Dancing With the Stars - Cardio Dance Reviews

• super fast, no explainations of moves

  
  By A1E7BYP6JGDUHD on 2007-04-06
  I had high hopes for this video; too high, perhaps. As another reviewer stated, the moves do go pretty fast after Maksim's part. My biggest problem is that there are no real explainations or instructions of the steps, the instructors just say, we're going to do this now, toss in a dance term, and then they do it. I had such a hard time trying to figure out what the steps were by the time I sort of figured it out they had moved on. This workout would probably be a good workout, provided you understand the moves and can execute them at the speed the dancers on the video can. I found it to be too frustrating and will have to be desperate for some exercise before I pop this in the DVD player again.
  
  

• Hard to follow..

  
  By A2QHYTS231GJB3 on 2007-04-06
  The most positive thing I can say for this DVD is that it allows you to "customize" your workout- you can play all seven sections for a 60 minute workout or less depending on how long you want.
  
  1) 5 minute warmup led by all three- Ashly, Maksim, and Kym. Pretty good warmup but too short to be of much benefit.
  
  2) 10 minutes- paso doble led by Maksim. Not too bad. Pretty easy to follow along. A lot of lunges- hard on joints, especially knees. For me, I'm going to do a different step for that part.
  
  3)10 minutes- an extremely fast cha cha led by Ashly. I found her voice too high and chirpy; she kept repeating steps ie. back, back, back. Very annoying. Ended up skipping all together because too hard to follow.
  
  4)10 minutes- samba led by Kym. Fairly easy to follow. A lot twisting and jumping type moves- you definitely feel the "burn" in your hips and buns! After more practice it'd probably be easier. I'm a bit uncoordinated so I may need more time than most.
  
  5)10 minutes- jive led by all three. Really fast, more complicated steps. Needed to be broken down and done slower (at least to start out with). A lot of jumping and kicking. Not too bad on your joints. Again, following along may become easier after more attempts. This dance is probably easier for more experienced dancers... At least I'd hope- the pros make it look so easy, their movements smooth and fluid... Gotta give credit to the stars that manage to pull off this dance- it's not easy!
  
  6) 10 minutes- "improv" led by all three. This section is a complete waste of time. They're just doing whatever they feel like. The other two have a hard enough time following the one leading- and we're supposed to follow?? I'm going to be skipping this part in the future. (Though, it is fun to watch the interplay between the three- their competitiveness, one wanting to stump the others.)
  
  7) 5 minute cooldown. Not bad- some good stretches but too short.
  
  Overall, I don't see this as a good enough workout to keep you moving and your heart rate up. Maybe it would be better with more dances and less time spent on each and nixing the "improv" section and longer warmup and cooldown. I see myself doing this workout only when I'm not in the mood for anything too strenuous. Though for only $10, I guess it's not that bad; you could do worse. Dancing with the Stars fans will delight in seeing some favorites showcased. The workout is filmed on the DWTS set- it's weird seeing it without all the sparkling outfits, the band, spotlights...
  
  

• I love it--great fun!

  
  By ANA2PVMARGY8H on 2007-04-25
  I absolutely love this instructional dance video--it's just plain fun. However, it could prove difficult for people without any dance experience. If I hadn't taken dance classes for the past 8 years, I would have been completely lost. Many people pick things up easier than I do, but if you have limited or no dance experience, I wouldn't recommend this DVD unless you are naturally very coordinated (God knows I wasn't when I first started taking classes!).
  
  This summer I'm taking a Latin Jazz class, and this DVD features many Latin dancing staples (the Cha Cha, the Samba, and the Paso Doble). "Dancing with the Stars" will be a great way to reinforce the routines in the Latin Jazz Class. As an additional selling point, Maks has beautiful line and great technique--I loved watching him demonstrate (and the fact that he is gorgeous and 6'2" only added to my enjoyment). The bubbly Ashly can move at lightning speed with flawless precision.
  
  The last segment, the improvisational bonus challenge, was high-energy and fun to watch, but for me, completely undoable.
  
