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Combinations are defined as a combination of dance steps that are usually isolated, defined, and organized so that dancers can learn and use them independently of each other. We taught you beginning ballet moves in "Ballet 101, A Beginnerโs Class" (ASIN: B0002XQKOK) and "Ballet 201, Beyond the Basics" (ASIN: B0002XQKOU). This is the 3rd addition to the series and picks up from where the first 2 DVDs leave off, giving students the opportunity to progress through levels and use what they have learned from the previous DVDs. After warming up and stretching, an instructor uses the ballet moves youโve learned in the first two videos and adds new moves so that she can choreograph and pace you through a variety of dance combinations found in ballet classes and performances throughout the world: Adagio, Waltz, Petite Allegro, Grand Allegro and Reverence. "Ballet 101 & 201, Combinations 1" (ASIN: B000ECX6KU) focuses on choreography, stage presence, and performance quality. New ballet steps and trickier footwork are introduced to make the combinations unique and promote development. Although ballet is a graceful workout that can improve carriage, increase flexibility and strengthen the body, this is not designed to be a workout tape, and please note that the instructor is facing (mirroring) you for the dance instruction. Combine the moves that youโve learned, and DANCE! ------------------ This is an easy-to-follow, hands-on series that is endorsed by private instructors. Ballet terms & definitions from this series can be printed off of the Russ InVision producerโs website. Recommended before this DVD: "Ballet 101, A Beginnerโs Class" (ASIN: B0002XQKOK) and/or "Ballet 201, Beyond the Basics" (ASIN: B0002XQKOU), depending upon your experience. Beginners should always start with Ballet 101, A Beginnerโs Class.โ Also available is the 4th DVD in the series: "Ballet 101 & 201, Combinations 2" (ASIN: B000ECX6L4) and the affordable four-DVD bundle. ------------ Itโs the perfect series if you... 1) donโt have the time or money to take a formal ballet class. 2) donโt have access to dance classes in your area. 3) know beginning ballet moves and want to DANCE. 4) need a practice guide without the pressure. 5) are looking for the perfect gift for an adult or an older child who is interested in Ballet. From the Actor If you are totally new to Ballet, then you wouldnโt begin here. You should begin with "Ballet 101, A Beginnerโs Class" ( ASIN: B0002XQKOK),โ which will introduce the barre exercises to you in a simple format that is reserved for beginners. The dance at the end of the DVD is choreographed, marked and then performed to a short classical music piece. Mature children should be supervised by an adult so as not to acquire any bad dance habits. Once you feel comfortable with "Ballet 101, A Beginnerโs Class,โ you can move on to "Ballet 201, Beyond the Basics" ( ASIN: B0002XQKOU), which will give you a quick review of the barre exercises that you have already learned (without the verbal instruction) and add on from there. Both DVDs have stretching and warm-up, so you shouldn't have to go back and forth between the two classes. This "Ballet 101 & 201, Combinations" series would be your next step up. These DVDs focus mostly on choreography and actual DANCING, using what you have learned in the first 2 beginning DVDs. "Ballet 101 & 201, Combinations 1" should be used first, and then " Ballet 101 & 201, Combinations 2" ( ASIN: B000ECX6L4). One DVD builds upon the other, but both DVDs are designed for the novice. Some new moves and dances are introduced, and the dances are challenging, without being boring or too complicated. They are presented in the same manner as the finales on the beginning 2 DVDs in the series, using classical music pieces, mirroring (facing) the instructor. We have tried to avoid moves that would require more one-on-one instruction to properly complete. Even knowing the moves in the series, it would take a beginner some repetition and concentration to complete all of the dances that are taught. You may have to pause and rewind on occasion to keep up. We provide slow motion for you on the trickier steps, but it's recommended that you only try to tackle one dance at time and then progress on to the next. As a reminder, you will need some dancing space in your living room. Good luck, and enjoy. Review: If you want to DANCE - "Combinations 1" is not a beginner's video. It's built on the "Ballet 101" and "Ballet 201" videos, and it's absolutely necessary to go through these videos first, or to have at least a couple of years of ballet experience. It starts with 15 minutes fast paced barrework, where the instructor uses the support of a chair instead of a barre, like most of us have to do at home. After some stretching, it's then time for the dancing. First there is an adagio (a slow dance), then a waltz (a dance in ยพ count), followed by a petit allegro (a small jumping combination), and then the grand allegro (the main dance, with big steps and lots of jumping). As a cool down, there's the reverence, where the dancer thanks the instructor for the class. All the dances are clearly demonstrated, and by moving the furniture slightly, I actually got enough place to do this program in my living room. What makes this video funnier and more engaging than my other ballet videos, is that this is actually dancing, and not just exercises like most videos. Review: Great combinations, confusing directionals - These dances are beautiful and great for putting basic ballet moves to practice, and the teacher does a good job of explaining them. But it's confusing to figure out which direction you're supposed to be moving when you are facing the teacher. I felt like I had to teach myself to move in the opposite direction she did, which made learning the dances more confusing. I kept having to turn my back to the TV to make sure I was using the correct arm or leg or facing the correct corner of the dance floor. That said, I'm not sure how they could do it differently without having the teacher's back to the audience - perhaps there could be a mirror in the studio so viewers can see her from both directions. ??
