Customer Reviews

Ballroom Dancing Basics

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I got this DVD as a birthday present. It individually teaches the male and female dance parts, then puts them together. It first teaches a box step, turning box, as well as different variations. Then it shows how some of the moves apply to the waltz, rumba, and other dances. It's easy to learn, and it's not complicated to do. This is a good DVD to get started learning ballroom dancing.

Great introduction to ballroom dancing. Clear, easy to follow. Very likable teachers. Men and women's parts illustrated clearly and effectively.

--TS, NYC

Thought it was great. I like that there is a music CD
with it so you can pratice on your own.

There are other great instructional video's but this one is the place to start for those couples with zero dance skills who need to start from square one (literally!). clear, simple directions for both the male and female partner to learn and then combined together. i'm sure we will graduate to other video's but will always be glad we got our first lessons from these two experts. thanks to them for their patience and understanding that there are folks out there with two left feet that need it broken down to the simplest of instruction. after this video we were able to chuck the steel toed boots and wear real dancing shoes while practicing together!

We chose this to refresh our ballroom basics. It is very clear to understand both the male and female parts. The best part of this video is where they show how to incorporate the basic steps into the different styles of dance.

The video is very helpful to learn dance steps. The presentation is good and the dvd can easly be skipped forward or backwards allow for repeat attempts.

At the ripe old age of 42, I am young enough to remember my college summers going to the free MidSummer Night Swing events at Lincoln Center where I learned the basics of salsa right in front of Celia Cruz. I'm also old enough now to have a couple of joint replacements and to not know half of the "stars" on Dancing With the Stars. One thing has never changed, I love dance - whether just watching on a "bad day" or participating on a good day. For a wedding anniversary several years ago I was lucky enough to have a private dance lesson taught by Melanie LaPatin at a studio in NYC; she is extremely personable; knows not only how to dance but also how to *teach*! Tony Meredith is equally effective in demonstrating the male partner's steps.

The dance moves are demonstrated clearly and slowly from several different angles without music in the beginning which is great to have less distraction while you're taking your first steps; the moves are demonstrated separately for the male and female parts which is helpful for a true beginner and learning solo. Takes you through correct posture and holds to the basic box step to putting it all together in the Foxtrot, Rumba and others. The music CD included for practicing is a nice bonus.

I'll admit the dialog sometimes reminds me a bit of an infomercial - a lot of "It's soooo easy!!!! Now wasn't that easy!?!?".... applause.... it would probably all seem a bit saccharine but somehow comes off as kitschy fun when delivered by Melanie and Tony - gotta love them!

Recommended for beginners.

This is a great Dance Instruction Video! We have a group in a Retirement Community and they all loved it! This couple is fun to watch! I purchased a new DVD for my Granddaughter who has just become engaged. They plan to use it for their Wedding Dance Practicing! All ages can learn from this and enjoy it!

The hosts of this DVD are photogenic and very personable, and I liked the "studio audience" format of the instruction with a live audience. Their visual aids are easy to reproduce at home as well as genuinely helpful to the material presented. The steps presented aren't always the "normal" ones presented on ballroom dancing instruction videos, but which really do make ballroom dancing so full of flair, like sideways steps and twirls. While searching for an "ideal" instruction video, I've seen several that didn't cover any of this stuff even though it's what I'm really interested in learning!

The hosts really do make this video, though. They are likeable and funny, and quite knowledgable. The audience is happy to participate as well. Overall I was very happy with this video.

Do not like the product. Old fashion ballroom dancing, not the modern 2009 type my friends are doing.