  

• Fun, but goes pretty fast

  
  By A2BL54QCB07I79 on 2007-04-06
  This DVD has Ashly, Maksim, and Kym from Dancing with the Stars more or less leading an aerobic dance workout on the Dancing with the Stars stage that does not require a partner. The first section is Paso Doble and it seems to be more aerobic than dance, but that is to be expected as this is a workout DVD, not a dance one. Maksim leads this routine and out of all the dances, this is the easiest to follow, even though it does go fairly quickly. Ashly then takes over with the cha cha and goes super fast. However, after repeating the DVD several times, one should be able to get it. Kym then leads the samba, which involves a lot of bouncing. Then all 3 take turns leading a jive routine, and one should probably be in fairly good shape already before attempting this routine. There is also a bonus challenge where Maksim, Kym, and Ashly basically improvise a routine and goof off a little. Note: Although some cool dance moves can be learned from this DVD, it is not an instructional dance video, it is a workout video, so if you're looking for an instructional dance video, look elsewhere. There isn't much in the way of extras, just trailers for Denise Austin DVDs, Healthy Eating tips from SlimFast featuring Tysonia from season 3, and credits. I was hoping there would be more insight into behind the scenes at Dancing with the Stars, but unfortunately there is not. All in all a good DVD, but probably too fast for most untrained dancers.
  
  

• Hard to follow at times, but fun!

  
  By A2FIMJM68DPYAW on 2007-04-11
  I would purchase this DVD again. As others posted it can be hard to follow at times, as there is not much instruction on how to do what. On the other hand if you plan to use it over time that kind of instruction gets dull. I think it would be nice if there were side segments on how to get started with some of the more challenging moves - something you could just watch once or twice. Overall, I think Maks is pretty easy to follow and enjoy all the segments.
  
  I like the feature of being able to turn off the instructions and just hear the music. Nice option, especially once you are more familiar with the moves.
  
  
• It's more a dance class than a cardio workout.
  By A2E2YPEBNQ32RN on 2007-04-10
  I really enjoyed this tape, although it could've been more cardio. The sheer length of the workout altogether made it cardio, not it's intensity. I did enjoy doing it again and again, and learning choreography, but the challenge was a complete waste of time, impossible to follow, and there for the 3 dancer's mutual admiration.
  
  All and all it was a fun DVD. Worth it if you want to understand the steps of the different types of dances, especially the Jive.
  
  
• A Super Dance Workout ... if you've ever danced at all
  By A1VGBF6COR3SIA on 2007-06-21
  I wanted this DVD from the first time I read about it. I ended up being a little intimidated by the reviews here because they said it was `so hard' and there was no explanation of the moves. So I hesitated to buy it. Then a friend gave it to me as a birthday present (I'd put it on my wish list anyway). Am I ever glad she did!
  
  This is one of the best workout DVD's I've ever had (definitely the best dance DVD), and the previous reviews don't do it justice. Yes, it's a DANCE workout -- and yes, they just show you the steps and then get it on with the routine. However ... if you've EVER done any formal dance moves, you'll know or can pick up most of these moves anyway.
  
  I'm not a dancer, but I've taken aerobics dance classes, a line dance class, and recently an intro to ballroom (yes, because of DANCING WITH THE STARS). I had no problem at all following this tape. When they showed a cha-cha step or a triple step or a turn, for instance, I already knew it. (BTW, it was not the ballroom class that taught me this, but the more general dance aerobics). The few steps I didn't know I just watched. The dancers repeated them several times (and the camera shows them full body), even if they didn't break them down and show them to you slowly. I caught on.
  
  The workout was incredible! The individual dances are really long (ten minutes each of continuous movement), plus a warmup and cooldown which were each five minutes. The DVD has some excellent features, among them the opportunity to program your own custom workout. I did the warmup, the cha cha, the jive and the cooldown, which was 30 minutes total, and I could feel it in every single muscle when I was done. Also, you can choose to do the workout with and without the dancers' instructions, which I think I'll try later when I'm more familiar with the routines. It's well thought out and well put together.
  
