Dance off the Inches: Hip Hop Party Reviews

• Separate step guide makes this workout a keeper

  
  By A1F3VRLGW5NAJB on 2008-02-08
  I own a number of dance workouts and this is my favorite so far. There is a step guide in a separate chapter, which can be used to learn the steps in half time. This is great because Jennifer does not have to slow down the tempo of the workouts to teach the steps in half time. The step guide is a fabulous idea and makes this DVD superior to most dance workout routines on the market. Because of my familiarity with dance DVD's, I only had to do the step guide once, but it was very helpful.
  
  During the workouts, Jennifer still introduces each step with the feet first, followed by adding the arms. And she does the typical build of multiple steps for each routine. To learn the routines, I focus on learning the steps first and then I add the arms in later attempts.
  
  Jennifer is an excellent instructor. She does a great job of providing good advance cues for step changes. She also cues "left or right" that is the opposite of her left or right (mirror form), so it is easy to follow her lead.
  
  Potential customers may be put off by the fact that this is a hip hop dance routine. Never fear. I really liked mixing things up from the usual Latin and Jazz routines. But, be ready for a lot of hip action.
  
  I am at an age (54) and weight where my knees do not tolerate a lot of abuse. I was still able to do almost all of the routines or I could easily modify what Jennifer was doing to be a little more knee friendly. (No frog stretches for me!)
  
  All in all, I highly recommend this DVD for people who want some exercise with a lot of variation and a high fun factor.
  
  
  
  

• My favorite of all of the Dance Off the Inches workouts!

  
  By A3F68N9OI8Y67 on 2007-12-24
  DOTI Hip Hop Party, led by Jennifer Galardi, is a party in a box! Very fun hip hop moves...time just flew by! The workout runs 41 minutes with warmup and cooldown.
  
  Unlike the previous DOTI's (which have pretty simple choreography), with this one you might want to actually view the step guide before jumping in...there are several moves that Jennifer says she covered in the step guide, she just starts the move in the workout with very little instruction and I was lost a couple of times!
  
  The music in this DOTI is Much Better than the music in the other ones...it very much matched the routine. Hip Hop Party is also more intense than any of the other DOTI's...and more fun as well!
  
  The only reason I didn't give this one 5 stars is that it's quite difficult to do on carpet. Lots of twisting movement that can torque your knees if you're doing this one on a carpeted surface. I had to modify LOTS to make this workout work on my living room carpet.
  
  Highly recommended to intermediates with dance experience AND a non-carpeted surface to work out on!
  
  

• Fun, but a little too dancy ;-l

  
  By A24ZFFRQ4MG3XL on 2007-11-30
  Jennifer Galardi sure can dance. I cannot (well, not like her) and so this can be a little frustrating because you want to get the moves down, but some are involved. Having said that, this is a fun workout and even if you don't do the moves exactly, you will still reap the benefits of having done a half hour or so of cardio.
  The Old-School style of dance is my favourite here. She takes some time to help you learn the moves, but you'll possibly need to watch this several times to get it right. I like the Throw Down moves and the Slithers. The 15 minute tutorial on how to do the hip hop style is helpful, but as long as you don't concentrate too hard on perfecting your moves, you'll have fun too and enjoy this as much as I do.
  
  

• Great Hip-Hop Aerobic DVD!

  
  By A18CYL7SHJ18TL on 2007-12-31
  I love this DVD! You can learn the more difficult steps ahead of time by using the instructional portion of the DVD. Then you learn 3 different styles of hip-hop for the aerobic part. The whole DVD is a lot of fun and you forget that you are exercising because you're just having a great time!!! This DVD is for beginners and intermediates. Advanced exercisers may need a little more.
  
  

• Lots of fun, can't wait to get the moves down!

