Product Details

• Format: Closed-captioned, Color, DVD, NTSC
• Language: English
• Region: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only. Read more about DVD formats.)
  
• Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1
• Number of discs: 1
• Rated: NR (Not Rated)
• Studio: Bayview Films
• DVD Release Date: February 28, 2005
• Run Time: 62 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 3.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• ASIN: B0007XBMHU
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #91,310 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)

Editorial Reviews

AFRICAN GRACE:WEST AFRICAN DANCE FOR - DVD Movie

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Great Dance, Lackluster Instruction, January 4, 2008

By 

A. Jablinske (Arizona) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: African Grace: A West African Dance For Cardio Fitness (DVD)

I had high hopes for the 'African Grace: A West African Dance For Cardio Fitness' DVD. I'm afraid I have been spoiled by the high quality instructions in some other dance DVDs (e.g., 'Crunch - Cardio Salsa by Giselle Roque de Escobar', 'Brazilian Dance Workout with Vanessa Issac').

Although the actual West African dance is beautiful, I had a hard time following the instructions. Some of my favorite dance DVDs first demonstrate a new step in full-tempo, then the viewer is asked to dance along to the new step in half-tempo, then full-tempo, then transitioned with the previous step, before dancing to everything learned up to that point. Other favorite DVDs have you repeat a step 8 times, then 4 times, then 2 times, then 1 time in order to 'get it'. There were only a few steps in the 'African Grace' DVD that offered such helpful instruction.

Another problem with the 'African Grace' DVD was the costumes. Although the pants worn were attractive, their bagginess made it difficult for me to interpret what the instructor and other dancers were actually doing with their legs.

I would consider buying a version 2 of this same DVD if the instructions were improved, but could not recommend it as is.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Colorful and fun, March 26, 2007

By 

Angela Heights (Evanston, IL USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: African Grace: A West African Dance For Cardio Fitness (DVD)

"African Grace" exceeded my expectations. I'm only beginning my fitness journey (yet again) and wanted an alternative workout; something doable but rigorous. This fits my growing ability level and would certainly be effective for the more advanced. Debra Bono is a focused, engaging teacher who sensitively isolates the moves and prepares the way for the next steps. This workout is a wonderful and accessible chance to explore African dance.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars could be better but a decent workout and intro to African dance, October 30, 2007

By 

E. C. Noebel (California) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: African Grace: A West African Dance For Cardio Fitness (DVD)

I really like Debra Bono and I like this routine, it's just a bit perfunctory. This coming from somebody with a very long dance background who is now taking two courses, sometimes three, in African dance. One of her dancers keeps forgetting steps and getting lost, which is distracting. It is a demanding workout once you get the steps. A bit more cultural background would be great.