Rating: Summary: Great tape, very relaxing Review: This tape is a great subsitute to the usual cardio. I found the hour to fly by and this is coming from someone that gets to bored with yoga to finish the entire tape. I took an intro. ballet class last winter so maybe this is why I found this tape interesting but either way I deffiantly reccomend it.
Rating: Summary: Too plain and simple! (It's for beginners) Review: According to the former feedbacks, I thought this DVD should be challenging or interesting. However,I was disappointed by not learning anything new and inspiring. Also, I disliked the dumbness of the dancers. It's more like a gym class than a ballet instruction.
Rating: Summary: very difficult to follow, poor instruction Review: as ex dancers, my wife and i were hoping this video would be as much fun as our old dance classes, but the instructors were bland and difficult to follow. It was not smooth and graceful, and the pilates refeernces seem unfounded. We did not like it and think it only sells beacuse of the name. Try somehting else instead.
Rating: Summary: Excellent for those with or without a dance background Review: I have been disappointed to read reviews of this and the second NYCB workout video that were given by people who call themselves dancers. The bad reviews of this video sound as though they came from divas who think that they know everything about ballet and movement and have forgotten that you can't do anything without basic muscle strength and balance. I have been dancing professionally and teaching for years, as well as a certified fitness professional, and must say that this is an excellent at home class. Taking the barre exercises away from the barre is a challenging way to work all muscles and force good posture and balance. THe floor barre is an excellent way to focus on form whil not worrying if you are going to fall over. For people who have dreamed of dancing, now is your chance to feel like you are a part of a company. It takes and inner peace and focus to really get something out of this, but once you are there, it could be one fo the best home fitness programs you can try. Even those who have been working out for years will be sore after the first time from finding muscles you may not have knwon you have! IF you take nothing away from this but relaxation from the beautiful music and haunting tone of Peter Martins narrations, it was worth it. A must have to throw in to any fitness cycle.
Rating: Summary: Hated It Review: I am a professional dancer and this video is neither a good basic ballet class nor a good workout. As every dancer knows, even a basic ballet class can be an oportunity to work on technique and strength. This video does not deliver. The "barre" exercises, done in centre, were far too brief to exercise the muscles and far too simple to exercise even the mind. I feel sorry for non-dancers purchasing this video, thinking that they are getting an education in dance. More likely they are damaging their precious bodies by trying to emulate what the NYC dancers are doing without any instruction. And why can we not edit a dance video to go with the music as opposed to in spite of it? Visually this DVD is gorgeous, but never challenged my flexibility, strength, or creative mind. I guess it is better than sitting on the couch, but so is walking around the block, and at least there's fresh air out there....
Rating: Summary: Ballet Class Review: This workout is fun. However it is like coming into a class in the middle where everyone else knows that moves so there is little instruction. The narrator seems like he has a script but doesn't really know when to say what. At one point he just says, "rather than listening to me watch the dancers." The dancers start doing a cool down routine where it is hard to watch what they are doing and do it at the same time. I'm sure that it won't be too hard after doing it a few times though, and it is fun to do ballet steps and act like a dancer. There is a pretty good warm up and toning section at the beginning that includes abs and leg exercises done while lying on the floor. Then there are short exercises that each introduces a new move (the moves aren't really introduced in the sense that you are told how to do them correctly, though). The whole workout is done in short segments that are put together in different ways at the end for specific types of sports workouts, but I found that the whole workout isn't really that strenuous, so doing less than the whole thing isn't really that useful
Rating: Summary: B-A-L-L-E-T Review: i think this video is a good idea if you've got a background in dance and need a slow class to recover from an injury or something. (which was my case) it isnt as good as taking a live class OF COURSE but it does a decent job. If you DONT have a background in ballet, dont even bother- there isnt much instruction. and more than likely if you dont know the steps, you'll do them wrong, and not get a workout, and complain about it. really, in the end, this is a ballet dancers touch up course.
Rating: Summary: Love this Workout! Review: This is a wonderful workout. I always loved ballet class when I was younger. Ballet is one of the best ways to get in and keep in shape. It strenghtens without bulking you up. This video allows you to take a class without the use of a barre, which is very convenient when working out at home in your living room. Most of the "barre" work is done on the floor so I would suggest using an exercise mat or a towel for a little extra cushioning. The only complaint I have is Peter Martin's instructions. They either run ahead or fall behind what is actually going on. This makes it more of a watch and follow along workout. Also, if you are not familiar with ballet lingo and movement it may take you a little while to get the hang of it. But trust me, you CAN do it and will get easier! If you want a change from the same old aerobic workout you should give this a try.
Rating: Summary: The most inspiring workout video I have ever seen! Review: I used to take ballet and other danse classes recreationally in NYC before my 2 children were born ( the oldest is 2). If you have children you know how cut from the big world one may feel with the little ones.This was the most inspiring thing in a long time. It made me beleive that I can stay in shape and improve even though it will be a while before I am in a dance class again. I am most grateful to the crew for creating this piece. This is a very elegant serious and exceptionally beautiful piece of work. It seems that some people are looking for a ballet lesson in it or a workout for dummies experience. It is a BALLET WORKOUT. Even though it is a serious workout, the pace is slow, music beautiful, photography excellent and dancer just amazing to look at! Enjoy!
Rating: Summary: Wonderful! Review: I just bought this DVD over the weekend, and worked out to it last night. I absolutely loved the workout! The stretches were amazing and the workout itself was awesome. I have previous dance experience, and was familiar with the terms, so I think that was helpful. This is a great workout for anyone who has any prior ballet experience.
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