  
  By A3IKFQC64SS4WO on 2008-01-11
  This is a great DVD. It's a lot of fun and one that you won't dread doing if you add it to your collection. However, I have been dancing for over 20+ years, all different styles, from ballroom to hip hop and I have found it difficult to get all the steps down my first time trying this workout. That doesn't mean it's not doable, but it WILL take you a few workouts to get the choreography, arm movements and flicks. In the meantime, you should listen to Jennifer and do what you feel rather than worrying about how you look.
  Having said that though this is still a great heart-pumping cardio and even if you don't get every move down, you will get a good workout since you are constantly moving. The step guide tutorial is helpful but doesn't allow too much practice (you practice a step 3-4 times before moving on) so repeated viewings help, but nothing is better than doing the steps in the workout itself.
  I love Jennifer Galardi's workouts, her choreography and personality. And am I the only one who thinks she looks just like Jennifer Aniston?? lol Her cuing and form are great as always and she has just the right amount of pep. And I love her process of starting off a move and then building on it so you can perfect the base move and then add arms and styling.
  This is a great DVD if you are looking for a little more of a challenge in your dance workouts (those of you who use the 10 Minute Solution DVDs know what I mean), the time goes by rather quickly and she does incorporate some great, fun and sexy dance moves. Go Jennifer!
  
  
• Real old school hip hop dancing for beginners
  By AQF3D0KX5SFCM on 2008-04-16
  Set in a large stage set to look like a living room w/Jennifer & 4 backup girls. The production/lighting/camera is very good, it shows the feet when need be & doesn't linger on faces. The music is better then most workout dvds.
  
  Menu
  Step Guide/Tutorial: 15 min
  Jennifer alone breaking down the moves
  Workout -- 42 min
  Warm-up: 5 min
  Basic Hip Hop: 11 min
  Sexy Smooth Hip Hop: 12 min
  World Hip Hop: 11 min
  Cool Down: 4 min
  
  Each chapter teaches diff styles of moves, but you will always repeat previous learned moves from that chapter & also previous chapters.
  I liked the moves, they weren't watered down or if they were it was only a little. Jennifer is relaxed here, she was never annoying in my opinion, she only mostly gives you cues to help move your body right which is what you need most, no fake encouraging or weird personal tidbits others might give. With the step guide, I had no problem following & though I didn't get it perfect, I never felt frustrated because I knew I'd get it within a couple tries for two reasons: The step guide was a great help & helps to keep the pace going so you don't get bored or lower your heart rate & because the actual speed of the moves is a little slower then it should be. The moves are done more like 3/4 speed & I felt like I was a little stuck on learning speed. It wasn't that annoying, but I swear I could tell even Jennifer wanted to go a faster rate. If she did, this would be perfect. As it is, this is great for beginners & a lot of fun.
  
  Previews: collagevideo com & totalfitnessdvds com (which the clip is also on youtube)
  
  
• A little difficult at first, but worth the time to learn the moves.
  By A2ICFM2YG3SQ4F on 2008-04-16
  The first time I tried this DVD, I didn't like it. I thought the moves were much too complicated and I would never get them down right. (It should be noted that I have absolutely no dance experience and don't generally do aerobics type DVDs either.) I didn't touch the DVD again until I was getting bored with my yoga DVD. I've since done it twice, and it's grown on me. Most of the moves can be learned after a few viewings.
  The Sexy Smooth Hip Hop portion is my least favorite. The steps aren't particularly hard to understand, but that section has a lot of hip rolls and body rolls. As someone who's not so good at pulling off hip rolls, it makes that section of the DVD frustrating for me. I can always skip that section, though.
  The Basic Hip Hop section was the easiest in my opinion, especially after going through the step guide. I also liked the World Hip Hop section, which I thought had the most interesting moves.
  
