Customer Reviews

Brazilian Dance Workout [VHS]

5 star:		(35)
4 star:		(20)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(4)
1 star:		(6)

 

 

I have wanted to learn that tricky Samba step ever since I went to visit cousins in Brazil years ago. I came away with a love of Brazilian music and dance, but I never was able to pick up that samba step--I'm not much of a dancer. Here is a workout tape with something to aim for; not only fitness, but learning those appealing dance routines from Carnival.

The tape begins with a longish warm up; a good idea as Brazilian dance, based on African style moves, requires you use EVERY part of your body. So you, like me, may not have moved some of those parts for quite a while. You shake your arms, roll your head, contract and roll the back and do hip swivels, and plenty of shoulder moves, too. The warm up is possibly a sufficient workout for someone very unfit or elderly, in fact.

The first dance sequence is done at half-tempo--but, here's my problem. The first step is not explained (a cross and back) but the easier back undulation at the end IS given instruction. Sure, some people have trouble undulating their spine, but the footwork also needed a bit of elucidation. Still, you can replay that part of the DVD til you get it--but it's a bit of a nuisance not to have a different camera angle or a talk-through. So plan on stopping and starting the DVD as you learn these steps before you can get a non-stop Samba workout.

This workout is particularly excellent for back flexibility. And on that note, if you do hAVE back problems, you might have difficulties with the upper body parts of this workout so consider your own limitations.

The filming is a bit dull--outdoors in a field with palm trees on a portable parquet dance floor. The usual "one from every kind" dance troupe of elderly, young, thin, plump, dark, light is included to make the viewer feel included. But the camera stays at a boring same distance. I wanted some more close ups and perhaps some alternate camera angles as well.

The music is drums and bells, typical samba rhythm, and very pleasant.

Summary: if you want a fun, dance workout, plan on spending some time learning the moves and then enjoy a very thorough, body-moving dance session.

An upbeat, fun, easy-to-follow workout. I ordered this workout instead of the hundreds of others simply because I wanted more of a dance related style, and while this doesn't teach you how to actually dance Brazilian dances, it gives you a great work out, which is what it's supposed to do. Very fun, very energizing. You will sweat and you will feel it, but you'll also have an easier time getting yourself up off the couch to do a second workout. :) One of the best things is that it's relatively low impact. There is some hopping at the end, but it's not extended. Definitely a plus for someone with bad knees and ankles like me. Highly recommended!

This is the sort of "break-your-neck-trying" at-home workout to be avoided by the beginner or those not in tiptop shape. "Buyer Beware" because you could seriously hurt your knees or stress your heart trying to keep up with this challenging DVD. This isn't coming from a couch slouch either. I attend regular dance classes and was once a dancer. I wish the workout came in different versions, for beginner, intermediate or advanced. As a dancer I'd say this one is intermediate/advanced. The plus side is that the teacher is engaging and dedicated to her dance form; she just needs to work harder on the teaching part. The live drumming is great! The solos are wonderful--a definite plus, to see so many different styles. I like the fact that there are dancers of various ages, sizes, male and female. I wish those dancers in the workout DVD who are heavier or older were directed to show modifications of the steps so the workout could be useful to various fitness levels, shapes and sizes.

I first bought this video after buying The Method's Afro-Brazilian Workout. I am a person that does not enjoy traditional workouts. I need something that is fun and keeps me going. The instructor has great energy and it shows as she goes through the various moves.

The music is great and it keeps you going. It doesn't feel like you're actually working out. I have more fun doing this tape than any other workout that I've done in the past. If you haven't danced before, it may be a bit challenging to keep up with the moves, but it's definately fun trying.

The only reason that I gave it four stars is that there is always room for improvement. At the beginning, there is a long stretch/warmup section. But, at the end, the cool down/stretch session is not as long. I would have liked to see that expanded. The camera angles are good, but it would have been nice to see the faces of the other dancers, as they weren't as clear. Also, I'd like to see everyone do a short solo routine at the end of the video, especially Vanessa. I would have liked for them to spend more time explaining the moves, as at times I felt they went too fast.

