Go-Go Robics
Pontani SistersYear Released: 2004
Categories: Floor Aerobics/Hi-Lo/Dance
The Pontani Sisters are a well-known
cabaret/burlesque act from New York City.
This video is their second workout dvd. What
can I say about this one? This is definitely a
campy workout that requires that the
exerciser not take him or herself seriously!
This is definitely a low-budget production
that looks like someone hung a few shiny
sheets in a back room and commenced
filming. However, the sisters are quite
engaging and charming. Their outfits with
fringes and go-go boots are a hoot! Frankly,
it’s also nice to see a video with women who
are proud of their curves and have no
problems showing them off! I should also
note that the video starts off with the Pontani
sisters riding on horseback. As a bonus,
there are 2 videos that feature the Pontani
sisters’ act, as well as a cooking section,
complete with recipes. Tara does the
warmup, Angie leads the main workout and
Helen finishes things off with the cooldown.
All times are rough estimates.
The warmup (about 5 minutes) begins with a
few deep breaths and stretching, which is a
big no-no in my book (stretches should be
saved for the end when your muscles are
warm). However, this practice is pretty
common among dancers, albeit with a bit
more warmup. The stretching consists of
side stretching and lots of stretching for the
calves. I would definitely warmup more
before doing the workout.
The main body of the workout is
choreography for a song called “Barracuda”
(almost 15 minutes). The choreography is
fairly simple and is taught in sections. In
fact, this is simple enough so that I was able
to do the entire routine without practicing
the individual sections. The sisters review
each section (from the top) before
progressing. The names of the moves are
also noted at the bottom of the screen in
case you forget what you’re doing. (On a
related note, the names of the moves are
really fun!) The first section consists of the
‘The Rising Sun”, Hehaw Pony, Baseball Swing
and the Burlesque Bump. The second
section has you ‘spelling out Barracuda’ with
the music. It’s kind of cute! Section 3
consists of the Fancy Dancer Jog, Elvis Search
and the Cheerleader Kick. In Section 4, you’ll
rock out with the Jazzercise Throwdown,
Purple Circle and the Ballerina Frug. Finally,
in Section 5, you’ll do “Tara Ran the
Marathon”, The Freddy, The Diggity Dog and
go back to the spelling the Barracuda. (Note
that some sections are repeated in the final
routine.) The sisters review the entire
routine with music (and with and without
cues), which takes about 13-15 minutes.
Helen leads the very short cooldown (2
minutes). This consists of step touches,
shoulder rolls and stretches for the
shoulders and hamstrings.
Overall assessment: This is a fun, campy
routine that doesn’t take itself seriously.
This probably won’t provide a serious
workout for most exercisers. If you’re
looking for great production values, give this
a pass. However, a beginning or low
intermediate exerciser looking for a fun
recovery day dance workout might enjoy this.
Instructor Comments:
Tara, Helen and Angie are fun and fabulous!
They clearly are having a great time.