Dance With the Stars in This DVD Series & Giveaway
December 16, 2010 by Jenn
Yesterday we got the inside scoop from workout DVD choreographer and producer Cal Pozo on what goes on behind the scenes during the making of some of our favorite fitness videos. And today we’re reviewing two of his new DVDs from the Dancing with the Stars workout DVD series!
Dancing With the Stars: Ballroom Buns & Abs
I’ve never been known for my dancing moves. Okay, maybe that’s not entirely true as I’m always game to bust a move, but I’ve never been known for my good dance moves. So it’s probably no surprise that reviewing any dance DVD that goes beyond the basic side-tap or box-step puts me well out of my dancing-comfort zone. And this DVD sure did that and then some.
Some of it may have to do with the fact that the instructors have ridiculous beautiful dancer bodies and somewhat ridiculous dancer outfits while I clumsily tried to follow along, attempting to look sexy in shorts with tennis shoes. Some of it may be attributed to two of the instructors’ exotic faraway accents and teased hair. (I have been called many things, but exotic isn’t one of them with my pale, pale skin.) However, as green with envy as I may have been while doing the DVD, it couldn’t stop me from liking Dancing with the Stars: Ballroom Buns & Abs.
The dance DVD is divided up into three 15-minute segments taught by DWTS dancers, followed by a 5-minute cool down. In the first section, Rock’N Abs, Edyta runs you through a variety of dance moves that target your core through twisting and swiveling. In the second, Chelsie teaches you the Paso Doble which includes a lot of deep lunges and lower-body centered moves. Kym leads the third section, the Argentine Tango, which is the sexiest of all and involves a love affair between you and a chair (for reals). The Paso Doble section was my favorite and was the most suited to beginners for sure. And while the others are good, they would definitely take a non-dancer a few times through to learn—and me perhaps a lifetime. Overall though, if you know what you’re doing dance-wise, this DVD will get your heart rate up!
FBG Rating (Out of 5):
Instruction: ★★★★
Long-Term Likeability: ★★★★
Music: ★★★★
Fun Factor: ★★★★
Meets Expectations: ★★★★
Overall: ★★★★
Fit Bottom line: If you have previous dance experience and love to dance for a workout, this is one to add to your dance DVD collection!
Dancing With the Stars: Fat-Burning Cardio Dance
This DVD is set up just like the first ones—three 15-minute segments and a 5-minute cool down taught by Chelsie, Edyta and Kym. And my inability to dance? Still present!
The first section, Mambo Mix, is taught by Edyta and with tons of fast and slow hip swiveling (which she is Shakira-like good at and isn’t afraid to show off—even the other dancers can’t fully keep up with her hip-shaking power) is the hardest of the three. The cuing is also probably the least strong in this section as it’s pretty hard to follow along. The second segment, Hollywood Jazz with Kym, was way more my style with Broadway-style jazz moves (read: cheese!). It still wasn’t easy for a beginner, but I didn’t feel nearly as uncoordinated—and it really was fun. Then there’s Hustle & Pop with Chelsie that combines disco with hip-hop. While I loved the moves in this section, the breakdown of them was non-existent, making this fun section one of the hardest to “get” on the first go.
So overall, while the instruction is better in the DWTS Ballroom DVD, the moves are more fun in this one, although it may take you three times through to really be able to master the moves! I probably give this one the slight edge for my personal-dance DVD taste, even though it’s getting a slightly lower FBG workout DVD rating…
FBG Rating (Out of 5):
Instruction: ★★
Long-Term Likeability: ★★★★
Music: ★★★★
Fun Factor: ★★★★
Meets Expectations: ★★★★
Overall: ★★★1/2
Fit Bottom line: If you like cheesy dance moves and don’t easily get frustrated when it takes a few times to nail choreography, you should pick this one up!
Want to try one of these two workout DVDs? Leave a comment telling us why, and we’ll select one lucky random U.S. reader to win in about a week via email. —Jenn
Oooh I’d love to try one of these because they look like a fun way to really spice up my workouts, which lately have consisted of boring runs on the treadmill. I need something new to get me out of my workout rut!
