This is my cardio candy of the moment, but it does fall under the category of "pure dance" videos that will not appeal to everybody. If you only do rigidly structured, equally-balanced left and right videos, or can't stand "attitude" or "shake what you got", look elsewhere. But if you're ready to get down on the floor - literally - and breakdance, your search is over!

In the warmup, Sherri does a sort of preview of the aerobic section, during which she teaches cha-chas, mambos, merengue and salsa steps. After a limbering-style stretch, it's on to the main event. The next 38 minutes consists of teaching one long combo, which is done on only one side. The routine combines the aforementioned Latin moves with funk moves like "pull your pants up", kicks, ball changes and a long arm-popping combo. Then you have to drop to your hands and feet to breakdance - this will put your Leaner Legs to the ultimate test! Sherri teaches a small section, repeats it a few times, puts it together with whatever came previously and moves on to the next section. At the end, there are several TIFTs. Her style is similar to Patrick Goudeau's in that she does very little cueing, mainly just counting, so you have to remember a lot of the choreography on your own. But I didn't find it hard to memorize, and all the hip-shaking and arm-popping, combined with super music (Bailamo, Give Me Tonight, My Love Is Your Love and other dance hits) make this the most fun workout since Hi-Lo Heaven. (There's abwork at the end, for those who want it.)

This isn't a "pure" Latin workout, but more like Latin-flavored hip-hop/funk. Also, while there is some in-between marching (or salsa-stepping as a substitute) this video leaves me absolutely drenched and panting, and I consider myself pretty advanced. Sherri goes pretty quickly from one thing to the next, and offers very few modifications, so you need to know your limits. Not a huge amount of space is required; there's some moving up and down the room, and a couple of high kicks. I was able to do this on carpet, which may actually be an advantage for the breakdancing part.

Latin Groove is one video I reach for when I don't feel like working out, and it perks me up every time. If you have a weakness for The Grind, Paula Abdul, G-Force and other funky stuff, give it a try! Grade: A

Instructor Comments:
This was my first time seeing Sherri Jacquelyn, and I thought she looked and sounded awfully familiar. Then I realized, she's the same person as Sherri Donahue who, under a mop of big '80s hair, led the campy funk workout on CIA 3004 which I still love. Sherri still has plenty of sass, and her tight white pants and white no-visible-means-of-support halter top is sure to make male SO's look twice. But she is also funny, motivating and brings out the kid in me.

Sue B