  The DVD features routines for the cha-cha, the paso doble, the samba, the jive and a bonus freestyle routine. I especially wanted to do the jive as it was never taught to me and I always loved it on the show. And when it was over -- I was SOAKED!
  
  The dancers are familiar to us all from the show, and they're very personable and fun to dance with. They treat you as a fellow dancer in that they just show you what they're doing and expect you to follow along. They also tell you a little about the origin of each dance as they're starting it, which I liked. (You probably already know this from the show, but I appreciated hearing it again.)
  
  Granted, this is NOT a workout for someone who's never danced and who needs the steps broken down bit by bit. But if you've had even a little dance training (or danced in clubs) and have seen the show, you'll be delighted at what this DVD can do for you. I seldom feel my workouts in my back and hips, but I feel this one! And because the moves are fun and high-energy and you already know the dancers, it doesn't feel like work (I HATE doing something just because it's supposed to be good for you!) It's a truly remarkable full-body workout, so your entire torso, arms and legs will get the benefit. And don't say I didn't warn you: Be prepared to hit the shower immediately afterward, because you are going to sweat!
  
  In sum -- be aware that the DVD is not for complete beginners. But you can have a minimal amount of dance knowledge and do fine with this. If you give yourself time to learn to do it well, it will be an amazing workout for you very soon. As someone who loves to dance, I know this will be a regular part of my exercise routine for a long time to come.
  
  Bravo, Maksim, Ashly and Kim!
  
  
• Dancing in my home...
  By A2RGVFYU6TFCJH on 2007-04-11
  I liked this video, it does go fast and is sometimes hard to follow, but with practice it becomes easy. Some of the harder workouts are really great for building up stregth and endurance.
  
  I think what most people are feeling frustration with is that it's really not so much a "workout" like people think it is but it still is a work out. It takes time to make it really work. If you keep dancing with the DVD it will get you in shape!
  
  I loved it and would recomend it for others.
  
  
  
• Total Disappointment
  By AKQSDKWJTE1ZB on 2007-05-17
  I am a HUGE Dancing With the Stars fan and the moment I found out about this workout DVD I raced to the store and bought it. It turned out just to be a way for them to make more money, not a way to whip your body into DWTS shape!
  
  It starts out with an upper body Paso Doble workout. This may be a workout if you're over 65 or severly out of shape because I didn't find it elevated my heart rate at all.
  
  The improvisational section at the end was terrible. Each star took a turn adding dance moves in but they didn't explain them and you could not follow what they were doing.
  
  The Jive and Samba sections in the middle were ok. Afterwards I didn't feel like I'd gotten a whole body workout. I find the Biggest Loser DVDs to be much better.
  
  Save yourself the money and watch the Stars on TV - where they belong.
  
  
• Lackluster Dancing with the Stars DVD
  By A15QA181XGJFK9 on 2007-04-09
  I was dissappointed at the lack of instruction in this DVD. There is an assumption that you already know how to dance. Dance terms are bandied about such as chaissez and plie, and potubourais as though we have had years of ballet training. It is a good cardio workout if you can catch up and learn the steps quickly. It seems more like a vehicle to showcase the 3 dancers from the show rather than to teach anyone to dance.
  
  
• More "Stars' then "Dance" ...
  By A3TJPCA2S3ARAZ on 2007-04-10
  One question right off the bat - is it just my version or is everyone experiencing a sound issue at the beginning of each segment?
  
  I wasn't sure what to expect when I ordered this. I enjoy dancing and was looking forward to being able to combine a workout with dance style movements. The warmup was a little disjointed - there is a brief pause between some of the various stretches and we change leads. I enjoyed the first section Paso Doble as it seemed to be a decent blend of dance and workout. Maksim also made this the easiest to follow. My only complaint is that it seems a bit short. Next up was the cha cha and that was much faster. Most of the step are fairly easy but it will definetly take some time to get it all. Then there is the samba. It was also fairly quick but with time, should be doable. The most difficult was the jive routine. There is a lot of off the floor steps in this - and because I have RA - the higher impact moves are more difficult for me so I will have to modify the steps on my own. It would have been nice if they had included some lower impact options in this segment but I guess since they are touting it as a "dance workout" they couldn't. All in all, it isn't bad but it isn't my favorite. I will still turn to my Turbo Jam DVD's when I want to combine a music and dance-y style workout.
  
