Product Details

• Actors: Kevin McKenzie, Georgina Parkinson
• Format: Color, DVD, NTSC
• Language: English
• Region: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only. Read more about DVD formats.)
  
• Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1
• Number of discs: 2
• Rated: NR (Not Rated)
• Studio: Kultur Video
• DVD Release Date: August 15, 1991
• Run Time: 270 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (18 customer reviews)
• ASIN: B0000DI86M
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #26,726 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)
• For more information about "The Video Dictionary of Classical Ballet" visit the Internet Movie Database (IMDb)

Editorial Reviews

Now on DVD! The essential video dictionary of all classical ballet movements performed by some of the greatest names in American Ballet. Teachers and students alike find the Video Dictionary of Classical Ballet the most innovative and dynamic tool ever developed for learning and studying the movements of ballet. 4 1/2 hours on two DVDs, this set includes over 800 variations in Russian, French, and Cecchetti styles. Many of the movements are shown in slow motion with multiple camera angles and voice-over narrative description. This engaging program demonstrates the complete language of ballet:Positions and Directions • Barre • Linking Steps • Center Practice • Pirouettes • Adage • Allegro • Batterie • Pointe • Musical Enchainements. For easy reference, a printed index of all the movements and variations performed is included. This comprehensive guide is demonstrated by four of the most outstanding figures in American Ballet: • Kevin McKenzie (Artistic Director of American Ballet Theatre, former principal dancer, ABT) • Georgina Parkinson (Ballet Mistress of ABT; former principal dancer, Royal Ballet) • Merrill Ashley (former principal dancer, New York City Ballet) • Denise Jackson (former principal dancer, Joffrey Ballet)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

70 of 71 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Comments from a Ballet Student, October 24, 2004

By 

Ballet Buff (California, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Video Dictionary of Classical Ballet (DVD)

I think this DVD is GREAT! There are many ballet dictionaries available but to SEE how the steps are done is more useful and clear than mere words could describe.

Unlike some other reviewers, I found the DVD quality to be fine.

This DVD is an invaluable reference for any ballet student. Although I have been learning ballet for only 2 1/2 years as an ADULT ballet student with no ballet background at all, I now take 8-14 classes a week (with teenage students!) and have managed to reach Level 5 and even do Pointe work so I can say with the conviction of a serious ballet student that - This DVD is an EXCELLENT reference for anyone interested in learning ballet.

I would recommend the DVD version instead of the VHS because it makes for easier and quicker selection of topics (imagine having to rewind and forward on VHS!).

If you're thinking of getting this DVD, go for it!

39 of 41 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars For the advanced student of professional only, June 19, 2007

By 

Aria Austin (Cupertino, California) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Video Dictionary of Classical Ballet (DVD)

I am under the impression that many people buy this DVD to learn ballet. That is not the point. You can look up moves, positions, etc., but this is not a step-by-step to teach you something you haven't learned in class. It's basically a summary of how steps are done. If I'm trying to remember how move X is started, I'll pull out the DVD and already know what to look for. But it will not teach me step X. You will be disappointed if you buy expecting a class replacement, but will be happy if your intention is to use this DVD solely as a reference and as a supplement to proper classes.

It's not an overly-pretty DVD. There aren't fancy costumes, and the dancers are wearing classwear. Music in the background is to keep tempo, so don't expect to pop in the DVD and hear a beautiful orchestra and watch full dances. You will see the word, hear it pronounced in French, then see the move performed a couple times in a class setting (without onlookers). This is all. You can easily skip from scene to scene to find what you want. This is what you get.

50 of 55 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great concept, limitations in this video format, March 21, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Video Dictionary of Classical Ballet [VHS] (VHS Tape)

The idea of demonstrating classical ballet positions and movements on video is a worthy one, and the professional dancers perform ballet with an authority I cannot question.

Putting 800 examples on two tapes presents the problem of locating specific sections. This would be much better served on DVD (or perhaps CD-ROM) where chapters could be more easily accessed. I own the tapes but would find a DVD version much more useful.