First I want to say thanks to Wendy for giving me this tape. Even though the moves are complex, the overall intensity is intermediate and mostly low-impact, so this might actually be a good choice for someone who likes dancy, advanced workouts but has to pamper their joints for whatever reason.

There are a lot of variations on traditional steps throughout this workout, and Debra uses the warmup to introduce some of them, such as afro jacks (where you step out and in instead of jumping), heel gallop, and the circle kick where you slowly circle your leg over your step - a real test of balance! The body of the workout is divided in halves, each one containing three combos that are put together and repeated a couple of times at the end of the half. (No constant "taking it from the tippy top", like in most CIAs.) In addition to the African-dance steps, there are plenty of standard moves like straddles, repeaters and arabesques over the step, done in a flowing, dance style and given an African flavor with arm movements; for instance, kicks are spiced up by clapping over and under your leg three times.

Debra's cueing is somewhat Firm-style, in that she rarely starts out at half-tempo or spends time explaining what's coming up next; she just plunges right in, and you have to follow along. Some of her step names have different meanings than I'm used to; her "tick tock", instead of being a pendulum, is a repeater around the end of the step. Some room is required both at the sides and back of your step for a grapevine to the side and a four-count "polka" (more like a chasse) backwards.

I was mostly confused the first time I did this tape, but after a couple of practices, I caught on and had a lot of fun with it. This is one of those tapes that needs a little "getting used to". The music, outfits and CIA's Egyptian-style set all lend atmosphere. I agree with WWWendy that the slower tempo is a refreshing break from breakneck-speed stepping, and helps me concentrate on the moves better.

Afro-Caribbean Step is creative, well-choreographed and a fun addition to any step-lover's collection, as well as a treasure trove of ideas for instructors. Grade: A.

Instructor Comments:
Debra is pleasant and encouraging in a low-key, non-whooping sort of way. You can tell she's a little nervous at the beginning, but as she gets into the routine, she relaxes and even raises her voice excitedly. She and her diverse cast wear leotards with brightly-colored African sarongs, and one of them does the workout without a step. If she makes another video, which I hope she does, it would be nice if she could offer some cultural background info on the choreography.

Sue B