I've only done this workout three times, but it's a new release, so here are my impressions.

Comments on the Workout: As to be expected, Kari's choregraphy is quite dancy in Classic Step. I've been doing step aerobics for 7 or 8 years, so I don't usually have trouble picking up step moves. Kari's choreography proved to be a bit of challenge for me, though. I got snagged more than a couple times during Classic Step. I even found myself fantasizing about the VF Exchange during Kari's segment, whining, "I don't do that much step anyway ... who has time to mess with this?" Then Jay Blahnik came on. Oh, joy! I love his athletic step style! He resurrected the entire experience for me. The video turned into a keeper. (I even bought his Step Revival the very next day, but I didn't like nearly as well as his step section in Classic Step . Odd.)

If you want a video that will choregraphically challenge you, Classic Step is for you. If you like simpler, athletic choreography on the step -- or, like me, do step aerobics infrequently -- you might get frustrated here. It's still worth buying, though. The production quality is good (but not superb the way it is in Body Tech -- is it me?). The workout is solidly high intermediate/advanced level, yet still kind to the knees and feet. The set and music are the usual, high Great-Moves quality. The cast members were a nice mix. Overall, I give this workout video a B+..

Comments on Kari Anderson: Kari Anderson's natural exhuberance is turned down a notch or two in Classic Step. She seems less vibrant here than she is in Two the Max, Fitness Formula, Body Tech, United Moves. That surprised me. I missed that. It doesn't affect the workout one bit, though. She is superb, as always.

Some comments on Jay Blahnik: I've experienced Jay's work in Step Revival. I've also seen him in action with Linda McHugh in Low Impact & Stretch Challenge and now this, Classic Step, with Kari Anderson. He is a very clear and precise cuer.

But what I like most about Jay Blahnik is that he clearly enjoys working with women. He's very warm and generous in his interactions with Kari and Linda, and seems happy -- even more comfortable -- to be sharing the spotlight. This is one of his unique strengths on video. Alone, he is like any other professional instructor on video -- clear, precise, friendly but not over-the-top. However, when paired up with an equally competent female instructor, Jay seems to come alive on film. A lighter quality comes over his work. I hope we get to see more collaborations from Jay.

Michelle Easton