  
• Not Great, But Still Good...
  By A2T33U7BJ2517Z on 2007-04-14
  I definitely agree with the reviews that mention how the DVD lacks instruction on how to do all the dances. You can easily get mixed up in some spots, trying to mimic what they're doing just on your own. Although I was leary about being able to do any of it (after reading some of the reviews), I was relieved that it was more manageable than I had grown to expect it to be. Trust me, I'm not saying it's easy. I definitely don't fall into the "you're a natural" category. I think it's true when some reviews mentioned that it'll probably get better over time, getting more used to all the moves etc. I just know that I managed to work up a sweat still, even though I couldn't manage all the moves properly on the 1st try. And even though I may never manage some of them, I can still just replace certain harder spots with moves that are easier for me. I agree that the Paso is an easier segment to keep up with because it's not as fast-paced of a dance as the other three. Although some people stated that the Jive was the most difficult, I'd have to say some parts of the Cha Cha proved tougher for me; if you have difficulty with that basic 1-2, 1-2-3 criss cross move, then it makes it hard to not get mixed up from time to time; if you're like me, you might have trouble coordinating your feet with the criss-crossing of your knees at the same time. Also, you may run into complications alone just depending on the size of the room you have to workout in. Each 10 minute segment had moves that required me to shift direction in the room as a result of it's small size; for some moves (like moving forward and back) I needed to perform them while vertically positioned in the room, and for other moves (like moving right & left) I needed to perform them while horizontally positioned in the room. And so flip flopping between those different moves throughout each segment can add to the complexity of the workout. In that regard, you'll need enough room to move forward & back and right & left anywhere from 4-8 spaces. Overall, it's a keeper although not a 100% pleaser.
  
  
• This should be called "Watch Us Dance."
  By A2RJU98M1G8YNF on 2007-05-16
  This video was terrible. I thought I was going to have so much fun, but I was left in the dust. Usually exercise videos involve instruction and explanation; these people felt no such need to do so.
  
  They are professional dancers; we know this; there was no need for them to prove to us how wonderful they are. But I bought the video to be included in on the dancing fun. By the last song when the girls were laughing about how they were going to "make it up as we go along," I was ready to throw the DVD out the window.
  
  If they wanted a video of them showing off, the least they could have done was included a beginners program as well.
  
  I want my money back.
  :)
  
  
• Poor Performance
  By A17R82XOF3MU1R on 2007-05-20
  The dvd is an insult to the show. I would not recommend it to anyone.
  KK
  
  
• Not for Beginners...
  By A1SK49319MXQNR on 2007-05-03
  This DVD covers 4 dances: Jive, Paso Doble, Cha-Cha and Samba. I have had some ballroom dancing, but am a fitness instructor by trade. Although the dance moves are fun, I agree with the other reviewers that the dancers are terrible instructors and give no queing whatsoever. I have had enough dance experience that I could perform the moves, although someone not very coordinated would have a tough time. I found the Paso boring and they should have traded it for the Mambo. I have used many of the moves in my fitness classes (with more instruction and breakdown of the moves). The Jive is very fast and difficult. The challenge/bonus/freestyle that they do at the end of the DVD is ridiculous. They cannot even follow eachother and I could not follow it either. They use technical dance terms (I simply looked them up) and they are definitely not fitness or dance instructors, but rather "dancers." Looking at this video, I realize why some of the celebrities get frustrated learning the steps if this is how they teach them. This video is better for people who have had dance instruction and are very coordinated. If you do not fall into either of those categories, skip this one as there is no breakdown of the dance moves. I agree with the other reviewer that Ashley's voice is very irritating with that constant chirping.
  
  
• not what i expected
  By A1TW9CI5AN3UIS on 2007-05-21
  I though it would be more fun music. It was just background and not at all the fun music that they had on the show. It was as if they didn't want to pay the fee for using real music. Also the steps are not taught well. Over all I was disappointed in this product and would not recommend it.
  
