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Well organized and appropriately paced, dance instructor Cal Pozo's
The Basic Lessons covers the fundamentals of ballroom dances including the foxtrot, rumba, cha-cha, mambo, lindy, and more. Each dance is taught in four sections: an explanation and history of the dance, animated footprints stepping out the moves, the perspectives (front and back) of each partner, and finally, a full-out demonstration. There are a few drawbacks. The music is ultra-cheesy (remember the canned music that used to blare from the organ store at your local mall?), and the sets and dancers' wardrobes recall the worst moments of '80s fashion. But practice while no one is looking, maintain your sense of humor, and--even if you can't chew gum and walk without stumbling--this video will have you swirling on the dance floor in no time.
--Beth Massa
From the back cover
No more sitting down at weddings, family parties, or New Year's Eve parties. No More Fear of having two left feet or of not having any rhythm. Dancer/instructor Cal Pozo will have you dancing the waltz, tango, swing and many others in this Platinum selling video. Cal and his troupe of instructors will teach you the basic step patterns to all dances in a simple, three step learning system: Step One: Easy to follow animated footprints repeatedly show the foot movements and directions of the pattern being featured. Step Two: A male and a female instructor demonstrate their respective patterns from the "Reverse View"--with their backs to the camera. Step Three: The pattern is demonstrated with the instructors dancing as a couple and emphasizing pointers on leading, following and appearance. You'll also learn how to avoid stepping on your partner's feet: how to follow or lead and much more. Alone or with a partner, you'll use these videotapes over and over. Guaranteed! Cal Pozo is a former U.S. Professional Dance Champion, Broadway choreographer and performer.