I consider myself a fairly new dancer. I've been taking lessons in a variety of dances and I realize there are many more steps to learn than are taught in the classes. I have purchased a couple of videos and I want to know what people think of videos as a learning tool. Also, by checking the internet there are plenty of different videos by different instructors. Any suggestions as to what's good and what's not worth the money.

I've found that if I know the basics of a dance really well, then I might be able to watch a video to learn a couple moves. However, I don't think they work well in general. I've been taking private and group instruction for almost a year, and the videos only seem to be an aid to learning and not a substitute for good personal instruction.

The video clips in the learning section of this site are great for the basics. I wish they had clips for all the moves listed, though.

Just my two cents...

Videos are great for learning steps and patterns. They can't do much to teach you technique or the spirit of the given dance and why (for example) a rhumba is not a foxtrot even if their time signature is the same. Technique needs lessons. IMHO.

I've been happy with all of the Dance Vision videos I've gotten. I agree with the others...the videos are good supplements but not substitutes for classes and lessons!

I definately agree that dance lessons are better than the tapes. I take group lessons and there are only so many step patterns that the teacher can teach before he goes on to the next dance. Also, my dance partner has over 12 years experience and I have under 3 yrs. When we go dancing (which could be once or twice a week), I don't want her to be bored and I am getting bored dancing the same steps over and over again. Now that the summer is over and we'll have more free time, we can watch the tapes and practive what's on the tapes. Then I will know how good they are.
I bought several tapes from Dance Vision. I was impressed by the fact that the teachers are dance champions. I was also impressed by the the fact that the tapes steps that were beyond basic. Which Dance Vision tapes do you have and which do you highly recommend?

My studio uses DVIDA's syllabus, so we refer to Ron Montez for rhythm and the Marantos for smooth. I've also gotten Corky & Shirley's cha cha and samba routines which I liked, and their technique taped which I also liked. I've used Victor's old Standard tapes (before they were re-recorded with Heather), all of which were valuable.

I like these tapes because they give the foot placements, timing, and footwork, then give some good technique and partnering tips. You still have to know how to lead to use them, but they're about as comprehensive as I think you can expect in a video!

Hello Twnkltoz !

Wish to order ballroom, swing, Latino-Americano dance DVDs &/or videos. Please tell me where can order: Ron Montez (rhythm); Marantos (smooth); Corky & Shirley's (cha cha & samba); Victor's old Standard tapes.

What is DVIDA's syllabus ?

Thank you !

Lakin
Napoli, Italia
vesuvioexpress@hotmail.com

I ordered several DanceVision videos. Their website is www.dancevision.com. I got several basic tapes from the Marantos and the Ron Montez. I think the tapes with the Marantos are excellent. I found the Foxtrot tape real easy to follow. I also like the fact that Jenell not only shows the steps but also gives pointers to the ladies. I also bought (because they were running a sale) Chris Morris' Peabody and Bossa Nova tapes. And I got the Cody Merlin beginning Country Two Step tape. It also looks fairly easy to follow. I would definately agree that have some lessons prior to purchasing any tapes. I bought them to add to the patterns I already know.

Hi Lakin,

Didn't know that Italians also do swing, American style Rhythm and Smooth ??

twnkltoz wrote:

"....I've used Victor's old Standard tapes (before they were re-recorded with Heather), all of which were valuable......"

Hi twnkltoz,

I like the new ones better.(Victor and Heather)