Customer Reviews

Ballet 101, A Beginner's Class - VHS

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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.

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!

I have been teaching dance for over 20 years and I finally found a good beginning ballet video that I can share with parents to give them a great introdution to the dance form. Also, it is a good opportunity for students and teachers to make sure that their terminology is correct. I like the educational style of the tape. Good job.

I recommed this video if you love ballet and want a different type of workout. I workout to it everyweek and showing good results for the effort. I have now purchased the second video in the series and can't wait to start working out to that. A big thumbs up!

The video quailty was disappointing. It looked like I could have produced it with my home computer. However, the ballet instructions were sound, although I wish there had been more actual instruction. A lot of time is wasted showing the same techinque repeated in different directions, different feet, then repeat some more. The set is uninteresting, and there is no backgroung music, if that's important to you. If it's not, and you don't mind alittle repitition or simplicity, this could be right for you!

I loved this video so much that I came back and got their 201. I live in a rural area where there are no classes offered, and I have always had an interest in ballet. I initially rented it from the library, and used it so much that I went in search of it for my personal collection. It's easy and relaxing if you want an escape from aerobics, and it gives a beginner simple instruction. I didn't feel intimidated. The way they shot it with the instruction focusing on one side keeps it flowing so that you aren't bored. If you know enough to repeat the move on your other side, you're home free.

I would recommend this video to anyone who is just beginning ballet! It goes over the very basic of steps, simple enough for anyone of any age. This tape definately does not replace going to an actual dance class, but is good to have so that when you start a class, you will know the basics.

My daughters love this video. The instuctions are easy to follow, yet teach proper form and technique. It's the perfect way to give my daughters dance class without having to go broke!

Good to practice to as a supplement to a beginner's ballet class. She takes on a lot, so it is good to pause between steps that are presented.