Ballet 101 - A Beginner's Class, DVD
by Angela Russ
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DVD Cover Information
Actor: Jennifer NunesDirector: Angela Russ
DVD: Region Code 1
Format: Color, NTSC
Running Time: 45 minutes
DVD Release Date: 2004-08-21
Studio: Russ InVision
Movie Reviews of Ballet 101 - A Beginner's Class, DVD
Movie Review: Great Place to Start!
Summary: 5 Stars
Class Description: 3-minute introduction, 4-minute simple stretch, 21-minutes of barre instruction, 4-minutes stretching, 9-minutes of center work, and a 3-minute finale of simple choreography. Total class time is approx 41-minutes. The goal seems to be to introduce anyone who knows absolutely nothing about ballet to the basics, including hair, clothing, and terminology (which is also defined on their website in text only).
Workout Level: Beginner to low-intermediate, with one short, confidence-building dance at the end.
Instructor: Jennifer Nunes is a certified ballet/dance instructor with obvious dance experience, and impressive communication skills. She sometimes seems nervous, but uses ballet terms with clear explanations of their origins, works both sides evenly, and uses good technique.
Class: Instructional segments that vary back and forth between Jennifer demonstrating one-on-one, and Jennifer instructing a teenager and/or a younger child. Each segment gives the beginner a clear understanding of each move. Instruction mirrors you until they take a turn at the barre.
Music & Set: The DVD uses classical music played softly in the background of most segments. It is set in a non-descript dance studio that looks pretty much like any others studio...wood floors, plain walls, etc. There is no mirror in site.
Equipment Needed: Ballet slippers or barefoot, and a leotard.
Caveats: Familiarity with ballet is not needed, and you do not need any experience, as this is designed for the true beginner. With this class, you are starting with a blank canvas. The children in the class look pretty seasoned, but if you are buying it for your children, you should supervise their instruction since bad habits form quickly. The producers also recommend this. Children should be attentive and mature enough to respond to instruction, but it is not a DVD that is reserved just for kids. The instructor takes the time to explain each move before doing the reps. So, if you are looking for an aerobic style of instruction, it may not be for you. And, if you want the class without all of the basic instruction, then it is probably best to start at a higher level, or use a workout style tape. Either way, you need a spacious living room to freely dance the finale. The rest can be done in a pretty small space, using an appropriate size chair for the barre. Lastly, the menu consists of "Play", but you will cheer the DVD chapter breaks because you will not want to watch the hair and clothing, or listen to the intro babble repeatedly.
Additional Comments: This program offers instruction that would not intimidate a beginner. It is not comparable to a ballet "workout" tape or a major "ballet company" production -- not because of the quality, but because of what it is intended for. Comparing this DVD to those, would be like comparing a small town to a big city. Used consistently, you will definitely work your muscles and tone. I recommend it to first-timers who sign up for classes, so that they will be familiar with the new steps and terminology. But, it does serve other purposes. If you want to view it as a private class, or even find the nerve to teach, then it is thorough enough. I think it is important to use the right tape at the right time. As you advance, you should move on to something more challenging. All in all, considering how much classes cost by the week, and how repetitive they are, I think it is a great buy, and a good place to start.
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