  
• Dance Driven DVD is better
  By ATVFKWF9A3VU5 on 2007-04-13
  Very hard...not what I expected. Try Blake McGrath's Dance Driven ( from the TV Show So You Think You Can Dance...when it comes out. I bought a copy from him when he was only selling on his site...much better!
  
  
• A Segment-by-Segment Review
  By AGFTMNZZJUZD7 on 2007-10-13
  When they say 'Cardio Dance' on the cover, THEY MEAN CARDIO! This programme is by no means easy. Whether you have two left feet or are a skilled dancer, this DVD WILL get you moving.
  
  Segment 1: Warm-Up
  This is a fairly simple dance routine patterned along the lines of professional dance warm-ups. There's not too much happening here except for some stretching and simple footwork, although you start feeling the effects throughout the body almost immediately. This is led by Ashly, Kym, and Maks (respectively), and does a great job of getting you limbered up for the real work-outs.
  
  Segment 2: The Paso Doble
  Maks leads The Paso Doble for this low-impact work-out targeted for beginners. While this dance mostly works the arms and shoulders, your bum, abs, and lower back will get a great work-out, as well...provided you support yourself correctly. Start watching your posture NOW, as you're going to seriously need it later. There are some nice 'calve-burners' due to a few of the lunges, and we're introduced to our very first turn.
  
  Segment 3: The Cha-Cha
  This one could have gone a LOT better if it was hosted by someone else (more on this later). Ashly takes us through roughly 15 minutes of the most difficult and frustrating dancing I've ever done. This is a medium-intensity work-out that'll work everything from the abs on down...but only if you've had some previous experience with The Cha-Cha (or dancing in general). Beginners will want to skip this part and do The Samba instead.
  
  Segment 4: The Samba
  Kym leads a FANTASTIC medium-intensity Samba. She has the infectious spark of fun that keeps you bouncing throughout the entire work-out. Like the previous segment, this dance will mostly work the lower half of the body. The only difference between this and The Cha-Cha is that it's easier to do and a lot more fun. I'm glad it was included as an alternative for the mid-intensity routine.
  
  Segment 5: The Jive
  This is the high-intensity, full-body work-out for a reason: IT'S *HARD*! Kym, Ashly, and Maks lead this dance respectively, and despite the high difficulty level, they keep it light, entertaining, and fun. Maks's comments throughout are particularly amusing. However, this isn't a dance you're going to want to throw yourself into first thing. Master the other segments first, being able to perform them one after the other without a break, before even THINKING about attempting The Jive. When you ARE ready, watch it through a couple of times so you're prepared for what you're getting yourself into. Make sure you have good posture by this point, too, because you'll die without it.
  
  -Some people have posted negative reviews about Maks's feeling winded and needing a break. It's important to remember that these are 15 minute WORK-OUT segments, not 2-3 minute dances that the instructors are used to performing. And Maks's specialty is Latin dance, not quick-step styles. He's really out of his element during The Jive, so it's perfectly normal for him to get winded.
  
  Segment 6: Challenge
  This is fun to watch, but as far as a work-out goes, it's pretty lame. There's absolutely no structure, as it's a free-style dance improvised as the instructors go along. Maks again provides some entertaining comments and moves, but other than that, there's very little to gain from trying to keep up with this segment. Instead, use it as a well-deserved break to get your legs back.
  
  Segment 7: Cool-Down
  This is actually more intense than the dancing at times. There's some serious stretching going on here, making it extremely tiring after the work-outs. It feels good if you're up to it, otherwise it won't hurt you too much to skip it. A hot bath/shower is just as effective for your cool-down period.
  
  Maks
  This was a smart marketing move to further sell the DVD to the female customers. Maks is some NICE eye-candy, especially with the smoky, sultry looks he give (enhansed by using the 'music only' feature). And some of the moves he busts out during The Jive and Challenge are guaranteed to further up the heart-rate. But having Maks as one of the instructors was also a good move to get the guys involved. The Paso Doble is more of a 'manly' dance as far as the steps and poses go, and Maks presents them in a 'non-threatening' way that's sure to get the guys dancing. And while none of the instructors explain the moves satisfactory enough for us non-dancers, Maks at least explains as much as he's able and moves at a pace that's fairly easy to keep up with.
  
