Choreography 2 Go: Step XPress

Marcus Irwin
Year Released: 2001

Categories: Step Aerobics


WARNING: There may be a bit of gushing about this workout, because I LOVE it! It is complex, but so much fun! Marcus is such a good cuer AND his sense of humor makes working out a joy.

I am an intermediate exerciser who is learning to love complex choreography. It can take me quite a bit of time to learn complex choreography. I learn a little bit at a time; I go until I get frustrated and then I quit. The next time I go a bit further. The next time, a bit more. It took me several times to get through the first two sections of this workout, but not as long as with other comparable instructors like Christi or Andre.

This workout is made for step instructors to learn choreography they can use in their classes and the entire tape is oriented toward that. However, it does not get in the way of the fun factor of the workout at all. There are three sections. The first section is comprised of combinations that get more complex as they go through them. In the second section, Marcus brings back some choreography he has already done and then changes it to produce a new combination. In these two sections, there are two background exercisers with him. In the third section, Marcus is by himself and he teaches combinations that can be done on up to four steps. I clocked the first two sections at 54 minutes, a good long workout. I don’t know how often I’ll go on to the third sectin.

On the negative side (and there are a couple…), I found one combination with a turn not cued well. I’m still figuring it out. There was also one combination where he makes changes when my back was turned to the TV. That was a bit disconcerting. Overall, however, I am following along, even when my mind says, “Huh?” The choreography just flows and flows.

The music was good when I noticed it. The set is basic and the production values are adequate, but not top notch. There are some mistakes made by Marcus (not many) and the background exercisers (a few more). However, with the humor that runs throughout the workout, they are just part of the process.

There is no TIFTing as he does a string of combinations – it is not a “normal” step workout routine. He teaches a combination and then moves on. There are, however, a few combinations that he teaches, moves on to the next section, and then teaches you how to combine those two workouts. He also brings back some choreography and then changes it into a new combination. Overall, however, there is no repeating without a specific purpose of adding something new.

This was recommended to me as “the most fun” Marcus workout. It is the only workout of his I have (so far!). It turned out to be a great recommendation.

Instructor Comments:
Marcus is such a good cuer and leads me through complex choreography without it seeming to be hard. He also displays a sense of humor that keeps me laughing.

Laura S.

09/27/2004