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 Ballet 101, A Beginner's Class
ASIN: 0966012208
Customer's Rating: 5
Summary: It's brilliant
Comments: I recommed this video if you love ballet and want a different type of workout. I workout to it everyweek and showing good results for the effort. I have now purchased the second video in the series and can't wait to start working out to that. A big thumbs up!
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 Learn Nutcracker Ballet Dances with Me
ASIN: B000055WDZ
Customer's Rating: 5
Summary: Great choreography for children
Comments: This video is excellent. I am always looking for fresh, new ideas and this video gave that to me. I attended a very prestigious ballet school and danced with its company. I now own and teach at my own ballet school. The instructor is extremly knowledgeable and well trained. The children featured in the video are probably 7/8 and the dances they demonstrate are great for ages 6-10. They are very easy to teach and easy for the student to learn. A nice break from what we do each week at our own school.
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 Ballet 201, Beyond the Basics
ASIN: 0966012216
Customer's Rating: 5
Summary: Beginners CELEBRATE!
Comments: I just couldn't find it in my nerves to take a "formal" ballet class. I rented this video series at the library, and used it so much I decided to buy it - mainly because when I went back, it was always checked out. I knew nothing about ballet, but now I feel comfortable enough to step into a beginning class, dressed properly and ready for some more personalized instruction. Truly, I don't mind the instructor counting because the music is something I never missed. I love the dances at the end, and recommend it for beginners.
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 The New Ballet Workout
ASIN: B00005YURI
Customer's Rating: 5
Summary: A good video if you have had ballet experience
Comments: I agree with the other viewer that you must have had ballet experience to do this video. The exercises here are more comlpicated then her other videos. The only thing I did not like about the video is that it does not have a ton of center exercises. Unlike the other viewer, I like the fact she does not spend hours demonstrating things and explaining exercises. If you have had a couple years of ballet experience the video is easy to follow, and you do not have to wade through hours of explanation on how to do a plie.
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 Miss Christy's Dance Class - Ballet
ASIN: 6302069076
Customer's Rating: 4
Summary: Good for Beginners
Comments: I think this video is great for a beginner wanting a little extra practice at home or a child who really loves ballet. It is a little fast the youngest crowd (my 5 year-old can't keep up). The teacher doesn't discuss correct form much, which would be helpful. But over all I think it is enjoyable for any age provided they are only just getting started in ballet.
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 American Ballet Theatre Now: Highlights from the ABT Repertoire
ASIN: 1561278599
Customer's Rating: 4
Summary: ABT All-Stars perform the hits; solid dancing; so-so camera
Comments: "Variety and Virtuosity" is a very good DVD that will provide any dance fan with excellent entertainment value and an easy way to view some classic Pas de Deux. The all-star American Ballet Theatre cast (1998 version) is enjoyable to watch, and performs admirably. The dialogue between the pieces is a nice way to provide a little background about the dances as well as a little insight into the personalities of the performers.
Aside from the opening three-minute "Polonaise" (lots of walking around) leading to the introductory words by Natalia Makarova, there are seven dance numbers performed. Five feature a Pas de Deux, and only one shows a dance in its entirety, "Remanso," choreographed by Nacho Duato (not to be missed; it's awesome). The partnering is very good: the younger Jose Manuel Carreno provides a strong complement to the seasoned Susan Jaffe in a number from "Swan Lake," husband and wife John Gardner and Amanda McKerrow are likewise well-matched ("The Leaves are Fading"), and Julie Kent and Robert Hill convey interesting straight-faced emotion in a work ("Cruel World") choreographed specifically on them by James Kudelka. Julio Bocca comes across as a little overly sappy in the Balcony Pas de Deux with Alessandra Ferri (one of my favorite ballerinas), but it's still great to watch. The most exceptional pair is Paloma Herrera and Angel Corella, in the Grand Pas de Deux from "Don Quixote," who elicited the loudest cheers for their combination of energy, athleticism, grace and balance. As mentioned earlier, "Remanso" was unbelievable; I was spellbound (also check out "Three by Duato," one of the best modern dance DVDs). The 3rd Movement from "Bruch Violin Concerto No. 1 was pretty good."
I'd give this DVD a 5-star rating were it not for a few little negatives which combined to knock it down a notch. First, with a run time of 83 minutes, there's very little dancing left after the introduction (not necessary, but typical for an episode of
"Great Performances") and interviews with the director and dancers. Secondly, I was frustrated by camera work and editing that was a little spotty, with too many instances of dancers running in and out of the picture ... I wasn't seeing where my eyes wanted to look. Lastly, there are zero DVD extras (included in most other performance discs) that would have provided some welcome extra dimensions to the viewing experience (e.g., biographies, more behind-the-scenes footage).
Overall, this is a nice compilation of highlights for anyone wanting an good introductory look into ballet. Also, it's great for seasoned ballet fans, especially those of ABT.
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 A Fantasy Garden Ballet Class
ASIN: 6302817676
Customer's Rating: 5
Summary: Most excellent for a budding ballet dancer!
Comments: The instruction? Excellent! Technique?
Perfect level for a young child!
To an experienced professional it may appear to be lacking, however it is important to remember what the audience is for this tape. It's fun and educational without being overwhelming... helping to prepare young children for formal dance lessons in the future years.
As for the person who reviewed Ms. Boross' teaching to be "turned in," it makes me wonder what they were watching because it certainly was not this video. I'm glad I did not let the opinion of that particular view disuade my purchase.
My children love the video, and to echo someone else, my daughters all want "Miss Rosemary" to teach them in real life!
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 Ballerina, Ballerina!
ASIN: 6303435513
Customer's Rating: 5
Summary: First Rate Video-A Must See!
Comments: This video was beautifully done. The 25 minute video was fascinating to me as an adult and I know children would love it too. The producers did a very good job of showing the different aspects of practice and preparation ballerinas go through before they perform. The two professional ballerinas are sisters Rachel and Rebecca Carmazzi. They are beautiful, graceful, and fun to watch. Even though most people watching the video wouldn't notice, I have to mention that their technique and skills are brilliant, technically correct and first class. Children will enjoy seeing them put up their hair and put on their shoes before class. The parts of the ballet class are also broken down very well. There are barre exercises, center exercises, jumping and even a demonstration of spotting their head when they practice turns. There is a segment on dancing with a partner, costume fitting and performing a ballet. There is also a segment on teaching ballet and it shows small children having fun in a class. It was interesting and wonderful to see both a boy, and a child in a wheelchair participating in the the activities. I would recommend this wonderful video to anyone and everyone remotely interested in ballet. I think children will be fascinated and ask to see it again and again! Bravo!
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A Fantasy Garden Ballet Class
ASIN: 6302817676
Customer's Rating: 5
Summary: Most excellent for a budding ballet dancer!
Comments: The instruction? Excellent! Technique?
Perfect level for a young child!
To an experienced professional it may appear to be lacking, however it is important to remember what the audience is for this tape. It's fun and educational without being overwhelming... helping to prepare young children for formal dance lessons in the future years.
As for the person who reviewed Ms. Boross' teaching to be "turned in," it makes me wonder what they were watching because it certainly was not this video. I'm glad I did not let the opinion of that particular view disuade my purchase.
My children love the video, and to echo someone else, my daughters all want "Miss Rosemary" to teach them in real life!
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