Overall, a fun workout.

I hadn't realized it before, but apparently this lady has put out two different workout tapes and I got lucky and got the better one. This Afro-Brazilian workout has great music with a live band, not just background sound tracks, very intelligent instruction, choreography that is not too difficult for beginners nor too boring for the somewhat more experienced, appealing dancers, and the great Brazilian rhythms and moves which leave you soaked with sweat after an hour. This is just like the great Afro-Brazilian dance classes I used to take in L.A. when I lived there. I've been looking for a video like this for a long time and now I've found it. I hope Vanessa produces some more.

This is fantastic: the only dance-based workout I've tried (and believe me, I've tried a lot) that is actually just like being in a dance class. The movements are broken down and built up properly, you end up with a real dance and you certainly sweat a lot while having fun. Great low impact cardio, but that's not really the point: this is about feeling great, feeling the rhythms. Anyone who has done any dance before will be on familiar terms with the way this is taught, and those who are new to it will I am sure soon pick it up as it is so well done. it puts most of the 'flasher' DVDs out there to shame. The reason it lost a star was that it will NOT play on my DVD player through my telly, only through my computer, and as I am English I did not want to send it back, paying postage and yet another set of customs fees, so I have to put up with that. But otherwise, an amazing product, where the people on screen seem to be having as much fun as I was. Buy it!

I admit I'm addicted to "Dancing With The Stars" and seeing how the stars toned up by doing something that is obviously so much fun I went on a hunt for a dance/exercise video that would teach me some of those latin moves. And this is the one. It's not easy, but still lots of fun. And I love the drums. So many exercise videos have such awful music I end up turning off the sound and putting my own CD on. This music is raw and basic, the moves sexy. I recommend it for anyone who enjoys an African beat and some hot latin moves. This is a FIVE STAR video. I goofed when I set up the stars and I can't change it.

i am always hesitant to buy new workout videos. for the past 3 yrs or better my shcedule has not allowed me to go to a gym, but people always think i do, because i am in very good shape. i have been doing tae bo for yrs now and have yet to find something as challenging and well rounded as this. this is a fun video, i was hesitant as i said but once i got into it, i was glad i got it. from someone who works out everyday, i can honestly say i had a good fast heartrate going and it was a truly intense cardio workout. if you are a beginner or dont feel you catch on quick to moves in workout videos this may be a little bit difficult. i had no real trouble. they dont give you much going over the steps at a slow pace, usually once or twice, but for me that was enough. its fun to put the moves together, and it was a completely different change from the workouts im used to. some of the users who reviewed have suggested its only a way to learn dance or didnt break a sweat, but i disagree. i always work out, and if you follow this instead of watch it, you will be getting something out of it. muito bem!!!!

I tried this work-out once and was hooked! I use it on alternating days between high intensity kickboxing work-outs. But don't get me wrong-- you WILL get your heart rate up and you WILL sweat. You'll just feel really good doing it! The difference is that this is a work-out for ALL fitness levels since the movements can be adapted to your own body's needs or comfort level. The best part of this work-out is how you feel doing it. Since you're learning and dancing to incredible live music, you hardly notice how much of a full body work-out you're getting.

By the 3rd or 4th time you use the work-out you'll have learned most of the basic movements so you can just really DANCE and have fun! Its a great low-impact work-out for almost anyone who wants to really dance. I'm even buying a copy for my mother for her birthday this year!

This is a fabulous and incredibly fun workout tape. Not only do you learn some genuine Brazilian dance moves, you really get a serious workout.

Vanessa Isaac is a terrific teacher. She breaks down the moves nicely and her joy is infectious. There've actually been a couple of times that I was gloomy when I went out to exercise and absolutely brimming with joy when I finished this workout. It's not just exercise; it's a legal upper. I will definitely watch for anything and everything Vanessa Isaac teaches in the future and buy it. If you like to really move and find other exercise programs boring, this one to go for.