Trudie Styler's Sculpt and Tone Ballet

Title: Trudie Styler’s Sculpt and Tone Ballet
Instructor: James D’Silva (narration/cues); both James and Trudie demonstrate
Time: 25 minutes
Level of Difficulty: Beginner/Intermediate
DVD menu: Chapter selection
Production quality: high
Equipment used: barre for chapter 1, two chairs for chapter 2 (same routine)

To preface, I passionately enjoy barre workouts and they tend to be my strongest preference for exercise over the last several years. I am definitely less enthused about ballet workouts, however, I do have a small selection (this workout, Janice Lennard’s Ballet, and Sleek Technique DVD set) that I enjoy for very light/active rest days, when I don’t feel like doing anything but know I should.

With that said, this workout does fit the bill of a very light/active rest day. The DVD shortchanges you a little bit, I say that because there are two, 25 minute chapters of the exact same routine, performed with the barre or with two chairs, and the second workout only has James. The first workout has both Trudie and James although James instructs/narrates both workouts. However, the DVD can be found for cheap now that it is a little older, just know how much content you are getting. I think the DVD package indicates 60 minutes of content. My review is based on the first chapter with the barre.

James and Trudie are standing facing you at the barre, with a gorgeous background setting of Buddha/meditation style sculptures and paintings in the background. The music is classical and fits the exercise very nicely. James demonstrates the more difficult modifications and Trudie demonstrates a little more moderate variations. James narrates over voiceover, he uses ballet terms and there is a lovely flowing sequence for 25 minutes, that is extremely easy to follow (no real choreography). The large arm range of motion and leg movements eventually build up the heart rate into a very pleasant light sweat session, not very challenging but vigorous and enjoyable. Compared to Janice Lennard’s Ballet workout and Sleek Technique, they are all equally enjoyable although I probably prefer Sleek Technique the most for the variety of workouts, although it also a bigger monetary investment. I will use this workout on occasion for an active rest day.

Instructor Comments:
James has a very calming voice with a British accent that is enjoyable to listen to. He cues nicely although there’s not much in the way of form pointers, it is somewhat expected that you are already familiar with ballet.

Emily B.