| Customer Reviews | 3.3 out of 5 stars 27 Reviews |
S**N
If you want to DANCE
"Combinations 1" is not a beginner's video. It's built on the "Ballet 101" and "Ballet 201" videos, and it's absolutely necessary to go through these videos first, or to have at least a couple of years of ballet experience. It starts with 15 minutes fast paced barrework, where the instructor uses the support of a chair instead of a barre, like most of us have to do at home. After some stretching, it's then time for the dancing. First there is an adagio (a slow dance), then a waltz (a dance in ยพ count), followed by a petit allegro (a small jumping combination), and then the grand allegro (the main dance, with big steps and lots of jumping). As a cool down, there's the reverence, where the dancer thanks the instructor for the class. All the dances are clearly demonstrated, and by moving the furniture slightly, I actually got enough place to do this program in my living room. What makes this video funnier and more engaging than my other ballet videos, is that this is actually dancing, and not just exercises like most videos.
I**E
Great combinations, confusing directionals
These dances are beautiful and great for putting basic ballet moves to practice, and the teacher does a good job of explaining them. But it's confusing to figure out which direction you're supposed to be moving when you are facing the teacher. I felt like I had to teach myself to move in the opposite direction she did, which made learning the dances more confusing. I kept having to turn my back to the TV to make sure I was using the correct arm or leg or facing the correct corner of the dance floor. That said, I'm not sure how they could do it differently without having the teacher's back to the audience - perhaps there could be a mirror in the studio so viewers can see her from both directions. ??
P**5
Not Worth The Price
Some fun combinations, but difficult to watch as the instructor has some annoying habits, which she should have been trained out of early on. Most notably the hyperextension of her legs, and the incorrect positioning of her arms in high fifth. The hands should have been almost finger tip touching, not 18 inches apart over her shoulders. Also, her finger placement direction is incorrect. The ring finger is not raised with the pinky, it should be tucked next to the middle finger.
S**E
not a beginning class
this is for those who already know what they are doing. No emphasis on proper position - this is not a class atmosphere. I was looking for a class instruction to supplement my daughters once a week class.
V**S
Five Stars
I love it. Exactly what I was looking good for.
K**N
A REVIEW OF REVIEWS
"It's better to keep your mouth shut and be thought a fool, than to open it and remove all doubt." -Mark Twain I haven't purchased this product, but was looking at it for my child. Naturally, I read the reviews to see what other purchasers thought of it. I am frankly appalled at the ridiculous comments. Several people bought the dvd, evidently without bothering to read the product page, and then gave the dvd a lower rating based on their own, shall I say, ineptitude. It is NOT the fault of the dvd, nor the creator of the dvd, that you cannot read. Please rate the contents of the PRODUCT ITSELF, which is the purpose of the rating system. ARRRGGG!!! And, in case you're wondering how I can give this item a 5 when I haven't seen it, I figured it balanced out some of the silly 2's and 3's that other people gave it, and is just as fair!
Z**Y
Y
I rated the product a three because I should have purchased 101 instead of the combo 101 and 102 (trying to be cheap, lol). We needed beginner lessons only.
S**S
This is not a combination of the ballet 101 and 201 DVDs!
Really needs to clarify more clearly that this is NOT a combination of the Ballet 101 Beginner's Class and Ballet 201 Beyond the Basics DVDs, very strange system for naming these!
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