Product Details

• Actors: Jennifer Nunes
• Directors: Angela Russ
• Format: Color, NTSC
• Region: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only. Read more about DVD formats.)
  
• Number of discs: 1
• Studio: Russ InVision
• DVD Release Date: January 20, 2006
• Run Time: 58 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• ASIN: B000ECX6KU
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #93,590 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)

Editorial Reviews

Review

From the Actor

If you are totally new to Ballet, then you wouldn’t begin here. You should begin with "Ballet 101, A Beginner’s Class" (ASIN: B0002XQKOK),” which will introduce the barre exercises to you in a simple format that is reserved for beginners. The dance at the end of the DVD is choreographed, marked and then performed to a short classical music piece. Mature children should be supervised by an adult so as not to acquire any bad dance habits.

Once you feel comfortable with "Ballet 101, A Beginner’s Class,” you can move on to "Ballet 201, Beyond the Basics" (ASIN: B0002XQKOU), which will give you a quick review of the barre exercises that you have already learned (without the verbal instruction) and add on from there. Both DVDs have stretching and warm-up, so you shouldn't have to go back and forth between the two classes.

This "Ballet 101 & 201, Combinations" series would be your next step up. These DVDs focus mostly on choreography and actual DANCING, using what you have learned in the first 2 beginning DVDs. "Ballet 101 & 201, Combinations 1" should be used first, and then " Ballet 101 & 201, Combinations 2"  (ASIN: B000ECX6L4). One DVD builds upon the other, but both DVDs are designed for the novice. Some new moves and dances are introduced, and the dances are challenging, without being boring or too complicated. They are presented in the same manner as the finales on the beginning 2 DVDs in the series, using classical music pieces, mirroring (facing) the instructor. We have tried to avoid moves that would require more one-on-one instruction to properly complete. Even knowing the moves in the series, it would take a beginner some repetition and concentration to complete all of the dances that are taught. You may have to pause and rewind on occasion to keep up. We provide slow motion for you on the trickier steps, but it's recommended that you only try to tackle one dance at time and then progress on to the next. As a reminder, you will need some dancing space in your living room. Good luck, and enjoy.

Product Description

We taught you beginning ballet moves in "Ballet 101, A Beginner’s Class" (ASIN: B0002XQKOK) and "Ballet 201, Beyond the Basics" (ASIN: B0002XQKOU). This is the 3rd addition to the series and picks-up from where the first 2 DVDs leave off, giving students an opportunity to progress from the beginning level and use what they have learned. After warming-up and stretching, an instructor uses the ballet moves you’ve learned in the first 2 videos, and adds new moves so that she can choreograph and pace you through a variety of dance combinations found in ballet classes and performances throughout the world: Adagio, Waltz, Petite Allegro, Grand Allegro and Reverence. "Ballet 101 & 201, Combinations 1" (ASIN: B000ECX6KU) focuses on choreography, stage presence, and performance quality. New ballet steps and trickier footwork are introduced to make the combinations unique and promote development. Although ballet is a graceful workout that can improve carriage, increase flexibility and strengthen the body, this is not designed to be a workout tape, and please note that the instructor is facing (mirroring) you for the dance instruction. Combine the moves that you’ve learned, and DANCE!

This is an easy-to-follow, hands-on series that is endorsed by private instructors. Ballet terms & definitions from this series can be printed off of the abridgeclub.com web site. Recommended before this DVD:  "Ballet 101, A Beginner’s Class" (ASIN: B0002XQKOK) and/or "Ballet 201, Beyond the Basics" (ASIN: B0002XQKOU), depending upon your experience. Beginners should always start with Ballet 101, A Beginner’s Class.”  Also available is the 4^th DVD in the series: "Ballet 101 & 201, Combinations 2" (ASIN: B000ECX6L4).

It’s the perfect series if you...
…don’t have the time or money to take a formal ballet class.
…don’t have access to dance classes in your area.
…know beginning ballet moves and want to DANCE.
…need a practice guide without the pressure.
…are looking for the perfect gift for an adult or an older child.

See all Editorial Reviews

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Needs more info, November 2, 2007

By 

Julia Ward Rivera - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Ballet 101 & 201, Combinations 1 - DVD (DVD)

Seller needs to clarify that this DVD is a continiuation of Ballet 101-Beginners and Ballet 201- Intermediate NOT a DVD containing both Ballet 101 and Ballet 201. The DVD itself and the dance steps seem to be great, but for those of us who are just beginning it is too advanced.

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Wish it had more info..., February 17, 2007

By 

Angela Holtz "Source of all Comfort" (Michigan) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Ballet 101 & 201, Combinations 1 - DVD (DVD)

I didn't realize I needed the Ballet 101 and 201 dvds before starting up with this one. But that wasn't really their fault, I just wish they would make it a little more noticeable.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wow! It's beautifully done!, July 30, 2003

By 

Since Revell (Fresno, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Ballet 101 & 201, Combinations 1 [VHS] (VHS Tape)

I am a beginner, with little training. On top of that, I am overweight, and did not want to go to a dance class. But, I LOVE TO DANCE! The dances on this video are simply wonderful. Even the set is beautiful. The teacher takes you through dances that are fun to learn - the Adagio is one of the most relaxing stress free dances I have ever seen. It will take beginners some time to get through all of the dances, but it's worth it. I felt like I really got my money's worth. This series has been just great for me.