The New York City Ballet Workout

Rating:
Summary: Just what I was looking for
Review: I just received this DVD last week and it was just what I was looking for. I had taken ballet for several years in elementary school and wanted to do it again without leaving the house. The commentary isn't always very helpful, it's better to just watch the dancers. A ballet background would be helpful--this is the real thing! The music choices are a MUCH better alternative to most workout videos. It's something I don't mind my young son imitating.

Rating:
Summary: Makes me feel graceful
Review: The workout was useful because the camera showed the dancers at different angles during an exercise routine so you got a pretty good idea how to perform the exercises correctly.

I liked the classical music and the use of the 4 dancers together, paired or alone. It was much less obnoxious than some of the other exercise videos I have where I have to play a CD to drown out the cheesy music.

The dancers were wonderful to watch and the camera captured their movements from various positions. The video suggests how to vary the movements by camera dissolves from one dancer performing the routine using one method into another dancer performing the same exercise with a variation. They were dressed in simple exercise attire which was a nice change from having to watch about 8 giggling, obnoxious and ridiculously dressed background dancers in some of my other videos.

Most importantly, its just fun to try and learn the graceful movements and dance to the music with the dancers..it makes me feel very good about myself.

Rating:
Summary: Beautiful video, amazing workout
Review: Some of the reviewers are saying this is too hard to follow. I disagree. I have never studied ballet in my life and I found this very simple to follow. The exercises are broken down by name (DVD) so its easy to learn what the fancy names mean. The moves are clearly shown and are very easy to follow. Proper form takes a while, but I am starting to notice how my body is moving and how it should be moving compared to the dancers on my TV. And I am noticing results already. I only wish the there were MORE excercises on the DVD because I love it so much, even though there is about an hour already. ...The cinematography is gorgeous, and the dancers are amazing.

The DVD version is amazing. I love the interviews, diaries and behind the scenes footage. For someone who studies ballet or wants to dance professionally, this is is a must have over the VHS version.

The reason I am giving it 4 stars instead of 5 is because the 2nd and 3rd warm up sections are like intermediate or advanced ballet dance routines. I try to follow as best I can for someone who never took ballet. But, its just the warm-up so it does not ruin the workout at all. And the hype about Sarah Jessica Parker is aweful. She talks for just over a minute and it does not have anything to do with the workout at all. I was hoping for a bit more with her on the DVD.

But I do LOVE this workout!

Rating:
Summary: Ballet exercises are a good workout.
Review: This was a good workout. I have never taken ballet before and was able to follow along (a bit clumsily the first time, but better the next time). The warm up is some dance moves that you just need to try to follow, but after that it was easier to follow along. There is not alot of explaination of how to do the moves. I read the brochure that came with it and got some tips from that, such as focusing on all of your muscles while doing the moves. I also had read in an article to keep all of your muscles contracted to work all of your body. I felt this would be a good addition to my current workouts which include yoga, weight training and aerobics. The music was enjoyable and relaxing and you work your muscles differently than in typical exercises. As with yoga, it will also enhance your balance, posture, muscle tone and mental focus. On the DVD, the verbal cueing seemed a bit off at times, but I was able to follow along by watching the dancers. The exercises are broken down on the DVD so you can pick and choose which you want to do. The exercises are numbered and the last set displayed out of order on my screen, but now I have it figured out despite that. I have already noticed some toning in my thighs and strengthening in my back. Overall I felt this was a pretty good workout. It may not be for someone who is looking for a more aerobic workout. But if you are tired of doing typical excersises and want variety in your workout you will enjoy this.

Rating:
Summary: The New York City Ballet Workout
Review: I LOVED this workout. It's beautiful to watch, the music is lovely and the workout is quite easy to follow.(I haven't taken a ballet class since I was in second grade.) The Editorial Review really describes the tape perfectly.I highly recommend The New York City Ballet Workout.

Rating:
Summary: Good, different workout
Review: this is a good workout if you are into stretching or yoga. i was sore for couple of days. although jessica parker's name is on the video, she only introduces the video and has nothing to do with it. the video uses ballet terminology so if you are not familiar with them, it is a little hard to follow in the beginning. otherwise, it is a good workout.

Rating:
Summary: not for everyone
Review: i've been a dancer on and off for sixteen years and i cannot do this workout. the narrator talks too fast and does not explain anything. my ballet ignorant friends gave up after the first warm up. only buy this if you study ballet and have been studying ballet for years.

Rating:
Summary: Simply Watch the Video First
Review: Most of the complaints are about not being able to following along with the dancers. If you are not familiar with ballet simply watch the video first. of course of you watch it for the first time while trying to do it you will not be able to follow along. To point something else out. this is a Ballet Video not a kickboxing video. The narrators voice is soothing there would be no need for him to be shouting while you are trying to do ballet. I will say that there is no need to buy he second version of this CD because they both have the exact same content. This video has the best stretching exercise that I have ever done. I do the warm up on this video then do other videos in My collection. if you are looking to add variety to you workout this is a great video to add to your collection.

Rating:
Summary: A wonderful Ballet video...
Review: I loved ballet when I took it as a kid and teenager. But, I had given it up until I found this video. I loved the floor work amazing how much muscle you lose when you don't continue to workout certain areas. This video really proved that college makes one a little less muscular. I liked the barre work at the end of the video and really love the floor work when I want to feel my abs work. It is a great video and the production is good too so you can see what is going on. It even made me join a ballet class in college it was that much fun. It is a great video and a great workout. I recommend this for anyone who used to dance or who just loves to dance as you get a workout along with having fun.

Rating:
Summary: Great workout
Review: A nice change from other workouts. I like to do a different type of workout everyday. This really shakes things up. Don't expect to become a ballet dance from this workout but expect a great workout. The position may seem a little hard one the first try, but by the second or third you get the hang of the dvd. Once you master the poses, you can really feel the difference in your body. My legs and abs have slimmed down quickly after giving birth to my second baby.