Customer Reviews

Ballet Class: Intermediate - Advanced [VHS]

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

 

 

I was surprised when I got this video at how much it was like my ballet class. I had the New York City Ballet Workout and thought this would be a good supplement.

This video teaches your muscles to work the way a dancer's muscles should, so when you go to class, you will be able to receive the full effect of teaching instruction. I live 45 minutes away from the ballet studio, so I like this video because I can practice as often as I should to keep my body ready to dance.

There are two minor things that I need to get used to with this video:
a) the sound is not very good, so I have to turn it up loud to hear the music to keep in time, and
b) plies, tendus, and degages move quickly; I usually like a slower plie, a slow tendu, then a fast tendu and fast degage. I suppose the video is not as long as to incorporate all elements of the 90 minute ballet class I am used to.

This video is excellent for those of you who want to go to a ballet class in your own home! I am an intermediate/advanced dancer who has returned to dancing after many years. This video has helped me to get back in ballet shape. It has all the barre and floor exercises of a studio ballet class together with beautiful piano music. David Howard does a great job explaining, with not too much talking, how to do each combination. In order to dance full-out, you will need some room to dance during the floor exercises. Great exercise -- every muscle gets a workout!

This video takes you through an intermediate ballet class. David demonstrates the combinations, and seven professional dancers perform them. I am currently an advanced ballet student who lives far away from a professional studio. I do this ballet class video on days when I can't make it to the studio. David Howard has many other great ballet class videos available to aspiring dancers and dance teachers who want to learn ballet technique.

This tape is just like taking an intermediate or advanced- beginning class (but much cheaper and easier to fit into a busy schedule). The production isn't fabulous, but who cares- David Howard is one of the best ballet teachers in the world and the dancers demonstrating are lovely( but extremely skinny- be warned if you find this discouraging). I used to dance quite seriously and did this video every day for months to get back in shape without getting sick of it. There is a full barre and the center combinations are enjoyable, well choreographed, and you don't need too much space to do them. A truly great video if you already have a fair amount of ballet experience.

I would definately recommend this video to any of my friends in the dance hall. It is fast-paced, fun and a very good work out. This video is DEFINATELY NOT for a beginner. Be prepared to sweat when buying this video.