Customer Reviews

Ballet 101 - A Beginner's Class, DVD

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

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.

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.

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.

I purchased this DVD to learn ballet as a beginner, and I thought it was wonderful. I bought it because I have always had a long standing interest in ballet. I loved to watch dancers, and always wanted to be on stage with them. Unfortunately, there are no classes offered in my area, so I was happy to find this class on film that was paced so that I could keep up. I had to go through several before I found this one, and I LOVE the little dance at the end.

This is actually a pretty good video. I purchased it for myself (43) because I wanted to learn basic ballet. If you are looking for a workout video...this is not it. But if you are looking to learn the first basic steps of ballet and condition your legs and ankles to move like they need to, then this is a good start. I recomend it for all ages as it is very easy step by step and slow moving process. My 3 year old was able to keep up on the first half easily. I do wish they had more stretching and that each move was done more then one time through. I paused the video to be able to do the steps a few time through. Overall, It is very simple and easy steps.

I have done a few beginner ballet classes and this DVD is just like being in a real class. Although the production is not sophisticated, unlike many ballet workout DVDs this DVD provides good advice on technique. I think this is really important because it helps you to do ballet safely and correctly. I bought this DVD along with 2 ballet work out DVDs and I found this one really good to start with - it helped me to learn the basic technique which I could then apply to the work out DVDs. I would not recommend buying this DVD if you want a strenuous workout, although it is still physically challenging and I found myself working up a sweat in some of the sections.

I bought this and dvd 201 for Christmas for my daughter. She and I have been doing this video class for two months now. I finally feel ready to begin a class. It really is a great instructional for the privacy of your own home.

This is an excellent product and one that is easy to understand and follow. The instructor helps you feel that you can do ballet no matter what age. This is a true gem and I highly recommend it for anyone who is starting out in the field of ballet.

i bought this ballet 101 and 201. it is very ,very basic. i learned most of this stuff in 2 classes. i am glad i didnt buy this from here because it is almost 22 dollars. i bought the VHS versions somewhere else and only paid 11 dollars.. which after today i still think is to much. this still a good video but not enough time is spent on warm-up which could lead to hurting yourself if you dont know what you are doing. i say warn up for about 20 mins before doing any ballet. do not let your kids do this alone they will hurt themselves. it is great for in between classes to stay current and develop technique but you and you child will pass up this dvd/vhs in a few classes and find no need for it very soon. i suggest the The ballet workout it is an older taper but much more indepth about the barre work and center work and alot harder, and actually more fun.

Easy to follow with clear instruction. Great for beginners. Better to use both videos (Ballet 201) for easier learning.