  CHAPTERS (Note: The chapter listing in the booklet is incorrect and leaves out the World Hip Hop chapter. This is the chapter listing from the DVD itself with my notes on the contents and length of each section.)
  1. Introduction - This is basically what you see in the video preview on this page - Jennifer's introduction of the DVD. (1.5 minutes)
  2. Warm Up - Marching in place, shoulder rolls, isolation stomach moves, hip rolls (4 minutes)
  3. Basic Hip Hop - Slides, punches, butterfly, throw down, pelvic thrusts (10.5 minutes)
  4. Sexy Smooth Hip Hop - catwalk, hip rolls, kickball changes, body rolls, drags (11.5 minutes)
  5. World Hip Hop - lunges, salsa twists, box step, chest pumps and pops, heel digs, shimmy shakes (11 minutes)
  6. Cool Down - breathing exercises, pliés, stretches (4.5 minutes)
  7. End Credits (1 minute)
  
  Also included: Step Guide (15.5 minutes, despite the fact that the box says it's only 10 minutes)
  
  PROS
  - The instructor seems to be genuinely enjoying herself.
  - The moves are pretty fun and interesting, so it's not boring.
  - It's actually a good workout.
  - You don't have to lie on the ground or own any weights, bands, or other supplies.
  - Most of the routines consist of one movement to which she then gradually adds more movements, so you have a little bit of time to get used to doing the movements and transitioning from one to another.
  - The movements match up well with the music, so if you get off it's easy to pick back up again.
  
  CONS
  - Some of the instructors comments are annoying: "Show me what you got!" "Smooth like honey!" "You guys are getting hot!" "Oxygen is free, guys!" "Like you're taking off your shirt!"
  - A couple of movements may be difficult for people with bad knees, particularly the butterfly. Overall, though, I think this workout should be doable for most people.
  - Like some of the other reviewers said, there are a couple of moves that are difficult on carpet, including the slides. For these, I just accept the fact that I will not be able to slide as smoothly as she does since I'm on carpet.
  - The step guide would have been better if it had gone a little slower and included more practice of the steps. The box boasts that the step guide is it's only ten minutes (which is wrong, it's 15.5 minutes long), but I think it would actually be better if it were longer because that would mean that she was taking the time to teach you the moves thoroughly. Think about it - she has to teach you 10 different moves. Even at 20 minutes, that would mean she was only spending 2 minutes on each move. She does a good job with the time she has, starting with the legs and then adding the arms, but for some of the moves she only puts it all together and does it at tempo once or twice, so I found myself skipping back a few times before I got them right. I would have preferred if she repeated the moves a few more times so that I would have time to mimic her and then make any adjustments necessary to get the moves down completely.
  
  
• Dance Club In Your Own Living Room!
  By A1BIG84EQR3U25 on 2008-03-06
  If you're looking for a fun, great cardio workout this is it. I just received my DVD today and finished the workout. I have a vast collection of workout DVDs and have never been compelled to write a review about any of them. But this by far, hands down is the best most fun workout I've done.
  
  About the video:
  
  First, it would be very beneficial to view the Step Guide. The steps aren't difficult, but it makes everything gel together better when you know what's coming up next for the routines.
  
  Second, Jennifer's cues are way better than a lot of the other aerobic videos out there. She has high energy and makes you want to dance. The best part is if you miss a step just dance, shake it, pop it, feel free to express yourself any way you want and step right back into the groove of the routine.
  
  Third, the music is great. I'm very picky about my music and this makes you want to dance. It's not that fast techno stuff, or the "typical dance aerobic" music with a sped up tempo to make it fast enough to "dance" to. The beat of the music just makes you want to POP it!
  
  Fourth, it's just plain fun! You're getting a great workout, legs are burning, abs are tight, heart rate is up there. It's not like the usual boring cookie cutter aerobic routines that still remind me of the 80's and 90's even though it's 2008 and videos produced within the past few years still have that 80's and 90's feel to it.
  
  Usually it takes me a while to warm up to a workout routine because I have to workout and working out is monotonous and boring but good for you. But this one quickly hooked me. It really felt like I was at the club back in the day with the girls, and when a good song came on we'd all scream "I love this song," run out to the dance floor shaking our booties and just having CRAZY, SEXY, SWEATY FUN!
  