Those look really fun, and I would love to try them!
Me! Me! Me! Pick me! I love dancing with the stars and have one video so far..but these look terrific… Love to dance…just dont do it enough!
I would love to try one of these DVDs! I’m a fan of the show and I need variety in my exercise DVD collection since I don’t have a gym membership and primarily work out at home. I’m almost 9 weeks post-partum and I need to start getting rid of my jelly-belly
Love your gals’ reviews! I often look to your reviews before buying DVDs.
Ooh I’d love to try these workouts! Something different to add into the mix!
I’d love to try one of these because they look like nothing I have on my DVD shelves! Thanks
I would love to try these DVDs because I love to dance, but haven’t really tried it as a real workout. These seem like they would be good alternatives to expensive studio or gym classes (more private, too)!
I’m not a good dancer, but I heard that dance burns massive calories and shape the legs like no other. I really want to try these out.
I’d love to try one of these. I am not a dancer, but love to dance for a workout! And I love Dancing with the Stars!
GOTTA DANCE, GOTTA DANCE!
wow – these sound fabulous – would love to add something new to my routine!!
These sound fun! I love dancing buy am too spazzy to dance with other people in the near vicinity, lol!
I want to win !!! I have two left feet, so to be able to learn something like this would be a fun challenge for me.
I’m getting more into dance these days (even belly dancing!) I don’t have any Dancing with the Stars DVDs yet, but I did try and enjoy an older DVD by Lisa Rinna. The Cardio Dance (need the fat-burning!) sounds great also! Happy dancing!
These sound like fun and it’d be so much better to do it at home since I’m not super coordinated. Thanks!
I have tried to get into dancing and the more I do it, more I love it and realize what a great workout it is. Esp since I can’t run anymore. I would love to try these. I don’t have any of the DWTS dvds yet and these sounds like two fun ones to start out with!
I am a huge fan of DWTS and I used to dance when I was younger, so dance videos combine my favorite hobbies and memories into one fun time. I don’t have a gym membership and it’s too cold to run outside, so I would really appreciate a video so I can continue to stay fit during the winter. Thank you!
I used to do ballet (18 years!) but haven’t danced in a few now – I’d love to try something like this, where it’s a real dance workout that’s challenging enough for dancers!
I have been watching DWTS since the beginning, and have always loved dancing. These DVD’s would really help me reach my goals in a fun way! LOVE the FBG reviews–thanks, ladies!!
Looks like Fun, even if I do have 2 left feet. Lol at the “exotic” comment. Beyond pale here too!
I love to dance, even though I haven’t done it with any structure since I was a kid. And I definitely need the exercise! So if these can make it fun, I surely want to give them a try!!!
I need to try these!! I’m a mom of two preteens and work full time outside of the home. I dont have the time or money to join a gym. I have tried a million other dvd’s damn I even thought about a Jane Fonda dvd .. help I need my body back
I love ballroom dancing. I’d like to try on of these videos to see if it will help me in my journey to shed about 25 more lbs. I’m already down about 30.
i want to try them because I want to keep in shape!
I’d love to try a new fun way to exercise.
lkish77123 at gmail dot com
I’d love to win either of these; they look fun!
I love Dancing with the Stars and new workout DVDs.
I would love to dance into the new year! I have a 67 lb weight loss from 2010 to maintain!!!
Looks like a fun way to sneak in some excercise.
I have NO rhythm or dancing skills so this might be the funniest workout for me to try.
I just have to say, I loved these reviews! I am not a dancer in the least but I would love to learn and work on my Buns and Abs at the same time! Thanks for the giveaway!
I have been doing Zumba and love it! Ready to spice it up! I have 17 more pounds to lose to get to my prepregnancy weight! This will really help!!
I would love to have some new workout DVD’s with which to start off my new year!!
These look great, super fun! When you’re dancing its easy to just have a blast and forget your actually working out!