Search - Perfect in Ten: Dance Workout on DVD

4 workouts to condition your body for dancing -- safely and

Mala Bhargava | India | 04/03/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"My ex jazz instructor would kill for this dvd. If your dancing is just fun stuff now and then, this probably isn't for you. But if you plan on staying with dancing for a while, this is wonderful conditioning and exercise program. It'll keep you supple, give you posture and alignment for those beautiful poses, and will keep you safe while you dance.

Back when I was learning jazz, I looked around for a video like this one. Something that would keep you working on core movements on the days that there no classes. But I didn't find one then.

Perfect in 10 has 4 workouts. You could do them together if you've built up to exercising good and solid everyday (or so) or you could do any of the segments to lead into whatever dancing you're doing. You could also pull it into any other workout if it fits well.

The description of this video is quite extensive and available on the producer's (World Dance New York) site so I won't repeat any of that in my review. I also own Ayshe's Core Fitness for Bellydancers and find that on both these programs she is deeply knowledgeable and authoritative. You take one look at her - and trust everything she has to say.

The description, video clip and pictures will show you what you'd be in for. You can see that some of the segments involve a lot of activity and pace while others are based on stretches and stances. Yoga, modern dance, jazz, belly dance, ballet and other dances have been drawn on for movements. The program would be good preparation for any dance.

The basis for the movements - and being safe - is all explained in a lecture or "workshop" on this video. I'd recommend going through that carefully, even though there's no dancing going on just then. You get a full lesson in dance anatomy and body awareness with graphics kicking in to help.

I think this, and other videos from this producer, to be such solid value for money that I very little reason to drop below 5 stars. For less than $10 you get four great workouts and a wealth of advice from a beautiful and graceful dancer and completely knows what she's talking about.

Oh--an important point or two. There's a music-only mode so you can do the workout along with Ayshe when you've finished learning it. And it is doable for men as well.
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