Hot Steps

Kari Anderson
Year Released: 2002

Categories: Step Aerobics


This tape was not an instant favorite. I think the choreopgraphy made it too tough for me to judge right away. The first few times I did it I became a little weary by the end-- I was modifying too much for it to be enjoyable. I put it away and recently gave it another try. I am glad I did. This is probably Kari's most complex tape and I probably would never have gotten it down if I had not been familiar with some of her other step tapes.
Many of Kari's favorite moves are here: hitch kicks, shuffle steps, and those little twisting moves after a lunge sequence. There are also new moves such as a backwards shuffle step around the step (this is hard, especially establishing what foot you need to be starting on). As usual, however, Kari teaches so that it is easy to stay with the less complicated teaching move if you are not ready to do everything yet.
The warm up is 11 minutes long. It is similar to the warm up of Body Tech-- start on the floor, add some moves on the step, and travel around the step. This is followed by one section which contains two large blocks of choregraphy. It is 16 1/2 minutes long. You TIFTT the two blocks. The second section has the same set up, but the choreography is a little more complicated. Finally, a third section has you TIFTT the entire program three times. This last about 6 minutes. The choreography doesn't stop there, however. The cool down has its own little routine which can be a bit confusing.
The set is a little different than Kari's other sets. There are bright patterned panels in the background. It is colorful and does not really look too busy.
The music is just OK. I will admit I was humming one of the songs all day after doing the video. Also, I did actually hear one of the songs played when they were featuring Miami nightclubs on the news. (Very strange-- I remember thinking "I've heard that song somewhere...")
Anyway, if you, like me, always wished Kari would put out a longer step tape, I think yopu will be pleased with this video. It is well chaptered, so I would recommend getting the DVD version.

Roz

11/30/-0001