The Ballet Workout
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Movie Reviews of The Ballet Workout
Movie Review: Great basic ballet workout
Summary: 5 Stars
These ballet classes (there are two levels on this one dvd) are really clear and enjoyable. However, it is important to have a real-life instructor who can assist and correct you as you learn the basics in a regular studio environment, but if used in addition to real classes - this is very helpful. I like starting my day of with this workout to supplement my ballet classes. I recommend to anyone serious about learning ballet!Movie Review: ballet workout
Summary: 5 Stars
I love this item! It's a great way to stay in shape and my young children even like it and try to join in.Movie Review: product in great condition
Summary: 5 Stars
I received this product in a timely manner,product in good condition.Movie Review: I'm not a dancer or ballerina, but I love this workout
Summary: 4 Stars
If you can get past the early 1980's clothing/hair/make-up and the poor transfer quality of the VHS to DVD (think a rental shop VHS that has had a few too many plays) then you will enjoy this workout. As the Amazon write up states, ballet is timeless and it wouldn't have bothered me if it was shot in the 1960's - ballet moves are ballet moves no matter what the participants are wearing!
There are 2 workouts (easier and harder) on this dvd and you can skip through the chapters although you can't pre-program it. Each workout includes a warm-up with stretches then into standing barre work (you will need a sturdy high-backed chair or something similar to hold on to); then onto standing center work (no barrre, you balance yourself) then onto the cool down. There isn't a cool down for Level 1, you need to skip through to Level 2 if you want one, but it is very brief anyway.
There is a lot of foot bending/pointing which you will have trouble doing if you are wearing runners - use either ballet slippers or even better the split-soled runners they wear in NYC Ballet 1 & 2 Workouts.
Melissa really knows her stuff but the cueing isn't the best in some parts - but I have found if I keep count myself I can keep up easier. After you repeat the workout a few times you end up learning it anyway.
The moves she performs are more 'classic ballet' than the NYCB workouts as she does standing barre and does more positions than NYCB too. I use both in rotation as you can't beat the fantastic quality of the NYBC, especially 2 with its dance routine at the end.
I wouldn't recommed beginners do this tape as you do need reasonable flexibility to do the exercises safely. If you can't touch your toes then work on that first! Anyone with yoga or pilates experience will find the transition to ballet fairly easy, as many of the moves are also in ballet.
I took a star off because of the poor quality of the dvd and Melissa's cueing isn't the best, but not to the point that it can't be picked up after a few plays. If you want a top quality dvd with excellent cueing go for NYCB 2 - but this one is a great to alternate as it is more of a 'ballet class' than NYCB.
Movie Review: great workout w/graceful teacher
Summary: 4 Stars
Yes, this is dated & production value is basic, but I really didn't get bored at all with this workout. The live piano playing is a great touch & Melisa has good presence & gets straight to the point. I agree with other reviewers that there could be more cuing & explanation, but as another said, too much talking would slow down the pace & seem 10x more boring on replays.
The 10 min warm ups before the 2 workouts were amazing, they really opened up my hips & she did many stretches that none of my yoga or stretching dvds did.
The first workout is 25 min (not including the 10 min warm up) starting with using a bar & then floor work. The 2nd workout is 35 min (not including 10 min warm up) with the same format that includes more advanced moves that isn't on the NYC ballet dvds & includes a lot of jumps & high kicks.
I've never taken a ballet class, but I had no problem following along. Yes, I would need instruction on perfecting keeping my elbows up, my abs in & spine straight but I'm just in for this for the balance & toning.
Like a way past reviewer said, she loved the balance work & as do I. My knees & lower back are very tight from improper use in the gym, so I skip over closed positions grand plies & fast high kicks (I don't have the control yet) which still leaves me a lot of content that still tired me out & left me feeling much more graceful, toned & a good workout.