Product Details

• Directors: Tim Russ
• Format: Color, NTSC
• Number of tapes: 1
• VHS Release Date: October 1, 1997
• Run Time: 45 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• ASIN: 0966012208
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #239,895 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]

Product Description

Join a School of Dance with a Little Class! Bring a beginning ballet class right into the privacy of your living room with "Ballet 101, A Beginner's Class".

"Ballet 101" is a simple, stress free and informative session that challenges both adults and children who wish to be introduced to the world of the arts. Dancers are taken on a step-by-step journey that begins with preparation and warm-up, and paces them through easy ballet moves that focus on the barre. The instruction is presented without music accompaniment, and the class ends with a grand dance finale to music, all incorporating what's been taught. It's a learning experience that's as exciting as it is fun, and is specifically designed for beginners.

"Ballet 101" is an easy to follow, hands-on tape that is based upon the syllabus of a major University of California program, and is both endorsed and recommended by private instructors. Ballet terms & definitions that assist dancers can be printed from the abridgeclub.com site.

Dancers who are ready to use their new moves in fun & challenging dance combinations to classical music will benefit from, "Ballet 101 & 201, Combinations 1" and "Ballet 101 & 201, Combinations 2". DANCE NOW & TAKE YOUR BOW.

See all Editorial Reviews

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

33 of 33 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Beginner's Best, May 30, 2003

By 

Elisa King (Dallas, TX) - See all my reviews

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

As a beginner, I love this tape. I had read the other reviews and did not agree with a few, so I am posting my own. This ballet class is taught in a dance classroom, and I thought the quality was fine. I have never taken a ballet class, but have always wanted to. Like others, I am to nervous to try this in a public setting. I was able to follow along easily, and needed the pace to be slow. The repetition didn't bother me, because I am so new to this, and from what I have observed by watching several classes, this tape is right on the mark. I had purchased other tapes that seemed to dance off without me, and I cheer this instructor for thinking of the novice. After many failed attempts, I have found something that fits.

24 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Love it! Love it! LOVE IT!, July 20, 2002

By A Customer

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

In a word, I am "overweight" and dieting. The last place I want to be is "in the back" of some class full of skinny minnies. Oh yeah, that would make me feel just GREAT. I wanted to share with you that with this video have been able to take my time, learn the steps, and actually dance ballet without feeling out of place. To my surprise, I'm actually pretty good at it. I've lost 35 pounds and counting using a combination of this and walking. I have so much confidence now that when I hit my goal, I will happily step in with the skinny minnies, and might even show them a thing or two.

28 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great for absolute beginners!, September 1, 2003

By A Customer

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

As a complete beginner, I appreciated the appropriate pacing. The video progresses at a nice slow pace and all the moves are repeated a couple times to give the viewer time to adjust and make the moves correctly. The instructor also shows all moves from both the left and the right side, which is helpful. There's a nice combination movement at the end where you can put all your 'skills' together in one final grand mini-movement. This is not like a typical workout video where you sweat buckets after the class (like a cardio video), but it is definitely challenging, especially if you are a non-dancer, and great fun if you love the ballet. I have only one complaint: the dancers do not do their movements in mirror image so you can just copy them literally... if you're supposed to go to the right, then the dancers go to the right as well (which is left when you're watching them). This is a bit off-putting for me since I am used to just copying instructors in the front of me literally. But after all, this is a tape and you can pause, stop, rewind, etc whenever you want. Highly recommended for beginners!