Being a person who definitely prefers step to hi-lo, and seeing clips from DanceWorks on a Cathe Friedrich trip and on Collage's website, I wasn't sure if this video would be among my favorites. I love Kari Anderson, but her hi-lo workouts usually leave me wanting just that little extra something (I generally prefer Christi Taylor's hi-lo style). However, I really like this one a lot! I really enjoy the complex, ballet-inspired dancy choreography. I took ballet lessons as a child for 14 years, and corny as it may sound, I really felt like I was home again! The intensity is definitely intermediate, so for an advanced person this video would be good on the day after an all-out cardio session. There are lots of pivots, turns and spins, so if you're on carpet, you'll have to be careful to unload the supporting leg before you turn (or leave out the turn completely, as Kari demonstrates as she is teaching the move). There are some leaps and jumps, but they are fairly easily modified to (almost) low impact if you wish. You also will need a fair amount of space to do this workout, as in all of Kari's hi-lo tapes.

I agree with the reviewers who said that the matwork section is reminiscent of Kari's Angles, Lines & Curves. Many of the moves are similar, but are done in the fuller form during DanceWorks. They are challenging! You will definitely need balance here! This section is dance and Pilates-inspired, which fits in perfectly with the theme of the entire workout. The purpose is to help develop long, lean muscles and flexibility. The only thing negative I have to say about this section is that I wish the focus were on the abs a little more. You will of course use your abs to stabilize yourself during all of the moves, but I would have liked to see a teaser or two included. It is inspiring to watch Kari and the dancers, especially during this section! And as usual, Kari includes a wonderful final stretch. I highly recommend this tape if you're looking for a dancy, moderately intense cardio tape and some core strength and balancing moves. This one's a winner!

Instructor Comments:
Kari is in her element during this workout. It is obvious that she is really honored to be leading the members of the Pacific Northwest Ballet. She is so down-to-earth and friendly in this video, as well as in all of her others. Kari breaks down the steps as she is teaching very well (as others have mentioned, there is a bit of marching in place during the teaching phases), but her cueing during some of the combos comes up a little short. I noticed this in Body Tech, too. After a time or two through the video, this shouldn't be much of a problem. Kari just shines during hi-lo! She is beautiful and graceful and a joy to watch. Her form on the exercises (during both the cardio section and the matwork) is impeccable. During the ballet-inspired moves, I just love watching her and the ballet troupe leap and jump!

Kristin Aziz