The Video Dictionary of Classical Ballet

I am a big fan of ABT and when I first purchased this, I did not realize it was an ABT production made in collaboration with the Metropolitan Opera Guild. So, whilst reading the opening credits I became very excited! This dvd did not disappoint me at all. I don't care a wink that it is a 1990's production! This video is a veritable treasure trove of ballet moves-every move executed to exquisite perfection. My ten year old is a beginner in ballet but she is naturally gifted and has progressed a great deal in the past few months since starting with a new ballet studio and because of this dvd set. I love how exhaustive it is. It has helped me to better understand what my daughter's ballet instructor is trying to achieve while she is training my child. I have learned quite a bit of technical instruction from this purchase as well-and I am thirty-seven years old! My daughter uses this almost every day and has greatly improved in her technique. Wonderful production, as always, ABT never ceases to disappoint.

I'm 35 and made the decision a few months ago to start doing ballet again- Yes- as many others have said, it is a little dated however ballet does not change - it's the PERFECT, comprehensive collection for those that want to learn or reacquaint themselves w proper ballet posture and movement. You'll def need a barre - not hard to make on your own! I really loved how concise the DVDs were and even just practicing along w the DVD I def felt a workout afterward. I wouldn't recommend for beginners - yes, some is proper for beginning ballet but most of the movement is done en pointe. I paid quite a bit for this since it's out of print - totally worth every penny!! Xx

This is the second time I've bought this DVD; the first one I gave to my daughter when she began teaching ballet. This set of two DVD's contains 4 1/2 hours of ballet steps and combinations performed by major company dancers at their prime. Much of the dance work is performed by Kevin McKenzie, the former Artistic Director of American Ballet Theater, whose technical skill is truly remarkable. The contents of this video dictionary would be useful for both new and accomplished dancers as it sets an accurate and high standard for this performance art.

This is great for going into detail on body positioning. It includes more obscure steps and movements than you will find covered in other dvd sources.

The quality of this CD is not very good. We were hoping for a more professional camera, but it "works" nonetheless. The CD "walks" students through a variety of different ballet moves starting from very simple tondus to more complex moves. I would like the CD to have more "correction" examples to show common mistakes dancers make and proper foot placement,etc. It doesn't really do that, but it's a good overview for students wanting to learn the names of the moves and generally what they are.

Great video! I enjoy it! Arrived just in time. Thank you.

I've decided to tear apart ballet, and so I bought a bunch of CD's and DVD's on it, this one is a must, because it breaks down all the various positions in English and French. If you want to teach yourself ballet or want to augment your classes. This is a must, and you'll have a better grasp on what the teacher is talking about, and they'll be impressed.

This is a great tool for anyone who is serious about ballet. Steps and the names of the steps are explained very well. If getting for a child, better for the older child/teenager who is wanting to know the french names for all the ballet steps.

I started viewing the DVD, and my first impressions were that the images suffered from the time.My second negative feeling is that the dancers look bored. They are not smiling at all.They should make people feel they are happy to present this video and the contrary just appears!Also my feeling is (and this is a very personnal opinion) that some dancers are missing grace.Maybe this is due to old the image quality...The content is valuable, very complete and well executedMy opinion is that the DVD should be refilmed in a more actual version with fresh and clear coloured images aaaaaaand smiling dancers!I have put a 4 stars because I am adult beginner in Ballet dance class and that this video dictionnary permits me to view all steps clearly and to know what they are/how they look like.I recommend it.

Excellent Ballet DVD. Good for learning and study the Ballet moves. Over 4 hours worth of material. I use this DVD to practise at home and go to Ballet class to implement the corrections. It is a bit dated but old school is the best in my humble opinion as they paved the way for the next generation of ballet dancers. Overall, I simply love it!!

As might be surmised from the NTSC format, this is a dictionary of American Classical Ballet; the UK terminology is not always the same so may be a little confusing; also this was produced in 1988, dance styles and terminology do not stand still so, again, the terminology may confuse.The narrated instructions are generally very good, however, the demonstrators' technique is not so secure - "arms through first to second, this should be just below shoulder height"; demonstrator - arms straight to second, arms just above shoulder height, not just on one exercise but on all of them.However, there is a lot here and anyone looking for non-syllabus moves will find a wide choice to broaden their repertoire with American moves in the 1988 American style - as said, interesting but not essential.

I would highly recommend this DVD - not just for advanced dancers - but its also suitable for beginners. What with 4 DVD's detailing the main foundations/ positions of ballet, it also has a good voice over. An excellent source for any ballet lover.

It is very difficult to learn and revise ballet positions and steps from a book. I have tried unsuccessfully! This DVD is ideal as the dancers clearly demonstrate all the ballet positions including variations eg Cecchetti. The accompanying guide makes it easy to find what you are looking for and all of the steps are explained. I would recommend this DVD, however, perhaps not for complete beginners.