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Dance With the Stars in This DVD Series & Giveaway

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 stars dvdDancing 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!

DTWS-DVDDancing 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

FTC disclosure: We often receive products from companies to review. All thoughts and opinions are always entirely our own. Unless otherwise stated, we have received no compensation for our review and the content is purely editorial. Affiliate links may be included. If you purchase something through one of those links we may receive a small commission. Thanks for your support!