Rating: 
Summary: Needs Better Instruction
Review: I enjoyed the tape and the exercises and am looking forward to seeing results. That being said, there are several problems with the video including errors in narration where the voice-over instructions do not match what the ballet dancers are demonstrating on screen. The main problem, though, was the fact that the tape made a lot of assumptions about the viewer's knowledge and never gave complete instructions about the proper technique to prevent injury and get the maximum results. I know one reviewer said that you can pick up the correct form by doing the tape several times, but that is not always the case. In one instance, Martins made a similar comment, but at that moment, the lighting was so poor that I couldn't completely see the dancer's feet to check my technique. I enjoyed it and liked the music but would only recommend this for people with some knowledge of either dancing or exercising. I found my pilates tape much more useful.
Rating: 
Summary: Best workout I own
Review: I own a lot of workout videos and this is by far the best. The workout is tough mainly because you have to use so many different muscles to do the exercises correctly. You burn fat, not by running around in circles but by learning to control your body. It helps your posture and overall balance. An additional feature I like is that you can turn off the voice-overs after you learn the routine.
Rating:
Summary: Good for stretching & ab work, but not a "workout"
Review: I was hoping this dvd would be more like a real ballet class, but it's just too easy. I agree with the other reviewers about the poor cueing - while I was doing the floor exercises, I had no idea when I was supposed to stop and go to the other leg. The best part about this workout is the ab work - good and tough! This workout is well-produced and the music is great, but I wish the content were better. For a well-rounded, challenging cardio, strength, and fun dance ballet workout, try Balletbootcamp (I bought mine from Collage Video).
Rating: 
Summary: A good workout, after you get a little backround
Review: I ordered this video for a change of pace from pounding cross-training workouts. I also ordered it because I have developed an interest in ballet watching my daughter develop as a fourth-year student. The video, music, dancers, and narration are all beautiful and calming, unlike most exercise videos. The warm-ups are small dance routines and are too fast and difficult to follow for a warm-up segment and for someone with no experience in ballet like myself. The exercise segments are controlled and fairly easy to follow, but there are errors in the editing (like incorrect changes from right to left) that can through you off. Some of the exercises are old standbys like push-ups and crunches. But overall, I felt very strong and refreshed after this segment. The cool down is very graceful and beautiful. Many basic ballet positions are not explained, though. (I had to get help from my daughter). The thirty minute segment on the dancers in the video is very well-done. My daughter (an aspiring dancer) enjoys it very much. Overall, I would recommend this video as an refreshing change of pace workout and an introduction to a beautiful art form.
Rating:
Summary: Hard, relaxing, and gives great results!
Review: I haven't done ballet in over 10 years and realize every time I do this workout what I loved about ballet. It is demanding on the body, yet relaxing to the mind. A beautiful workout that does require pretty good flexibility before you start it. You WILL see results in less than a month and feel great about yourself. Buy it!
Rating:
Summary: Ballet in the Big Apple
Review: Shots of a N.Y. tugboat spraying water into the air, pictures of people crowding N.Y. streets. Sarah Jessica Parker, looking like "Laugh-In's" Ruth Buzzi in a blonde wig. These are the scenes that act as a filler in the New York City Ballet's workout video and DVD. In between all the ballet hype about the ballet stars' busy lives, we are given some basic Pilates moves and some quick ballet stretches and jumps. I agree with another reviewer that there are NOT enough repetitions to do much to work the body. Everything is done to quickly, as if you are caught up in the hectic pace of New York City. Having taken adult ballet classes with the Houston Ballet for 5 years, I was let down by this video. While I think that New York City Ballet is one of the best in the world, their video is a rip-off. Instead, spend your money on the Kultur video called, "The Ballet Workout" with Melissa Lowe. It is a much better investment. And, let us also hope that if the New York City Ballet does a sequel to this video, they will use someone more pleasing to the eye than Sarah Jessica "Sex in the City" Parker....when Sarah Jessica Parker fell out of the ugly tree, she hit every branch on the way down !!!
Rating:
Summary: Good Workout, Bad Editing
Review: I have taken many years of ballet, therefore the video was easy for me to understand. The only difficulty this video poses is that you HAVE to be watching the screen at all times, otherwise you find yourself totally off from what the dancers are doing. The narrorator does not tell you often enough when to switch sides, how many reps to do, or when a change of moves is coming. Perhaps this is the way ballet is taught, but for those who are use to video workouts that fully guide you through the program, you will find yourself a bit frustrated.However, the exercises are an awesome change of pace. It is not overly exhausting, but you definitely feel your body reacting. I absolutely broke a sweat, and cannot wait to workout to the program again. I do hope they come out with a second video that is a bit more refined. Again, I highly recommend the workout, but the video definitely lacks in editing and narrorating!!!
Rating:
Summary: I love this workout!
Review: The New York City Ballet Workout is more than just an exercise program. It is a mixture of stretching, conditioning, and dance that can help you achieve the grace and poise of a dancer. I currently take ballet and jazz and I do the workout on the days I don't have class. I also really like the dancer profiles at the end. This workout is best for people with knowledge of the positions in ballet and some basic terminology. Those who do not know much about ballet might have to study the workout once or twice before they try it. This workout is great for all types of people!
Rating: 
Summary: the best part are the bios
Review: Sarah Jessica Parker's introduction is weak. And her hair is all hair sprayed and wierd. I have a bit of ballet experience, but the exercises are not explained at all and you're left just trying to match what they're doing on the screen without having any idea of proper form or even what exactly you're supposed to be doing. The exercises are not described per body parts, instead you have to figure out that some ab work is in the "floor barre" section, etc. This DVD layout is just a mess. Also, I don't feel that you do enough reps to really work out your muscles. The pictures on the cover and inside are stunning, and I thoughroughly enjoyed the interviews/bios of the 4 models. This DVD is best for glimpsing the life of ballet dancers and getting a rough idea of the exercises they do every day. Try a Method Pilates video, in my opinion you'll get the same long lean results without all this other nonsense!
Rating:
Summary: BARYSHNIKOV WILL SLEEP EASY TONIGHT
Review: I bought this video because I've lusted in my heart to a dancer's body. You know the type, perfectly symmetrical, long lean muscles, perfect stature and not an ounce of fat. So, I buy this even though my dance background consist of Saturday night gyrations after too many vodka tonics. I really wanted to love this video, it has a great look, great music and gorgeous dancers! But, without any ballet experience I was lost. I'll probably continue to try and plow through-just for the sake of my own ego.
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