  Ashly
  Why she was picked to lead in this is beyond me. She is a TERRIBLE instructor. She doesn't even attempt to explain anything, just tosses out the occassional "We call THIS a (insert-dance-move-here)..." And she's impossible to keep up with because she dances with her legs so close together that you can't see what she's doing; never mind that she takes tiny steps. Is it any wonder why we haven't seen her since season three? Then toss in an EXTREMELY irritating and 'bubbly' personality, and she's just too much to deal with. I would much rather have Jullianne than Ashly.
  
  Kym
  Just like with Maks, she does an EXCELLENT job of explaining the moves when she can and moving at an easy-to-follow pace. As I said earlier: she has an infectious spark of fun that you can't help but love. The only drawback is her work-out clothes. Don't be decieved by the DVD cover: that blue work-out top is NOT what she wears! Another piece of eye-candy, the woman has an incredible figure, and it's hard to keep your eyes off it most of the time (which can be distracting). On the upside, though, it's great motivation: what woman WOULDN'T want to look like Kym?
  
  DVD pluses include a 'customize' option where you can pick and choose which segments you want to do instead of having to fast-forward. There's also a 'music only' option for those who either don't need the benefit of the instructions anymore or those who are too easily distracted by a lot of chatter.
  
  However, this DVD isn't without it's flaws. The biggest 'con' is that there's no instructional segment; the only thing keeping me from giving a five-star review. A technique section with slow, step-by-step instructions would have really benefited those with little or no dance experience, as things like spot-turns and crossover footwork can be frustrating if you don't know what you're doing. The other 'con' is that the music is pretty cheezy; a minor complaint, I know. But at least the corny tunes aren't over-powering. The DVD case could really benefit from a 'Large Spaces Needed' sticker, too. Unless you have a giant TV Room, you'll want to move everything out of your way because you'll need as much room as you can get. If you have a naturally long stride, you're going to have to modify your movements and take smaller steps, otherwise you'll find yourself frequently dancing into the entertainment centre and bookshelves.
  
  All-in-all, this DVD is DEFINITELY worth getting, despite it's flaws. It gets you moving, and it's fun. A lot of work-outs are all too good at detering the chances of sticking to the routine. But 'DWtS' not only keeps you coming back for more, it actually makes you look forward to doing it. And it's EXCELLENT for those who had a baby and are trying to get back into shape.
  
  Don't think that you'll immediately start dropping pounds, though. The rapid weight-loss seen on the show is the result of 40-60 hours of training PER WEEK, and let's face it: how many of us can actually fit that kind of a work-out into our schedule? But even if you only have time for one dance session per day, you'll start seeing physical, if not bathroom-scale, results by the end of the first week. Just keep your weight-loss expectations realistic, keep at it, and have fun, and you'll do great.
  
  
• Not terrible, but not good either
  By A2XS76UBT4FWJB on 2007-05-20
  I bought this video because I was curious about the content and because I like to dance and could always use a good workout. I was a bit befuddled with this one as I was never really sure what was supposed to happen or what was going on - either from a cardio or dance perspective. I could follow along with most of their moves only because I've learned them by taking lessons and using other videos, but I'd not go as far as to say the instructors did a good job teaching. At best, you can get a few fun and unique small workout routines, but this isn't something I could see someone using again and again.
  
  
• Dont buy it
  By A17P81W249KDLZ on 2007-05-26
  Its extremely hard to follow. The dances are not well explained. The music sucks !
  
  
• Work out disappointment
  By A2M0IANRDO3UGN on 2007-05-30
  I was very excited to get my dvd in and try it, but I was highly disappointed with this work out dvd. I was not able to follow many of the moves because I have no dance experience. They would instruct you to do a dance move, and give no direction of which way they were moving, or what to do with my feet! I was trying to look at their legs to give me some direction, but that was difficult too because they had on black pants against a dark background, and I could not visualize the steps either.
  
