I wanted to share a review with you on a video that
I bought recently. It's not by a well known instructor
(at least not known by me!) and is not produced by the
more well known companies(?), but I found it a pleasant
surprise for the price ($8.99). It's called Step Fusion,
instructor David Gray. Produced in 1993/1994, by Peter
Pan Industries/Parade Video Co. The instructor is
personable, clear in his directions and positively
enthusiastic. I enjoyed the music because it was there
but not overpoweringly loud. Good intermediate speed. The
moves are intermediate/advanced but with plenty of room
for modification. He gives a good warmup/cool down period
as well. I enjoyed the moves - a combination of low
impact floor with step moves. The video is 45 minutes. I
am glad I've added it to my collection. Perhaps a
somewhat unknown "gem".
Micki
"David Gray's Step Fusion" (Intermediate-Step
Aerobics)
Gray, a pleasant, rhythmic and nicely-built
instructor, leads this 30-minute step workout featuring
Latin and Caribbean music. The warm-up is far too brief,
and is awfully simple compared with what's to come.
During the workout itself, Gray introduces funky,
somewhat complex steps that he puts together into
combinations, separated by periods of marching. Some of
the moves are "power" ones, like jumps and
leaps onto the step, making the workout quite aerobic. My
favorite part is the cooldown, which is backed by a
couple of vocal reggae songs. Quibbles: Gray doesn't
always use conventional terms like "basic step"
and he says "over the top" when he means ACROSS
the top. The step position has to be changed twice - but
there's no pause to let you adjust the step! There are
also a couple of reverse turns and steps forward off the
step, which some purists perceive as unsafe. In sum,
probably only fans of island music (like myself) would
enjoy this video. Tape is extended-play, but production
and sound are somewhat better than other EP cheapies.
Grade: B-
Sue Bryant
Step Fusion
David Gray
This is a real buried treasure. I bought it years ago at Suncoast for
$9.00. What a shame that this superb choreography and presentation is
marred by Parade's EP format and the sexy young things David has
accompanying him. It's such a pleasure when the moves are so
aesthetically integrated with the music. This is not an athletic
workout, but rather a Kari-like experience where you feel like you're
dancing as you work harder than it seems. There's a wide range of music
styles, something that keeps my interest and lets me forget I'm
exercising.
Instructor comments: I honestly think that David Gray ranks up there
with Kari, Andre & Patrick. He's upbeat, nice to look at, and moves
beautifully. If he's still "in the business", I'd like for some producer
to give him the production quality he deserves.
Ruthie
Ruuthie@yahoo.com
5-7-00