Rating: 
Summary: A good stress-buster, muscle-building workout.
Review: I love this DVD. So many DVD workouts are fast paced and frantic-I am edgy and exhausted by the end of them and I go to the office in a bad mood. This one is slow, relaxing and methodical; I find after a workout, I am relaxed and psychologically centered as well as stretched out and strengthened. I don't go a day without it; I do all 17 sections because I love them. If that is too much of a time issue for you, you could do 10 or 12; but I wouldn't miss the 'Reverence' section at the end. It is a cool down/stretcher, plus provides psychological closure to the workout; something I typically don't get in other workouts. If you are looking for a 'cardio-burn', this isn't your workout. I have back and hip problems, so it is perfect for me with all the stretching. My back felt better 3 days after I started doing this workout; when I do another 'cardio-burn' DVD I have my back hurts until I can do this one. Needless to say, I don't do the 'cardio-burn' DVD very often. As a child/teenager, I took ballet, so I understand the movements and terminology, but even if you have no ballet experience, I don't think it would be difficult-just watch the dancers. Everything is slow and methodical; so you can follow along easily.
Rating:
Summary: The work out I've been looking for.
Review: I had been searching for a work out that is the absolute opposite of the knee jerking workout with Aerobics divas,loud music and soon to be dated hairdos and outfits for a very long time.This is the perfect find!
I did it one hour before bedtime and it relaxed me as well as challenged my body.I was slightly sored the next day but not to the point of being uncomfortable.I have lower back problems and my problem was addressed in the DVD, modifications were suggested for people who could not perform some of the exercises comfortably. I agree with other reviewers that you need to have notions of ballet to be able to follow the pace of the DVD but it's not a big challenge for a neophyte if that person takes the time to learn the feet positions and the name for the different movements.I loved the fact that you can design your own work out.I especially liked the floor barre exercises that can be performed by people who are overweight,disabled,or have a limited range of motion while standing up.
Another bonus is that this work out is totally classy without being condescendent to the viewer, the narration is soothing but doesn't put you to sleep.
Rating: 
Summary: Different type of workout, but...
Review: If you want simplicity... Well this one isn't the one. Not to say that you won't get it after watching it a few times. The two reasons why I didn't like this workout is that the narrator (which I really didn't expect in a workout video)doesn't explain the moves in how to do them, when they are going to change up the sequence, leaving you to figure out when they are going to do what next by just watching. I guess I have been spoiled by Kathy Smith who actually tells you this is what we are doing, this is how you do it and this is when we are going to do it. It also didn't get my heart rate up.. Could be because I was to busy standing around trying to figure out the workout. BUT after bashing it, I would say that if you are looking to get something more from your regular workout, do this in addition. Nice for flexibility, toning. But I wouldn't rely on it as a sole workout. Gotta make me sweat!
Rating:
Summary: my favorite
Review: This video is wonderful! You do not need to know anything about ballet to do it. It takes a little time to catch on, but not more than any video. Once you get the warm-ups down the rest is easy. The second half of this video is MUCH more challenging. I usually only do the firs half, but it has a perfect place to stop right in the middle. So in a half an hour, I feel wonderfly stretched and relaxed, my posture is improved, and i'm ready to take on the day. Also, the music and narration are very plesant. I highly recomend this for anyone!
Rating:
Summary: I love this workout!!!
Review: This video is WONDERFUL!!! I have dance training, but I've done it with friends who haven't and they loved it as well. Wrong as it may be, I often rate a workout video by how the people in the video's bodies look... as a sort of inspiration. Their bodies are all so beautiful you cannot help but want to strive to emulate them! It gets harder the more you do it. I've been doing it for about a month now and I'm told I look like a dancer! My posture is so much better now.. I'm standing taller, prouder, and walking more gracefully. I'd definitely recommend this one!
Rating:
Summary: Good Work Out But no Dance...
Review: Having spent more than 20 years as an amatuer barre-fly I have very mixed feelings about this video. It is VERY challening as the floor barre and stretches are usually only done daily by pro dancers as they are slow, monotonous and painful. Amateur classes usually do them once a month or so for pin-point conditioning. They do give a fantatstic workout, which you WILL feel. Unfortunately, there is little actual movement or dancing in this video, and its the moving combinations which are my greatest love. This is all of the slow, painful, challenging stuff that pros use to hone their craft, without the joyous sense of movement that inspires and encourages us to dance when we feel awful, can't seem to stick our technique or had a lousy day at our day job. I would recommend it only as an addition to a regular routine with a ballet class on video tape like one of Melissa Lowe's or David Howard's, never on its own and never for someone with no ballet experience. Actually, it is most beneficial for high level amateurs bored with their class routines and pros in small companies who need additional strengthening, NEVER for beginners.
Rating:
Summary: My favorite workout DVD
Review: This is my favorite workout DVD. I've started doing it every day, because I enjoy the routine so much. I would only recommend it to people with past ballet training. If you read the other reviews, they will support this suggestion, because the people who hated it had never studied ballet, before. I studied dance for eight years, but, hadn't danced in over 15, when I bought this DVD. By the third time through, I was completely confident in what I was doing and could focus on the quality of my movements, instead of just "keeping up". So, don't think you have to be taking classes *now* for it to be any use...just sometime in your past.
Rating: 
Summary: There's a method to it...
Review: I have read some of the other reviews, and noticed people saying that it does not do anything for you, and will not increase your strength. This is because it is almost neccesary to understand ballet before doing the program. However, the title is not "learn to do ballet and workout", but new york city ballet workout, so logicaly it gives you some forewarning. i personally was a little dissappointed in the frequent break up of the segments, but, over all, this is a very good for those who take ballet to keep their mind focused on their turn out and form while not in class. (the excersizes must be performed the correct way, or you will not benefit from it)
Rating:
Summary: Excellent Workout
Review: I've had some dance training, so I understood basic ballet terms such as plie and releve. This was one of the best workouts I've ever had - it's amazing to think that this is their daily warmup. The DVD offers two different music choices, and you can specialize the kind of workout you want. Although the movements seem slow, repeated use of the DVD will build and tone muscles. I love using this DVD whenever I'm between dance classes!
Rating:
Summary: Super relaxing video
Review: No, I have no coordination, no dance experience, and I'm beginning this working by tape thing. However, this tape is great. I do feel it helps with toning, and it is a very relaxing video. The first time I tried the video it appeared intimidating. By the second time, I was picking up the ballet terms and beginning to almost be in 'form'. I felt great when I was finished, but it's definitely a video you should do behind closed doors. That is assuming that you're as ungraceful as I am. :)
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