Search - Ballet Class for Beginners on DVD

Great video, but not for absolute beginners!

_silje | Molde Norway | 09/24/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This video goes through a lot of ballet moves in a short time (40 min), and focuses on how to execute the moves correctly. If you are already taking a ballet class it'll help you improve your technique, and it also gives you explanations for the French terminology used in ballet. David Howard is a great instructor, and the young ballerina executes the steps perfectly. Most of the moves are only demonstrated on one side, so you have to pause the tape to work on the other side. For a beginner this video will probably be too complicated. If you want a first introduction to ballet, I think the "Ballet 101" and "Ballet 201" videos are better. If you want an exercise video I would recommend "The Ballet Workout" with Melissa Lowe instead; it's easier, and you don't have to pause the tape to work on both sides."

Excellent Instruction

Choirlady | 04/14/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Let me tell you- I ordered this video reluctantlyafterthecomment that it leaves you only to work on one side of thebody and so there is a lot of needing to pause the tape. After going through the video, I can say the reason this is the case is because it packs so much information into the video with so many numerous different techniques, all while still going at a comfortable pace. The video would be double the running time or a tedious length if the instructor demonstrated first one side- and then the other side of the body. This isn't beginning at all as the title may give the impression because it actually contains so many advanced techniques- it reminds me a little of a video ballet encyclopedia. I can't say enough for it. All of the steps are so perfectly and beautifully executed, yet it is fairly easy to follow which I imagine is the reason it is labeled 'Beginning'. I didn't have trouble with a lot and found it fairly easy to do on my first attempt but having never seen many of the moves before, I just tried to do my best on those I didn't understand or the ones I couldn't manage- I believe one of the most important things to remember is staying in there as long as you're able to. I was having fun and I just do what I can, and if you're not a professional dancer you should go for it too as that is no reason to stop anyone at all who wants to dance. I didn't give up when I couldn't do much of it because I know everything takes effort. Yet, I don't have unrealistic expectations. You wouldn't catch me in a studio I know how I look doing it- let's just say far from the dancer! But so much fun and I have the confidence that I'll improve, the motivation and the enthusiasm! I feel great doing it. Again, that was my first try- and the video is there so that the dancer can go through it time and time again and each time get better, otherwise, I suppose a video would not be needed. There is one dancer- the girl on the cover, who looks young about 15-17 years of age, she dances so beautifully and perfectly like what you would see in the professional ballet; you couldn't ask for improvement. I am so pleased that this video is out there so that it's possible with time and effort put into it that I can learn to dance that well too- oh the wonders and conveniences of modern technology. All I really have to do is to harness it. To me, this is like ordering professional dance lessons at the best of the best studios for only (...)[the price of the video]. Even though it was made in 1981, and there are no special effects and the setting is plain, the quality is good and it doesn't show it's age- and who needs special effects? I much prefer something that has substance over eye candy and nothing else there. The music is nice gentle classical piano and puts you 'in the ballet mood', it's very graceful and appropriate and so I found the atmosphere inviting and welcoming. The camera shots are easy to follow focusing on the whole dancer and clearly defined. The voice over is from (taken from the back cover) David Howard a ballet master, teacher, and coach- was a soloist with Royal Ballet and the National Ballet of Canada- opened world famous school in Manhattan- member of Board of Directors of National Association for Regional Ballet and has served as it's president- has been guest teacher for New York's Metropolitan Opera, Boston Ballet, National Ballet of Canada, and the Ballet de Marseilles- he teaches many of the world's foremost dancers and celebrities. By his bio, he is obviously very qualified. He provides countless excellent tips over the duration of the exercises, like for example one I found good was something like let all the energy in your body flow from your feet at a particular step. You would be surprised how much picturing this one thing changes the way you execute the step, and many of his instructions are the secret to giving you that graceful dancer look which I never achieved. He has a pleasant English (UK) accent, and isn't demanding but provides helpful instructions in a very easy to understand manner. (...)I took ballet from preschool to 6th grade at three different studios (not all at once-it was the result of moving), and nothing like this! I had no idea what I was missing. I didn't know what good and not so good instruction was like until I've seen this video; now I know what I got was not so good. For all those years of ballet, I really didn't learn what it may seem I would have; even in my last years of dance I never got even a little bit as advanced as this tape demonstrates- and I was not taking beginner's classes.(...) I bought these videos as well as several different technique books because I'm inspired to retake up ballet, and I don't want to join a studio if I don't have to in order to get into shape and to learn how to dance ballet well. The truth is I think I will be surprisingly successful doing it at home with the information that is out there today. :-)) END"

An Excellent Video for Beginners!

Choirlady | USA | 10/07/1999

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Hello, I'm restarting ballet, and I feel this is a great video to accompany ballet lessons! NO it's not a lesson, but goes through the basic exercises and steps, then you can take it on your own and perfect your style. The video does go fast, so my reccomendation is take it at your own pace, learn the steps and then practice them on your own to different classical music selections. But If you're beginning Ballet or even want a good exercise to work with this is Excellent!! Happy Dancing!!"

Fantastic Instructional Video

Choirlady | 10/06/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I bought this for my 14 yr. old daughter who recently started ballet classes again. She had taken ballet a couple of times in the years past....and knew the basics....but had no precision in the movements...since her new class is a Senior's class...she wanted to do something to "catch-up" & make sure her movements are up to par.This video is EXCELLENT in that way. It focuses on the correct name of each movement & how to execute it CORRECTLY (sometimes lacking in your small town ballet class). The instructor simply names the move...and the young ballerina executes it beautifully. She's very good and makes it look easy. They do both sides on barre and then center floor, moves up to pirrouetes (spelling?)I think it's excellent and highly recommend it."