Search - The Video Dictionary of Classical Ballet on DVD

Comments from a Ballet Student

Ballet Buff | California, USA | 10/24/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I think this DVD is GREAT! There are many ballet dictionaries available but to SEE how the steps are done is more useful and clear than mere words could describe.

Unlike some other reviewers, I found the DVD quality to be fine.

This DVD is an invaluable reference for any ballet student. Although I have been learning ballet for only 2 1/2 years as an ADULT ballet student with no ballet background at all, I now take 8-14 classes a week (with teenage students!) and have managed to reach Level 5 and even do Pointe work so I can say with the conviction of a serious ballet student that - This DVD is an EXCELLENT reference for anyone interested in learning ballet.

I would recommend the DVD version instead of the VHS because it makes for easier and quicker selection of topics (imagine having to rewind and forward on VHS!).

If you're thinking of getting this DVD, go for it!"

Great concept, limitations in this video format

Ballet Buff | 03/21/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The idea of demonstrating classical ballet positions and movements on video is a worthy one, and the professional dancers perform ballet with an authority I cannot question. Putting 800 examples on two tapes presents the problem of locating specific sections. This would be much better served on DVD (or perhaps CD-ROM) where chapters could be more easily accessed. I own the tapes but would find a DVD version much more useful."

Great for basics and more advanced

Aria Austin | 04/06/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This DVD is very easy to use--well set up. The exercises are clearly labeled, and, since it is on DVD, you can just rewind to repeat the moves on the opposite leg. This is a great workout, and I feel more confident in my ballet practice in that each exercise is specifically labeled and explained. The only drawback is that each exercise is explained and practiced quickly without many reps--so, I did have to rewind each section a couple of times (which I really do not mind). OVERALL--VERY GOOD!"

For the advanced student of professional only

Aria Austin | Cupertino, California | 06/19/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I am under the impression that many people buy this DVD to learn ballet. That is not the point. You can look up moves, positions, etc., but this is not a step-by-step to teach you something you haven't learned in class. It's basically a summary of how steps are done. If I'm trying to remember how move X is started, I'll pull out the DVD and already know what to look for. But it will not teach me step X. You will be disappointed if you buy expecting a class replacement, but will be happy if your intention is to use this DVD solely as a reference and as a supplement to proper classes.

It's not an overly-pretty DVD. There aren't fancy costumes, and the dancers are wearing classwear. Music in the background is to keep tempo, so don't expect to pop in the DVD and hear a beautiful orchestra and watch full dances. You will see the word, hear it pronounced in French, then see the move performed a couple times in a class setting (without onlookers). This is all. You can easily skip from scene to scene to find what you want. This is what you get."