Customer Reviews

Ballet 101 & 201, Combinations 1 - DVD

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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.

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.

"Combinations 1" is not a beginner's video. It's built on the "Ballet 101" and "Ballet 201" videos, and it's absolutely necessary to go through these videos first, or to have at least a couple of years of ballet experience. It starts with 15 minutes fast paced barrework, where the instructor uses the support of a chair instead of a barre, like most of us have to do at home. After some stretching, it's then time for the dancing. First there is an adagio (a slow dance), then a waltz (a dance in ¾ count), followed by a petit allegro (a small jumping combination), and then the grand allegro (the main dance, with big steps and lots of jumping). As a cool down, there's the reverence, where the dancer thanks the instructor for the class. All the dances are clearly demonstrated, and by moving the furniture slightly, I actually got enough place to do this program in my living room. What makes this video funnier and more engaging than my other ballet videos, is that this is actually dancing, and not just exercises like most videos.

I just wanted to add to what others wrote about the need for clarification of what's in this video. I was looking for a ballet combinations video, and when I searched I kept finding "Ballet 101 & 201, combinations", and I thought that it was some sort of combination sale of Ballet 101 and Ballet 201 in a package. Finally I realized that it was actually a separate video of ballet combinations, which is exactly what I was looking for.

My husband got me this video as a gift and I love it. I used to take ballet classes and wanted something to keep me in shape. The instructor gives a short review and lesson on some technique and then she goes right into the barre exercises, just like a real class. The floor exercises are challenging, but can be mastered after several times. This video was perfect for me because I already know most of the ballet terminology and steps. I plan on buying the next video in the series, soon.

I'm a teacher in the middle of nowhere, and I've tried , I think, all of the beginner's tapes. This series is THE BEST OUT THERE by far - that's from Ballet 101 and up. I'm in my 40s now. I danced ballet when I was young and wanted to offer a ballet class in town, so I used these videos as a refresher course, and a guide for my classes. They move at the perfect pace for beginners and refreshers (when others move waayyyy tooooo fast), and they work both sides of the body. This Combinations video was worth the wait. It is beautiful, relaxing, and educational, all at the same time. I await their intermediate series... hint...hint.

I am in my 50s on a limited income, and I bought the first 2 videos in this series because classes in my area were expensive. They were shot in a dance class setting and focused mostly on the standard steps. I was totally new to dance then and have learned a lot. Then these came out, promising I would be dancing, and I AM! Some steps to the dances are easy, and some are challenging, but if you take your time and learn each one, you certainly won't be bored.

I have had the 101 & 201 series for some time. This video was a welcome addition. Although I felt ready for classes, as a single mother of 2, I found it impossible to find ballet classes that fit my schedule, but I wanted to advance a little more. Studio lessons were also pricey for me ($10.00 per session). This video is almost an hour long. Each time I use it I get further along in the dances. It has an Adagio (which is beautiful), a Waltz, a series of small jumps, large jumps then the Reverence. After I warm-up and stretch, I forward the VCR to what I want to dance, and work on those steps. When I really have this one down, I'll move on to their "Combinations 2" video. If you want to get up off of that couch and dance ballet, get these tapes. I think you'll know you got your money's worth.

The quality is a little better than some others I've seen. This is a great video. Please, if you're starting out order the 101 and the seperate 201 dvds first. I made the mistake of ordering this first with no prior ballet knowledge you will not understand the terminology and basic positions.