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: August 21, 2004
• Run Time: 45 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (21 customer reviews)
• ASIN: B0002XQKOK
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #13,595 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)

Editorial Reviews

From the Actor

From the Producer

Do you have the desire to begin ballet, but don't have the time to take a formal class? Is there something that makes you feel uncomfortable attending a formal class? Do you just need a refresher course or a practice guide, because you have done this before, but can't remember anything? Maybe, your child expresses an interest in the arts, but your wallet doesn't. Even if you sign your child up, you want him or her to be prepared for the experience. These are the reasons why we made "Ballet 201, Beyond the Basics," and its prerequisite, "Ballet 101, A Beginner's Class."

If you are totally new to Ballet, you will need to begin with "Ballet 101." Under the direction of an instructor and her two young protégés, "Ballet 101" will introduce the barre exercises to you in a simple format that is reserved for beginners. The class is presented with soft piano accompaniment, and the instructor counting out the beats for you to move to. The dance at the end of the class is described, marked and then performed to a classical music piece. Young children should be supervised by an adult so as not to acquire any bad dance habits. Should you have any questions about our classes prior to purchasing, please feel free to contact us at [e-mail].

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

145 of 145 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Place to Start!, June 6, 2006

By 

S. Palma "Happy Dancer" (Mobridge, AL) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Ballet 101 - A Beginner's Class, DVD (DVD)

Class Description: 3-minute introduction, 4-minute simple stretch, 21-minutes of barre instruction, 4-minutes stretching, 9-minutes of center work, and a 3-minute finale of simple choreography. Total class time is approx 41-minutes. The goal seems to be to introduce anyone who knows absolutely nothing about ballet to the basics, including hair, clothing, and terminology (which is also defined on their website in text only).

Workout Level: Beginner to low-intermediate, with one short, confidence-building dance at the end.

Instructor: Jennifer Nunes is a certified ballet/dance instructor with obvious dance experience, and impressive communication skills. She sometimes seems nervous, but uses ballet terms with clear explanations of their origins, works both sides evenly, and uses good technique.

Class: Instructional segments that vary back and forth between Jennifer demonstrating one-on-one, and Jennifer instructing a teenager and/or a younger child. Each segment gives the beginner a clear understanding of each move. Instruction mirrors you until they take a turn at the barre.

Music & Set: The DVD uses classical music played softly in the background of most segments. It is set in a non-descript dance studio that looks pretty much like any others studio...wood floors, plain walls, etc. There is no mirror in site.

Equipment Needed: Ballet slippers or barefoot, and a leotard.

Caveats: Familiarity with ballet is not needed, and you do not need any experience, as this is designed for the true beginner. With this class, you are starting with a blank canvas. The children in the class look pretty seasoned, but if you are buying it for your children, you should supervise their instruction since bad habits form quickly. The producers also recommend this. Children should be attentive and mature enough to respond to instruction, but it is not a DVD that is reserved just for kids. The instructor takes the time to explain each move before doing the reps. So, if you are looking for an aerobic style of instruction, it may not be for you. And, if you want the class without all of the basic instruction, then it is probably best to start at a higher level, or use a workout style tape. Either way, you need a spacious living room to freely dance the finale. The rest can be done in a pretty small space, using an appropriate size chair for the barre. Lastly, the menu consists of "Play", but you will cheer the DVD chapter breaks because you will not want to watch the hair and clothing, or listen to the intro babble repeatedly.

Additional Comments: This program offers instruction that would not intimidate a beginner. It is not comparable to a ballet "workout" tape or a major "ballet company" production -- not because of the quality, but because of what it is intended for. Comparing this DVD to those, would be like comparing a small town to a big city. Used consistently, you will definitely work your muscles and tone. I recommend it to first-timers who sign up for classes, so that they will be familiar with the new steps and terminology. But, it does serve other purposes. If you want to view it as a private class, or even find the nerve to teach, then it is thorough enough. I think it is important to use the right tape at the right time. As you advance, you should move on to something more challenging. All in all, considering how much classes cost by the week, and how repetitive they are, I think it is a great buy, and a good place to start.

62 of 62 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Worth Every Penny, November 24, 2005

By 

The Singer (West Hollywood, CA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Ballet 101 - A Beginner's Class, DVD (DVD)

I didn't know anything about ballet, but I wanted to introduce it to inner city kids, without spending a fortune. So I purchased this and the 201 DVD. What impressed me most was that the description was thorough, I got what I paid for, and it was easy to understand. So many of these retailers "describe to sell", but not this one. I am very happy with my purchase.

41 of 42 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great video, September 24, 2005

By 

J. Washburn (san francisco) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Ballet 101 - A Beginner's Class, DVD (DVD)

This video is great for anyone who has not taken ballet before. You do each move on both sides. Great for learning basic ballet terms. I now feel ready to sign up for a ballet class.