This video is on my all-time favorites list, behind Step fit and Step jam. I really love this video. It moves quickly between moves, and you don't do lots of "holding" patterns while the move is being taught. You move right on through the routine, building as you go. I also love Kari's choreography transitions. Unlike Cathe, she doesn't do a move on the left and then do the move on the right. Instead, she'll have you do a couple combos on one side, then she has this method of adding one rep that will get you on the other side for separate combo that's sandwiched between the others. Anyway, it's hard to describe, but it sure makes things more varied and interesting. Kari also used more straight armed, "cheerleading" moves than in her earlier tapes. I like that, but those prefering more fluid moves may not. The music is awesome, much better than average. Even a few songs I've heard before.

This tapes uses lots of room, by the way. I had to modify many of the vertical moves.

This is also the most intense step video I've seen from Kari. Lots of shuffles and leaps, and propulsions. It builds slowly, but if you have an 8" step, the intensity is definitely advanced (beginner killer?) midway through, and it approximates part 1 or 2 of a Cathe tape.

The only critique I'd make would be on Kari's cuing. I had trouble getting these moves down, because she doesn't do a lot of advance cuing. She cues about 2 seconds before the next move, and she doesn't say, "Ok, remember that earlier arm combo.." Also, she relies exclusively on verbal cues, mainly telling you right or left. Because she has so many moves switching legs and sides, I think the routine would be easier to follow if she added non-verbal cues, like slapping her thigh to show you which leg to use or pointing 4 counts ahead to show you which way to turn. I've gotten really used to that with Cathe and Jennifer Miller, and it helps tremendously. Sorry to make so many comparisons of Kari to other instructors, but I find that it's very helpful to compare styles when I'm deciding among advanced tapes.

Instructor Comments:

Eulonda Skyles