  
• it's was okay
  By A2WPAOWHJMVNIL on 2008-04-23
  I got this in the hope that it would help me loose some inches and somehow help my bellydancing(not sure where I got that notion from). However, this DVD is very fast, I would suggest some background in hip hop before attempting this DVD. I even went to the section of the DVD with individual steps, she goes over them once and then speeds it up. It then proceeds to the next step. It's very hard to keep up with. I believe if you have some general background in hip hop however, you may find this DVD helpful and fun. But if your just testing out other dance forms or are a beginner to hip hop, I wouldn't recommend this.
  
  
• Finally!
  By A243VFLKOGKNZH on 2007-12-19
  Finally! I have finally found a workout that i wouldn't be embarrassed if my husband caught me doing it. The moves make you feel like your in a music video, and the music stays stuck in my head all day. I really loved the incorporated different parts of the world into the dancing the most. It had a very sexy and modern feel. I have many many dvd's which will soon be collecting dust for a while. Jennifer has become my fav instructor. She does such a thorough job leading you into the next steps verbally so you don't have to rely visually to keep up. This way you can really get into it! Since purchasing this dvd, i have ordered all of Jennifer's dvd's. I am a huge advocate of dvd workouts. My friends always take my word on dvd workouts, since i have lost 60 lbs in one year without going to the gym once. Thank you Jennifer for making such a fun workout!
  
  
• Best workout DVD I've ever owned!
  By A1FVHPHEIBDCP2 on 2008-02-28
  Love this DVD! I got it when I was just beginning my workout routine, and wanted something that was fun and made me forget I was exercising. This was exactly what I wanted! This is also the only dance exercise DVD that I've seen with a step guide, which was extremely helpful. I don't have much experience with dance, just a couple classes I took for fun while in college, but with practice the moves are fairly easy to learn. Jennifer Galardi cues the steps well, and has the perfect mix of spunk and encouragment without being overzealous. I have about 6 dance workout DVD's, and this one is by far the best.
  
  
• Perfect for a rainy day!
  By A1UBQ7CZL93NEV on 2008-01-19
  I have to say I totally love this workout. Jennifer is my all-time fave instructor because I understand the way she cues and the way she moves. Her smile doesn't look fake and she looks like she enjoys what she's doing. I have a lot of exercise dvd's in my collection and this is one I use when I have a day when everything just sucks. It makes me move and it makes me feel so much better about myself. I love the moves - they feel new and can be a little challening at first - and I want them to be. Once or twice a week it fits perfectly in my routine. Buy it if you like Jennifer's other dvd's (or any other Dance Off The Inches or Prevention-dvd's) - you'll love it.
  
  
• fun waist whittler
  By A25C610RW9X4R6 on 2008-02-13
  I enjoy this video. It never feels like a workout at the time because it's fun, but the day after doing it, I always feel more toned and can tell I did something. I really like being able to work my middle without having to lay on the floor. I have a good sense of rhythm, so I have no trouble with getting the steps. For those that struggle, there is a step guide at the beginning.
  
  
• Dance off the inches Hip Hop Part
  By A12J1IDI5YJ3MF on 2008-02-19
  This tape is fun. Very easy to follow. I have definately noticed after a few weeks not so much losing weight but I believe inches. My pants fit differently. Makes me more motivated to do this
  
  
• Fun Fun Fun
  By A1PQMV0AOWVMIT on 2008-03-21
  This is really really fun to do doesn't even feel like a work out although you can feel it later!! My only problem is with the slides, it was hard to do on the carpet!! Which isn't a big deal but this is so fun and i would totally recommend it to everyone i know i am trying to get rid of stubborn baby weight and this is alot more fun then any other way i've tried in the past!!
  
