exercise DVD

Body: 

I have been trying to use the DVD but without any prior knowledge of ballet techniques and/or dance I find it very slow moving on my part. I feel like a need for a separate DVD for us beginners who are very uncoordinated and very weak. I did go to the end of the DVD where the movements are explained but again I need to see and practice a move numerous times- the DVD goes on to the next move before I am ready. I feel like I need to master the different ballet movements and do numerous repetitions to develop the strength in the muscles I need and then proceed to the movements in the DVD. There are some exercises in the book with a CD but I prefer seeing it on a DVD. Should I sign up for a beginning ballet class or try to find a beginning DVD for ballet so I can master the positions? I am going to look at the book again but I have trouble reading about something and then trying to do it. I am doing the DVD but numerous times I find myself stopping because I can not keep up or wishing to do a certain movment numerous times because I feel like I need to build those muscles. Any suggestions? Thanks.

Hi,
I hear ya. The DVD excercises are too fast for me too. I can't find the time to stop and think and it moves on. Somehow need to slow things down. I got very discouraged so have not done them for a few days. I will go back to it and try agan.

Hi, I am thinking that the bar exercises in the book are what you need.
It gives all the feet positions and such.

When things are tricky or i don't know them yet, i do them with the remote in my hand for the first few times. then i can stop, rewind, start over all i need. i can pause it, and work it out, then try again. it means that i had to build up to a workout that didn't stop, but that's okay. i get there. i also use that if there is a stretch i want to hold...just go at your pace, and before you know it you'll get it!

I know it's hard :(

I had to reach a broad spectrum of women with something fun and challenging for all. The beginning program is something most everyone can do - even if it takes a while to memorize the moves/music.

I love the WW Workout - which is a basic barre program that does structure the body in a very systematic way. We will be working on that, among other things, in the Village Whole Woman Center. We cannot film in the actual WW Center, because it's a huge project to light, so are having a wooden floor built in our smaller Bridgeworks studio. We'll be ready to go in just a few weeks.

An actual ballet class would be great - if based in WW posture.

Christine

Hi all!

When I first began doing the exercises, I too found it a bit of a challenge.
With time, and care, I now feel good for doing the exercises, in fact it is an important part of my daily life.

Helpful for me was, to check out the 'Bonus: Dictionary of Movements', found at the end of the DVD. Watch carefully and then try to repeat until you have it. It may not happen the first time, but eventually it will happen.

Thank you Christine, for creating these wonderful exercises, and thank you Nikelle, for your beautiful music.

...and thank you, dear Oceanblue, for being here with us!

MaryEve,

I have no prior knowledge of ballet either. It's all new to me. When I first started out, it was really baffling and it took me a while to understand exactly what was going on. When I felt like I needed to do a certain exercise or stretch again, I'd just back it up and replay it. There are a couple of places where I can't do an exercise as long as they do it on the DVD, so I use that extra minute or so to stretch, and then start in again when I feel like I can.

Also, I can't do more than just the beginning and the cool down. Sometimes I do some firebreathing in there too though. I'm still in too much pain to do more than that. I'm just taking it as I can, and it's two steps forward and one step back.

for being there for me!

... and so many others too.

I too have difficulty keeping up with the steps. So I am trying to break it down into small achieveable steps. Sighhh!