Michael Cornell
PBLA owner and artistic director Michael Cornell is a graduate of the National Academy of Arts in Champaign, Illinois. He studied with Royal Ballet dancer Petrus Bosman and American master teacher Robert Dicello. After a scholarship with the Pennsylvania School of Ballet, Michael joined the innovative BalletMet of Columbus, Ohio. Michael’s powerful skill as a contemporary dancer led him to perform principle roles in original work by David Parsons (The Parsons Company/New York), James Kudelka (Director of The National Ballet of Canada), Harvard Artist in Residence and Genius Award winner Liz Lerman, and Alonzo King (Lines Ballet/San Francisco). In addition to dancing virtuoso ballet roles, such as Le Corsaire pas de deux, Michael appeared as the principle dancer in in Alonzo King’s Without Wax featured in a two page centerfold photo in
Dance Magazine (as seen here).
In 2005, he launched BeitFit.com, one of the first web sites to distribute fitness pod casts. His innovative MP3 fitness workout TRANSFORMATION was featured in the New York Times, Health, Angeleno, and Better Homes and Gardens publications. His ballet classes have been featured in ANGELENO and on KTLA.
In 2009 Michael choreographed and debuted his multi-media nuevo tango pas de deux Swimming Pool at the Electric Lodge in Venice Beach. Swimming Pool utilized innovative video of a Los Angeles pool illuminated at night as the light source for the stage. His next piece, Dark Matter followed soon after; this dynamic quartette featured four of LA’s most talented and versatile female dancers. Michael’s choreographic eye and artistic expertise began to garner attention beyond the dance community, in the music and entertainment world. He conceptualized and directed the “Live My Life” music video for the Los Angeles band Rukas Juice, which was selected for the 2010 Los Angeles International Film Festival, 2010 So Cal Film Market Festival, The Los Angeles LA FEMME International Film Festival, and won a 2010 Accolade Award.
He recently produced, directed, and choreographer “The Ref” project for iconic video dancer Calrton Wilborn, Actress Tracey Paleo (The Departed), and commercial photographer Dave Nagel.
Michael then directed the “Time To Celebrate” music video for MODE and 1071 Productions, and launched his boutique production company Semplice Pictures.
Michael has utilized his professional dance and exercise science knowledge to craft the unique PBLA training system for beginning ballet students. This system enables total beginners to rapidly develop their ballet technique without confusion or frustration. The Ballet 101, 102, and Perfect Basic Technique classes are 6 months of systematic progressive training for beginners. He also utilizes his vast experience to technically enhance the most advanced dancers in his intermediate classes.