  
• Total blast of fitness
  By A21SIHR611C25I on 2008-04-17
  I'm 52 and had no idea I'd love Hip Hop style dance exercise so much. Jennifer Galardi is great and what I love most about this video is that there is a step break down guide for all of the steps used. I ran it through twice to learn the moves and that was my workout for the day - INTENSE! It was extremely helpful to go through the step training so when I actually ran the exercise session, I was able to follow with little difficulty the first time. With nerve damage from botched back surgeries, I have no feeling in my feet and a weak ankle. I'm able to execute all the moves on this video. I highly recommend this dvd for beginners and those with limited abilities as well as everyone else.
  
  
• Easy to learn, more for beginners--not very hard
  By A13GHHVCUKKJLS on 2008-05-12
  I got this dance video because I had a baby not too long ago and I wanted to tighten back up. I will admit, I got this one and two others ones, and this one is my favorite. However, it is not a cardiovascular workout. I like fast paced workouts, and this one definitely is not--I don't see how the person who left the feedback saying you must have hiphop dancing experience got that notion from...
  
  It is effective, I will say. I haven't noticed much of a change in my stomach, but my legs and arms are tightening up.
  
  I did not go through the step guide..I went straight to the routines. I will say, maybe one or two of the moves take a little more coordination, but after doing the video a second time, I got the hang of them. Now I have all 3 routines memorized, but I like the first and second one better than the third.
  
  I think I am going to use this routine every other day, and use a more cardiovascular, high-paced one on the other days.
  
  Jennifer is a very good teacher, however. I used to be a cheerleader, and it took me a while to catch on to the dance moves. However, Jennifer teaches in a way that is not too fast, and she makes it easy to learn.
  
  
  HOWEVER--I am only 20 years old, and I am not too badly out of shape, so this may be bad advise for for someone older and/or more out of shape.
  
  
• Great work out.
  By A1U14PWW19Y0AT on 2008-01-22
  This is a great workout. I enjoy it very much, it gets the blood pumping. I work out with this about 3 times a week and I love it!
  
  
• Excellent Exercise DVD from Jennifer Galardi!
  By A2MTEXZ1FQ0JOL on 2008-05-05
  After reading the many positive reviews of this DVD, I decided to purchase it. Although some of the moves are a little hard to do on carpet, it is a great workout! I got through just about all of it and look forward to using it continously as I become more fit. Being in my early 50s and overweight, it is pretty fast-paced, but I can do it! Jennifer is a great instructor and there is a section where she previews each move that you will be doing while exercising. It's upbeat and fun and I highly recommend it!
  
  
• Perfect workout!
  By AJ7AMPZDY1VLA on 2008-06-06
  This is the best workout I've gotten in a long time. It's fun, and the steps are easy to learn. All the steps are demonstrated so you can practice them before you start the dancing. The warm up is really fun, and the dance is not only fun, but it also uses all your muscle groups and will help you get into shape!
  
  
• Disappointed
  By A1098F00L1D0BE on 2008-06-30
  The hip-hop dance moves were very watered down, and the music was not hip-hop. Good workout, just not very fun, it you are looking for hip-hop.
  
  
• Love it!
  By AX2EI5I3THHKZ on 2008-07-02
  This workout is terrific for someone as spastic as me. At first, I had trouble picking up the moves, but it didn't take me long to get the routine together. Now I have to work on my style. I do wonder if these are hip hop moves, but it's so much fun I don't care.
  
  
• most enjoyable workout
  By ARDX2K1DVUC51 on 2008-07-07
  now i have a TON of workout videos and have rented a TON more but this one BY FAR knocked my socks off. it was SOOOOOO much fun, the most fun i have ever had while working out and i felt so good about myself, even when i was alone. i didnt watch the step guide but still picked up the faster moves. would have gotten more out of it if i knew what she was going to do but that is my fault for not doing the step guide first. i would have caught into her moves faster. HIGHLY recommend this workout, it was a blast and i had so much fun i got through the whole thing. recommended for beginners as you can stop early after the first few sections or even advanced as you can really put your whole body into it, its all up to how much you put yourself into it. good workout for all stages. i feel good and im looking better. GET THIS ONE!
  