  If I had any dance background this dvd would be a blast, but for someone who just wanted a fun new way to work out, it was not effective. I didn't even get a good enough work out because half the time I was trying to watch them as to what to do. By the time I did get the hand of a particular move, they were onto the next step.
  
  I am going to stick with my Tae-Bo!
  
  
• This is so much fun!
  By A3N9358NA787HB on 2007-04-16
  Although it can move a bit fast, stick with it. The challenge of the movements easily become the best part of the workout. As you start getting these moves you will actually begin to feel like you are becoming a dancer. Remember, these guys are Pros, if it were too easy it wouldn't be any fun and it certainly wouldn't be the unique experience that it is.
  Definitely the best fitness Workout DVD on the market!
  
  
• Hard to see
  By A3S47IH20RNWHK on 2007-04-18
  I think the instruction for all the dances were adequate - not that I've tried them all yet. They seemed OK when I was just watching them - maybe people need to watch them once or twice before they try them. I have just done the warm up and the paso doble so far, and found I'm pretty klutzy. But hopefully more practice will build my skill and endurance, so I can move on to the faster dances. I understand the four main routines, but getting the body to obey what the brain tells it to do is sometimes difficult. I think the routines are a great introduction to some ballroom dance moves, and how to use the moves to work out. The problem is, now I seem to be walking in a simple paso doble walk all the time! ONE-two-three-four-five-six-seven-eight ONE-... At least I've managed to resist the urge to do the arm sweep - so far... ;) As an aside, if you dig the paso doble, check out the Baz Luhrmann film Strictly Ballroom - it's great!
  
  The one bone I have to pick is how hard it is to see some hip and leg positions, and even foot positions, cos everyone wears black pants, black shoes, the guys are in all black. The lower half of their bodies seem to disappear into the stage steps behind them, or into the sea of other black-legged dancers. Trade the dancer chic for contrast, if there is a second volume. In the same vein, I think some side views of the dance moves would have helped a lot, to show off the position, and things like how much twist or lunge or travelling is actually being done.
  
  
• Pretty good for extended use
  By A3RMPFJ4H55BSP on 2007-05-03
  I grew up dancing, and knew what moves they were doing, but after years of not dancing, I had a difficult time with them. (Major kudos to the Stars who have had no dance training!) I thought the video moved very fast, and was hard to keep up with or understand the instructors sometimes. I agree with some people there should have been a slower step by step instruction on it, but once you do the video a few times, I don't think its needed. It was a great workout, even just trying to keep up with the video, and I'm pretty happy with it. I recommend it.
  
  
• Pretty to look at - hard to follow!
  By A9OIJP55L14LI on 2007-05-13
  This looked like it was going to be great until I got up and tried to follow these instructors. Nice to watch, but not easy to see. There is very little content with actual instruction and it wasn't made with a focus on the consumer. I don't think they bothered to view it before they put it out as it's nearly impossible to see their feet with dark lighting and black pants and shoes that they all wear. The two to five second explanations on the dance steps weren't near enough to provide direction without frustration - it was just hard to follow along with. I had high expectations being that I've bought other ballroom style videos, and though I knew this was for cardio, I still expected some type of instruction being that these instructors are supposed to be the best out there. If you want a good cardio dance workout that's easy to follow, try the Crunch Cardio Salsa DVD Crunch - Cardio Salsa. If you want good dance instruction that's easy to follow, try one of these -Swing Dancing for Beginners Volume 1 (Shawn Trautman's Dance Collection), A Quick Start Guide to Line Dancing (Shawn Trautman's Learn to Dance Series), or Learn to Salsa Dance Video Series, Vol 1: Salsa Dancing Guide for Beginners - you'll actually be able to dance after each of them.
  
  
• Not for beginners
  By A12WYM8N85GEU4 on 2007-05-14
  I like this video, but I have taken dance lessons throughout my life. The instructors do try to tell you what to do, but there is no step-by-step instructions so you have to watch intently, which means you are watching them dance instead of dancing yourself. Personally, I do not like one of the dances, but the other three are fun.
  
