Jody Hoegstedt
This workout features the same set and background exercisers from the first Balletone workout. (I haven't done the first one in awhile, so I can't be positive, but I'm pretty sure.) The workout is also very similar to the first workout, although this one is billed as the "Cardio-Balletone Workout" because it's slightly faster paced with lots of flowing movements. This would be a good workout for someone who wants to work on their balance. I heard a few complaints about the original workout that the moves were too easy, but I would like to see the arabesques of those people that complained. (Anyone can do an arabesque, but not everyone can do them well.) I think this workout takes considerable effort if you are going to do the movements well. The workout is about 34 minutes long with a 4 minute stretch at the end. There are no bonuses or add-ons on the DVD.
Instructor comments:
Tammy
7-22-04
In general I like this tape. I had ballet as a child and loved it. I have a lot of ballet toning tapes (so I don't have the Balletone toning tape by the same instructor).
What I like about this one is that it is dancing. The other ballet tapes I have seem to have forgotten that that's why some of us like ballet to begin with (and therefore tack on a dance segment (if any) at the end of a long toning session.
The moves are very balletic but I don't think they'd be difficult for a ballet beginner. She only uses three ballet terms(fondue, arabesque and one other term that I can't think of right now.) She doesn't even use the word "plie", a ballet term that I think most of us know, that's how easy the terminology is. (I was amused by a "fifth" ballet term she used: As it was going into the final run-through she said, "in ballet, we call this a grand finale".
The set was pretty: pastel gauzy curtains with globe-shaped lighting behind it. The music was good too: instrumental New Agey stuff with samples of other styles, including classical. It worked well with the routine.
The instructor is accompanied by two others. All are dressed in fitness capris or leggings and a simple top. All are barefoot, as I recall.
The dance itself is enjoyable and the dancers move like ballet dancers but in relatively simple steps (for a ballet routine, that is). The only problems I had with the tape are 1. the camera did not show the feet at some critical moments and 2. the cuing was less than ideal, coming right at a change, rather than having a slight warning.
Once I learn the routine, which should be fairly easy, I think this one will be a fun one to do.
Instructor comments:
She is very professional, friendly but down-to-business. However, I do not like her cuing. She cues right at a change in step or tempo with no warning. It may not be a big deal once I have the routine, but it makes learning the routine more difficult.
Laura
9-9-04
