I just got the 'jazz' dvd today, but the jazz part isn't what has me 'jazzed'...

After the 36min dance workout, there is a 49min bonus "Body Flow Stretch" workout that is ABSOLUTELY wonderful.

It's everything I was hoping for in the Classical Stretch DVD's and in Janis' Dynamic Stretch DVD, but didn't quite find...

The music 'sort' of reminded me of Cirque de Soliel (sp), but not as fully orchestrated...it was perfect for this workout. Light a couple of candles, and you're ready to go...

The set was plain with soft blue light, and Stephanie is on a mat (the whole workout takes place down on the mat, and the exercises are in 'time' with the music...

Here's the breakdown'

00:00-10:00
Full Body 'dynamic' stretch (by dynamic, I mean that the moves 'flow' sort of like Classical Stretch, but she does hold them long enough to get good thorough stretching.)

10:00-25:00
Pilates-inspired abs work and stretching...again, in time with the music. Very graceful, and with lots of form pointers (but not stopping to 'set the exercise up' - I hate that). There is also some core stretching (spine, hip flexors, lower back...)

25:00-38:00
Unique Pilates-inspired leg work and stretches...(rather tough, IMO)

38:00-49:00
Chest and Back strengthening and stretching...

NOTE: the above times aren't chapter points, but the sections 'happen' right at those times, and each section can 'stand alone' if you wanted to only work one area of the body.

Again, if the 'style' of Dynamic Stretch or Classical Stretch appeals to you...try this video. BTW, Stephanie's "Body Flow Stretch" is also on her Dance With Me: Ballet DVD.

As for the 'dance' section? I'll probably never do it. The music was nice (but a bit low), and the 'dance' reminded me of a cross between NIA and Petra Kolber's Breathe - sort of. (what ever it was, it didn't match up with my limited dance concept of 'jazz'.) Someone else can probably do a better review of the jazz section.

I don't mind that I'll never use the jazz part, however, because the Stretch workout makes this video a true FIND in my book - in fact, if Stephanie re-relased a chaptered version of Body Flow on a separate DVD, I'd buy it again!

Pros:
- GREAT, relaxing full body stretch
- Nice pilates-fusion work broken down by body part

Cons:
- Should have been chaptered
- Instructor's audio could have been a 'bit' better. I couldn't tell where the mike was, but it doesn't sound like it was 'mixed' well. That said, it's not a distracting issue, AT ALL. Just a nit pick from an audio freak.

BOTTOM LINE:
If you like Janis' Dynamic Stretch or wanted to like Classical Stretch...you'll LOVE the "Body Flow Stretch" workout on this video.

Instructor Comments:
She has a pleasant style about her, and 'kind' of reminds me of a 'calm' version of Janet from Three's Company - kind of. She is very graceful, and her movements inspired me to be more graceful, too.

GymRatt