Culture Shock Hip Hop Workout

Lenon Peachblum, Kim Battista
Year Released: 1999

Categories: Floor Aerobics/Hi-Lo/Dance


The Culture Shock Dance Troupe's goal is to bring hip hop dancing to the public and to support and promote the art through youth outreach programs. To further this mission they've produced this 60 minute hip hop workout. They refer to it as "volume one," so those who like it can look forward to more. These folks have great style, and they made me want to take the time to learn these routines.

Like most dance-style videos, the instructors in this one break down the moves in half time. Because these moves are so stylized, and some depend on subtle body movements to work, the half time sections will be necessary for most people. On the other hand, you are encouraged to add your own flair to the moves, and seeing 5 or 6 people on screen who each have their own style helps you see a range of possibilities.

Unfortunately, whenever routines are slowed to half time, the intensity level will suffer as the heart rate drops. There is also a fair amount of marching in place. You don't get continuous segments until you run through entire combos. As a result, this is more of a video you'd do on a day you just want to dance, not when you want an intense cardio workout.

Still, this is a fun tape for those who like funk and hip hop, and by the final run through of Lenon's routine combined with Kim's, you'll feel as if you stepped into a Gap commercial titled "khaki's hip hop."

Who will like it? If you enjoy Paula Abdul's tapes, CIA's Calvin Wiley, and the MTV Grind folks, this one is up that alley. It also reminded me of the hip hop segments on ESPN's long departed Fitness Pros show.

Who should pass on this one? If you get irritated when the tempo and choreography are slowed down to half-time frequently, this one will drive you nuts. It's also not for those with two left feet.

Lenon is charming and he's a wonderful, fluid dancer--picture Will Smith with close-cropped, bleached hair and you'll have some idea what he looks like. Kim seemed friendly also, but for some reason I didn't think her segment flowed together as well and Lenon's did. It's possible that's because she seemed to spend a lot more time teaching in half time, which tends to be awkward for me after a while.

WWWendy

10/06/1999