Search - The Finis Jhung Ballet Technique Level 2: Barrework for Advanced Beginners on DVD

Great instructions but terrible music

Ballet Lover | 09/21/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I have studied ballet as an adult for about a year and a half and find this DVD and the one on center work of the same level to be just right for me. Because I am not familiar with the Finis Jhung method, I'm going to buy the Level 1 DVD as well to familiarize myself with his principles.

Finis Jhung's method is unique. I like how he makes you think about weight transfer and placement before executing each movement. The way he asks the demonstrating dancer to hold the barre is also very interesting - I have never been taught this way by any of the dozen teachers I have had. The DVD on center work not only provides a step-by-step breakdown of each variation, but also corrections and tips on how to improve the quality of the movement, which I find to be extremely useful.

It is a pity though, that the music composed for the exercises is so terrible. My husband, who is a music composer, balks at the awkward rhythms and the jarring melodies when he heard the music. In fact, he said, there is no melody to speak of! As for me, I find the music an obstacle to practicing along with the DVD. In fact, it is so bad that it doesn't inspire me to dance at all. I'm going to try to play another CD with classical music for ballet class while I play the DVD - muted during demonstration. I believe that a great teacher like Finis Jhung deserves much better music for his lessons."

More challeging barrework

Ballet fan | New York, NY USA | 09/02/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The Finis Jhung Ballet Technique Level 2: Barrework for Advanced Beginners
I never studied ballet before and started less than a year ago but I'm lucky to go to Finis Jhung's class. His teaching method is unique and highly effective if you follow his instructions. This video is a step forward form barrework Level 1 but still very enjoyable, doable and rewarding for beginners. All Finis' exercises are to teach you that ballet is not positions but movement, show why and how you move and how to find your balance. You gradually build your strength and improve your balance. Barre work is great as a preparation for the center work. Owning this DVD (as well as other Finis' videos) is almost like having private lessons with him! All this instructions and remarks to Kelly Waddell are very precise and easy to follow but the exercises if performed correctly are quite challenging. After a short while you will be amazed with your progress. I highly recommend this DVD not only to absolute and more advanced beginners with some ballet experience. I think that to get the real ballet class experience it is worth while to use both the Barrework and Centerwork DVDs of the same level. You will also enjoy the beautiful music of Scott Killian composed especially for Finis Jhung."

Perfect class instruction!

Cindy | St. Paul, MN | 07/18/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I learned ballet as an adult and have had beginning classes in jr. college as well as a year or two with a dance company "Ballet Arts" in Minneapolis. I stopped just before the intermediate level I think. I have been away from dance for a number of years and bought this DVD hoping for a good class to review what I had previously learned. Finis is a wonderful instructor (he's with the American Ballet Theater in NY City!) and talks you through each exercise in detail. I don't like the fact that you have to buy the centerwork seperately, however. I would say stretching and abdominal work would add to the DVD as well. I also have The NY City Ballet Workouts 1 and 2 which I think are fantastic, but this is even more like a real class (NY City Ballet does floor barr work so there is no chance to practice balancing with the barr work). I have ordered centerwork level 2 and can't wait to be ready for level 3! I highly recommend this DVD for teachers as well as students!"