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207 of 207 found the following review helpful:
Actually teaches you Brazilian dance while you work outSep 09, 2004
By Joanna Daneman
I have wanted to learn that tricky Samba step ever since I went to visit cousins in Brazil years ago. I came away with a love of Brazilian music and dance, but I never was able to pick up that samba step--I'm not much of a dancer. Here is a workout tape with something to aim for; not only fitness, but learning those appealing dance routines from Carnival.
The tape begins with a longish warm up; a good idea as Brazilian dance, based on African style moves, requires you use EVERY part of your body. So you, like me, may not have moved some of those parts for quite a while. You shake your arms, roll your head, contract and roll the back and do hip swivels, and plenty of shoulder moves, too. The warm up is possibly a sufficient workout for someone very unfit or elderly, in fact.
The first dance sequence is done at half-tempo--but, here's my problem. The first step is not explained (a cross and back) but the easier back undulation at the end IS given instruction. Sure, some people have trouble undulating their spine, but the footwork also needed a bit of elucidation. Still, you can replay that part of the DVD til you get it--but it's a bit of a nuisance not to have a different camera angle or a talk-through. So plan on stopping and starting the DVD as you learn these steps before you can get a non-stop Samba workout.
This workout is particularly excellent for back flexibility. And on that note, if you do hAVE back problems, you might have difficulties with the upper body parts of this workout so consider your own limitations.
The filming is a bit dull--outdoors in a field with palm trees on a portable parquet dance floor. The usual "one from every kind" dance troupe of elderly, young, thin, plump, dark, light is included to make the viewer feel included. But the camera stays at a boring same distance. I wanted some more close ups and perhaps some alternate camera angles as well.
The music is drums and bells, typical samba rhythm, and very pleasant.
Summary: if you want a fun, dance workout, plan on spending some time learning the moves and then enjoy a very thorough, body-moving dance session.
109 of 109 found the following review helpful:
 Highly recommendedAug 23, 2004
By C. A. Gordon
An upbeat, fun, easy-to-follow workout. I ordered this workout instead of the hundreds of others simply because I wanted more of a dance related style, and while this doesn't teach you how to actually dance Brazilian dances, it gives you a great work out, which is what it's supposed to do. Very fun, very energizing. You will sweat and you will feel it, but you'll also have an easier time getting yourself up off the couch to do a second workout. :) One of the best things is that it's relatively low impact. There is some hopping at the end, but it's not extended. Definitely a plus for someone with bad knees and ankles like me. Highly recommended!
62 of 64 found the following review helpful:
 Buyer Beware--this is Fast, Fast, Fast!Jan 25, 2005
By Stephanie Rose Bird
"conjurer2"
This is the sort of "break-your-neck-trying" at-home workout to be avoided by the beginner or those not in tiptop shape. "Buyer Beware" because you could seriously hurt your knees or stress your heart trying to keep up with this challenging DVD. This isn't coming from a couch slouch either. I attend regular dance classes and was once a dancer. I wish the workout came in different versions, for beginner, intermediate or advanced. As a dancer I'd say this one is intermediate/advanced. The plus side is that the teacher is engaging and dedicated to her dance form; she just needs to work harder on the teaching part. The live drumming is great! The solos are wonderful--a definite plus, to see so many different styles. I like the fact that there are dancers of various ages, sizes, male and female. I wish those dancers in the workout DVD who are heavier or older were directed to show modifications of the steps so the workout could be useful to various fitness levels, shapes and sizes.
27 of 27 found the following review helpful:
Good Energy, Great WorkoutMar 04, 2003
By Prachel K. Carter
I first bought this video after buying The Method's Afro-Brazilian Workout. I am a person that does not enjoy traditional workouts. I need something that is fun and keeps me going. The instructor has great energy and it shows as she goes through the various moves. The music is great and it keeps you going. It doesn't feel like you're actually working out. I have more fun doing this tape than any other workout that I've done in the past. If you haven't danced before, it may be a bit challenging to keep up with the moves, but it's definately fun trying. The only reason that I gave it four stars is that there is always room for improvement. At the beginning, there is a long stretch/warmup section. But, at the end, the cool down/stretch session is not as long. I would have liked to see that expanded. The camera angles are good, but it would have been nice to see the faces of the other dancers, as they weren't as clear. Also, I'd like to see everyone do a short solo routine at the end of the video, especially Vanessa. I would have liked for them to spend more time explaining the moves, as at times I felt they went too fast. Overall, a fun workout.
29 of 30 found the following review helpful:
Fun and Inspiring WorkoutOct 22, 2003
By Amigo Carlos
I hadn't realized it before, but apparently this lady has put out two different workout tapes and I got lucky and got the better one. This Afro-Brazilian workout has great music with a live band, not just background sound tracks, very intelligent instruction, choreography that is not too difficult for beginners nor too boring for the somewhat more experienced, appealing dancers, and the great Brazilian rhythms and moves which leave you soaked with sweat after an hour. This is just like the great Afro-Brazilian dance classes I used to take in L.A. when I lived there. I've been looking for a video like this for a long time and now I've found it. I hope Vanessa produces some more.
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based on 70 reviews
