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
• Rating: NR (Not Rated)
• Studio: Kultur Video
• DVD Release Date: August 15, 1991
• Run Time: 270 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• ASIN: B0000DI86M
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #14,963 in Movies & TV (See Bestsellers in Movies & TV)

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  #24 in	Movies & TV > Special Interests > Dance > Ballet
  #65 in	Movies & TV > Musicals & Performing Arts > Ballet & Dance

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
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

44 of 45 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

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!

42 of 45 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.

18 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars great for basics and more advanced, April 5, 2004

By A Customer

This DVD is very easy to use--well set up. The exercises are clearly labeled, and, since it is on DVD, you can just rewind to repeat the moves on the opposite leg. This is a great workout, and I feel more confident in my ballet practice in that each exercise is specifically labeled and explained. The only drawback is that each exercise is explained and practiced quickly without many reps--so, I did have to rewind each section a couple of times (which I really do not mind). OVERALL--VERY GOOD!