  
• BEST OF JENNIFER GALARDI
  By A2IHUNLHZWMNPP on 2007-12-11
  I love this dance workout. I own many dance videos and this one is definitely going to be one of my favorites. Very fresh and innovative new moves. Lots of body swaying and hip shaking. It is very dancy, not aerobic style at all. I felt like a real dancer while still getting an excellent workout. This will take me a few times of doing the video before I will get all the moves down. But I love how it is consistent with Jennifer's other videos in that it is structured into different parts. I can choose to do one part or all three. Love this video and love Jennifer!
  
  
• FUN!!
  By A1CH0DTULH298H on 2008-02-08
  I really enjoyed this DVD. Like the other reviewers, it's a lot of fun and time flew by. The instructional chapter was great where you can learn to do the moves first before attempting the rest of the DVD. I've tried the other DOTI DVDs and this one is my favourite!
  
  
• an awesome fitness experience
  By A9TOT340DT04J on 2008-03-02
  Dance off the Inches Hip Hop Party with Jennifer Galardi was an awesome fitness experience. Once you get over the, "I can't do this stuff" and listen to Jennifer's cues, you start to move and groove. For those of you who detest exercise, give this a try. There are step instructions for those in need! Aside from having fun and getting a wonderful, upbeat workout, I found the continuous rhythmic moves were therapeutic for those with back, neck, shoulder issues. I highly recommend this workout and hope you will as well. ~ellen d. cushing
  
  
• Love it...
  By A15CLB0OADMQKA on 2008-08-24
  I'm not a huge fan of work out DVDs. I usually end up sitting on the couch as I watch incredibly thin people in downward facing dog pose, or bounce around enthusiastically while telling you to breathe. This DVD has actually captured my attention and kept it. I'm overseas, so when my package was brought to me at work, I popped it in the computer to get an idea. Jennifer is pleasantly upbeat without being annoying. You can tell she has dance training, her moves are precise and well-chosen. The step guide is wonderful, I can go through and get each move down pat before I start the workout. If you're looking for genuine hip/hop dance moves, you won't really find it here, but remember that this is an aerobic workout, not a dance routine. There is a little bit of African, Samba and jazz-like dance in one of the segements, and all of them are fun and upbeat. The music is good, too. For people who are already in shape, this might not prove strenuous, but it got me sweating.
  Overall, it's just a fun workout. A great change up on days I can't get to (or don't want to get to) the gym.
  
  
• I love Jennifer Galardi
  By A1ZVLS6U70WZ8J on 2008-09-10
  I first discovered Jennifer Galardi on FitTV; her workouts always featured dance moves like hip-hop or ballet...and then we canceled our cable to save money and no more DVR Jennifer!
  I'm so glad she has this DVD. This workout is fun, though maybe not a huge sweat-fest. I just always find Jennifer's delivery fun and working out with her puts a smile on my face. I've done video-led workouts for 20 years, and Jennifer is my favorite: 1)She has a perfectly inspiring body, yet doesn't seem to have an attitude or a pride problem 2) She teaches choreography very well without being too easy or condescending 3)She's excited and happy and encouraging, and yet somehow she's not annoying in any way at all! It's a RARE mix!
  
  
• Nice workout
  By A2D9PJZ90IO83U on 2008-09-15
  Jennifer Galardi is a great instructor, which is a top requirement in my favorite workout videos. It's a quick workout--or at least she makes it feel that way.
  
  
• Good workout
  By AX8U37Q8I5X78 on 2008-09-15
  I found this to be an excellent workout for me. It is fun and you can really feel your (sore) muscles the next day. I was not in great shape to begin with, but the moves are not too hard to follow. After a few times, you start to get the hang of it. Anytime you can workout and actually have fun doing it, proves to be a great motivator.
  
  

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