  This is only the second exercise video I have ever purchased. I like dancing for exercise, so I keep doing it, but I think that these instructors are versed in teaching classes, not doing exercise videos, so they have trouble teaching the steps AND making the video a workout. This would GREATLY benefit from a starter DVD that taught all the steps so that by the time you get to the dances you know what you're doing and what to expect.
  
  
• Dancing Gets Only Three Stars
  By A2OCDK0BOW6UCY on 2007-09-07
  Capitalizing on the popularity of the Dancing with the Stars TV show, this dvd is a disappointment. It features three of the shows dancers, Kym, Ashly and Maksim and promises to teach the viewer dance steps while providing a good workout. Unfortunately, the cuing is inadequate and the instructions are spare at best. The warm up and cool down segments are short. The dance segments feature the Paso Doble, ChaCha, Samba and Jive(supposedly a combination of the Lindy and the swing). These are followed by a totally annoying and frustrating freestyle section that seems designed to spotlight the three dancers. It is way to fast and even the three teachers are unable to follow each other's lead. The instructors are oblivious to the fact that they are actually supposed to be leading non-professionals. The banter is truly irritating--it is very hard to believe that toned, professional dancers would be winded and sore from this workout. The segments do not flow smoothly from one to the other.
  
  If you want a good workout that are many superb videos catering to virtually every taste that are much easier to follow. If you want to learn to dance, sign up for classes. If you want to see your favorite dancer, skip this video and tape the tv show.
  
  
• Not bad, but kind of cheesy...
  By A1LKEAIIAOQ09U on 2007-04-17
  I expected more of a high-end production, and was disappointed that it didn't have an ounce of the slickness of the TV show. This has an amatuerish feel to it overall, especially the music. They could have spent a few more bucks and made it more enjoyable to dance to, rather than use this lame canned stuff. I'll get tired of that part of it quickly. I'm not a dancer, but I don't have a real complaint about the lack of instruction. It wasn't difficult to follow, as it seemed to be the basic moves you see on the show week after week. It does seem that the flow, at times, didn't flow very... flowingly. A few distinctly unsmooth moments, like they didn't rehearse enough, or were just improvising. The three stars are likeable. Stacey will intimidate ANYone with that figure of hers! I just wish she'd pull up her pants a little! I'm sure this is the first of many installments of videos from this show. Hopefully, the next ones will be more polished.
  
  
• Katherine
  By AYZTU2Z7SB448 on 2007-04-19
  I have been looking forward to this video coming out and definately enjoy it. I can see how it may be hard to follow for some, but if you continue to use it regularly you will learn the steps and can use them when you are out dancing! I agree it doesn't have the "Pizzaz" that someone mentioned that you expect from "Dancing w/the Stars" but it is a "workout" video, you're not performing. I am an amateur dancer who competes in pro/ams and I enjoy this video, it brings me back to the basics and just a plain good workout that gets your body in shape without having to think about "perfecting a routine''. It's a great workout video, don't give up on it too soon! Give it a try, it's fun and definately gives you a great workout!
  
  
• very fun!
  By A3IHUGEDESV1TP on 2007-04-26
  I can see what others are saying that it is hard to follow...I took a beginners chacha and samba lesson before...so having that really helps me to be able to understand where they are coming from. I have a lot of fun and I like that even though I know the basics already there are parts where I still need to catch up and learn. Simple...but not too simple at all. It is definately a workout and I love their personalities! If you want to learn how to dance though and love watching dancing with the stars then i say GET OUT THERE! and take some lessons! it's so much fun you just have to do it :) and then the video comes easier :) I think if you like dancing its worth the purchase :)
  I think the more you watch it you will naturally catch on as opposed to listening to the instructions if they were to teach each step individually and I think it would take away the energy if they had to turn it into an instructional video.
  
  
  

• Dancing with the Stars: Jive, Samba, and Tango Your Way into the Best Shape of Your Life
• Dancing Like the Pros
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• Dance with Len Goodman
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