Thread: New York City Ballet workout DVD?

Hi,

Ballet is an area where I have no background at all. I'd like to take a class, but until I'm able to find one for adults in my area & sign up for it, I'm looking for a video to sort of get me started in understanding some of the forms.

How many of you have tried the NYC ballet workout dvd, and is it worth it? Is it helpful and why?

I LOVE the NYC ballet workout!! It's more of a workout than a real ballet class BUT you'll find yourself strengthening & stretching the muscles that help to improve your dance posture, arm carriage, grace and strength as a dancer, plus improving balance. Make an effort to follow the arm and head positions of the dancers onscreen, even while you're working with legs, and you'll be improving your overall body awareness, grace, and lines.

I've used other videos that are more like a ballet class, but this is the one I come back to again and again. As cross-traning for a bellydancer, I think it's da bomb.

I like it a lot too--I have volume 2, so that's the one I'm commenting on. All of what Lauren_ said, plus the narrator has the most soothing voice ever :-)

awesome! I think i'll order it to help with my 90 days!

I might do the same! This sounds like good stuff.

Actually, I'm checking it out via Netflix first, but let me know if you like it, Sonja.

If you do have Netflix, both vols 1 and 2 are available for instant viewing, I'm looking forward to trying out Body Motion, which I just got last night, but maybe I'll throw in some Ballet too tonight!

I must ber in the minority, but I HATED that video! It's a good workout, but I constantly felt like I was, well, working. And I didn't like doing the barre exercises on the floor.

I like The Ballet Workout with Melissa Lowe (did I get that right?) much better. It is work, but it at least feels like dancing. I don't recall offhand how detailed the instruction is. I didn't have any trouble following along, but I had a little ballet as a kit.

You might find a copy at your local library. Check it out first because honestly I don't think it suits everyone's taste. I also couldn't practice with it on a daily basis like they recommend. For me, it's the music that sort of makes me feel sleepy. But the content is pretty good, IMO.

LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE
THEM! BUt I've also taken ballet classes, which helps :)

It's definitely a workout, not a ballet class. Melissa Lowe's video is a ballet class. They're very different, but I think they're both really clear about what they're offering. I didn't expect to feel like I was dancing, I expected a workout, and I got one.

As far as the music, I liked it.. but you do have the option of choosing a different soundrack if you like. You can also do it without the voice over if you get to the point where you don't need the verbal instruction, I think.

just so you know if you're planning on doing the instant viewing on netflix ... there's no voiceover / cueing in this version ... just music and you have to follow along visually (unless I'm doing something wrong or something - I gather the real dvd is not like that) ... I do both volumes a lot on netflix when I'm in the mood for something different and like it a lot.

Originally Posted by portiaangel

just so you know if you're planning on doing the instant viewing on netflix ... there's no voiceover / cueing in this version ... just music and you have to follow along visually (unless I'm doing something wrong or something - I gather the real dvd is not like that) ... I do both volumes a lot on netflix when I'm in the mood for something different and like it a lot.

Oh I am so happy to hear that there is voice over on the actual DVD!

I did go through on instant viewing last night and I really enjoyed it, though I had to keep jumping back to see what they were doing. I loved the workout and felt so loose and limber and after. I think it's very much worth it for belly dancers.

Some things I didn't do b/c I've never taken ballet and I was concerned about positioning. I will be ordering the DVDs though.

I'm in love with the first one, for the stretching/strengthening work.

The second one has a more aerobic portion at the end, which some people just loved, but it didn't suit me personally.

Oh, cool, Lauren. I found the Modern music. I like that better than the classical music. In the future, I hope we will be able to incorporate our soundtracks into a DVD workout (or whatever replaces DVD players). I get tired of listening to the same music over and over again. It's like hearing bad jokes in a workout...I used to have a video that was so chatty sometimes I'd just follow along repeating their conversation. I am so strange. At least NYC Ballet isn't chatty...

Out of curiosity, I checked you-tube and there are clips of the second DVD. I like it and me thinks will be ordering both of the DVD's.

aziza swears by these dvds. I've been meaning to get them. my current teacher does pretty intense ballet-type conditioning for the troupe members and it has dramatically bettered my dancing - any my figure. ;)

Thanks for all the info...I'm going to check out the youtube clips tonight & may order it... I need some upper body conditioning.

I didn't like it...I found it was more of a workout type video done by a ballet dancer than an actual ballet exercises type dvd. and it was a very intense workout too....so, if that's what you're after it will get you in shape, but it won't make you a ballet dancer....

Originally Posted by enzina

I didn't like it...I found it was more of a workout type video done by a ballet dancer than an actual ballet exercises type dvd. and it was a very intense workout too....so, if that's what you're after it will get you in shape, but it won't make you a ballet dancer....

Yes, that's exactly what I was after, and it's what I expected from a DVD called a 'ballet workout.'

You're right, anyone who's interested in a ballet class won't be happy with this video. There are quite a few 'ballet class' videos out there if that's what you want.

If you're looking for a ballet class, definitely look for a video with that title. If you want to do a tough strengthening workout designed by/for ballet dancers, then NYCB workout videos are great.

I love this so much I bought it twice. Since there's only one of me, if anyone would like my extra copy please let me know. ($15, VHS)

The NYCB workout really is fantastic for strength, balance, and posture. It's one of the few videos that very quickly make a difference in my dancing when I discipline myself to do them regularly -- right up there with Aziza's BD Practice Companion and Michelle Joyce's drills. (I'm hoping the new modern dance workout produced by Michelle will have a similar effect and join them on the top shelf.) I haven't tried many other ballet workouts or classes on video and would welcome any other recommendations.

ETA: The modern dance workout DVD just arrived and I'm really excited to see that it's based on Horton technique. My main teacher is a former modern dancer and for years has strongly recommended Horton technique for cross-training, but I've never managed to get my butt to a class. This should be good....

Any chance that this is intense enough that it could replace a strength training/free weight type workout? Or is it really more about body awareness, stretching, conditioning for dance, etc. I'm guessing no, but I'd like to hear what you think.

Originally Posted by joanneraks

Any chance that this is intense enough that it could replace a strength training/free weight type workout? Or is it really more about body awareness, stretching, conditioning for dance, etc. I'm guessing no, but I'd like to hear what you think.

It may be an intense workout but I can't imagine it has nearly enough weight-bearing to achieve the benefits of strength training (particularly increasing bone density)

~~Kimahri

What do those of you who have ballet experience think of it for someone who has not a lick of ballet in them?

I know when working with belly dance DVDs, there's so much that's sort of common sense thanks to years of classes. However, I feel like the workout ones require less training to be able to do.

I loved doing this workout, but I have my concerns. Thoughts?

Originally Posted by LeylaFahada

What do those of you who have ballet experience think of it for someone who has not a lick of ballet in them?

I know when working with belly dance DVDs, there's so much that's sort of common sense thanks to years of classes. However, I feel like the workout ones require less training to be able to do.

I loved doing this workout, but I have my concerns. Thoughts?

I think nothing takes the place of a qualified live instructor for beginners...be it ballet, MED, yoga, pilates, etc.

~~Kimahri

I am selling the NYCB Workout volume one on VHS over in the swap pages. Just fyi. :)