The Align Ballet Method provides an elite faculty of highly trained professional dancers.
Michael Cornell
Michael is the founder and CEO of the ALIGN Ballet Method. He studied classical ballet at the National Academy of the Arts, renowned for its illustrious community of students and faculty from all over the world. Upon graduation, he embarked on a 10-year long career with BalletMet, where he danced leading roles (including pieces designed for him by elite contemporary choreographers). After retiring from the stage, Michael relocated to Los Angeles. He quickly became a sought-after certified fitness coach, and created/produced one of the earliest workout podcasts available online and featured by The New York Times. By 2010, ALIGN 1 officially launched, integrating Michael’s professional background and vision to reach a vast (and underserved) market of adult beginners. The workshops exploded out of the gate, and ALIGN has since been featured by Health, Better Homes and Gardens, Pop Sugar, Angeleno, Daily Candy, KABC Los Angeles, Broadway News, Backstage, and Vogue. He has also taught on-camera segments for celebrities such as Pauly D (MTV’s Jersey Shore), the women of WWE (E!’s Total Divas), and YouTube sensation, Liza Koshy. Michael continues to cultivate the fusion of classical ballet with technological innovation, giving ALIGN students unparalleled access to premiere virtual and in-person training. From 2020 to 2022 Michael worked to build AlignBalletMethod.com into a powerful independently owned scaleable web app. Eventually the ALIGN site will power live classes and virtual training worldwide.
Jahna Frantziskonis
Born in Tucson AZ where she trained with Ballet Tucson. After attending summer programs at Pacific Northwest Ballet, American Ballet Theater (New York), and The School of American Ballet, Jahna returned to Seattle to train full time in the PNB school’s Professional Division, and joined the company in 2012. In 2015 Jahna joined the San Francisco Ballet and was subsequently promoted to soloist in 2017. She has danced principal roles in “Rubies” by George Balanchine, “Hedda Gabler” in “Ibsen’s House” by Val Caniparoli, “New Suite” and “Vertiginous Thrill of Exactitude” by William Forsythe, “Chamber Symphony” by Alexei Ratmansky, among others. Created principal roles by choreographers Alonzo King, and Myles Thatcher. Created featured roles by Twyla Tharp, Justin Peck, Edwaard Liang, Annabelle Lopez-Ochoa, among others. Did works by Jiri Kylian, Christopher Wheeldon, Mark Morris, Nacho Duato, Crystal Pite, among others. She has not only trained in classical ballet, but also tap, jazz, Fosse, and modern, Alexander Technique, and acting.
Zoe Keijser
Following her early dance training in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Zoe studied extensively in the Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet’s pre-professional program while simultaneously completing her high school education.
Zoe continued training and began her professional career in Vancouver BC where she danced for the Vancouver Opera and went on tour with the Goh Ballet. Zoe proceeded to dance as a member of the Connecticut Ballet Company. Having then moved to New York City, she completed multiple Fellowships with the Merce Cunningham Trust performing reconstructions of the Cunningham Company’s original works at City Center in New York. Upon relocation to California, Zoe danced with Pasadena Dance Theatre and ArtistsPlus Productions. In addition to her classes with Align Ballet, Zoe is currently an adjunct professor teaching ballet courses at Hussian College.
GABRIELLE LA MURA
Born and raised in New York City, Gabrielle trained at the American Ballet Theatre’s JKO School. She showcased her talents performing with ABT in nine distinct ballets at The Met, Lincoln Center, Guggenheim, and the Saks Fifth Avenue Window Unveiling. She marked her presence in the Broadway scene, making her debut in two world premieres: “Whipped Cream” and Alexei Ratmansky’s rendition of “Romeo and Juliet.” She has additionally trained at the Royal Ballet Summer Intensive in London & Ibstage in Spain. Transitioning to Los Angeles, Gabrielle graduated Cum Laude from USC and launched her own handbag line, W 78 ST. Her innovative creations gained recognition, being featured in esteemed publications like Vogue and made available for purchase on platforms such as Revolve.
Alexandra Pullen
A former member of the corps de ballet with ABT and Colorado Ballet, Alexandra’s journey as a dancer started young. A gold-medalist in the classical division of the Youth American Grand Prix, she was also the recipient of several scholarships to premiere companies such as San Francisco Ballet, Pacific Northwest Ballet, Joffrey Ballet, School of American Ballet and ABT. Since relocating to Los Angeles, Alexandra has explored other disciplines in the wellness sphere. In addition to earning her Yoga certification, she maintains the active blog/website Healthy Ballerina, where she shares her insights for mindful eating, nutrition and holistic health. Alexandra is currently signed with Block Talent Agency, and continues dancing in regular commercial appearances. Alexandra’s classical training combined with a well-balanced approach to fitness make her a wonderful asset to the Align team!
Susan Vishmid
Susan’s lifelong passion for dance began at age four, where she was a devoted student of the Westside School of Ballet. She continued pre-professional training at eminent art institutions around the U.S., and danced professionally with Pennsylvania Ballet, Santa Fe Opera, San Diego Opera, Chicago Festival Ballet, Napoles Ballet Theatre, California Contemporary Ballet, City of Angels Ballet, California Riverside Ballet, Key West Ballet, Coast City Ballet and San Gorgonio Ballet. A graduate of USC, Susan is also a certified yoga and Pilates instructor, as well as Artistic Director Director and Choreographer of Freaks With Lines, a Los Angeles-based contemporary ballet company. Her deep knowledge of anatomy and body mechanics set her teaching style apart. Align students love Susan’s detail-oriented and easy to follow instruction – perfect for ballet beginners and beyond!