, the classroom is open 24/7.
It has been exciting to meet students from all over the world, and reconnect with former Align pupils who might have moved away from their local studio. We even have an American Ballet Theater principal drop-in on our ADVANCED VIRTUAL VAGANOVA class. We like to think if our program meets the standards of a pro like her, it is a great option for everyone.
It is truly an honor for us to foster this diverse and expanding virtual community that shares a bond and connection via the beauty of ballet.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”1471″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]VIRTUAL IS WHERE ART MEETS TECHNOLOGY
Our high quality camera and dynamic sound system can bring the authentic Align
classroom experience into your home. The remote-controlled HD camera has 8Xs zoom,
an excellent tool for capturing demonstrations and enhancing details.
(For example, precise foot placement or hand articulation are much easier to see on your screen than they would be from across the studio).
Our audio setup syncs directly with Align’s own licensed music. The library consists of wonderful work from one of Los Angeles’ top ballet accompanist, Leon Logvinksy, as well as new pieces commissioned from Russian pianist, Olena Duikova. The technology integrates with Apple’s Airpods, which double as a microphone. Our broadcast detects when a teacher is speaking and automatically quiets the music slightly for optimal clarity.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”712″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
- VIRTUAL IS THE FUTURE OF BALLET
We look forward to the era that safe, in-person learning is once again possible. Rest assured when that day comes, Align will remain devoted to the success and evolution of our virtual program.
Align’s robust online curriculum is suitable for skill levels ranging from total adult beginner to pro. Just $49 monthly grants you unlimited access to top-notch live streaming classes and workshops. Additionally, you can browse our ever-expanding digital library, where we upload many of our recorded classes and instructional videos. We realize some of our clientele may wish to opt out of live streaming classes, but take advantage of the library content. Since the virtual format allows us to scale Align to reach a wider audience, we can now offer unlimited library access at just $29 monthly.
Boost your spirits, enhance your confidence, start dancing and become a member of the Align community! We can’t wait to meet you. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”1558″ img_size=”large” onclick=”custom_link” link=”https://www.alignballetmethod.com/beginner-workshops/”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”1556″ img_size=”large” onclick=”custom_link” link=”https://www.alignballetmethod.com/virtual-classes/”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_video link=”https://youtu.be/sMP1MTGNKrM” title=”The Align Ballet Method In 30 Seconds”][/vc_column][/vc_row]