There are people who really can dance (Gene Kelly), people who you'd think couldn't dance but can (Warren Sapp) and people who think they can dance who can't (Seinfeld's Elaine).

Then there are those of us who wish we could dance.

And so we can - at least in the privacy of our own homes.

There are enough dance DVDs out there to build a replica of Studio 54, and some of them are worth giving a whirl. Before you do, though, think about where you are as a dancer and what you want from a dance video.

Are you looking for something that's basically dance-y exercise designed to give you a heart-pounding cardio workout without worrying about technique? Or do you want to come away with some moves you can bust in public?

And be honest, now: When it comes to dancing, do you have two left feet and need every step broken down in slow motion? Or can you out-Thriller Michael Jackson?

There are DVDs for every goal, every level and every kind of dance you could ever want to give a go. I've found some goodies for you - check them out at the library, or find them online at collagevideo.com.

Strap on those dancin' shoes and boogie down, Baby!

****************

Rating scale

* Four high kicks: Head and feet above the rest

* Three high kicks: Put on your dancing shoes

* Two kicks: Maybe try it, but don't buy it

* One kick: Can't-can't

****************

Dancing with the Stars Latin Cardio Dance: 1 kick

* Description: We know you can dance - so you think you can teach? Cheryl may be a heckuva hoofer, but she's not much of an instructor. At one point, she walks over to one of the dancers behind her and says, "See her, moving her legs, straightening and bending her legs?" Yes, I see - and that's supposed to help me how, exactly? Beginners are going to get lost about 2 minutes into each 10-minute segment.

* Bottom line: Too hard for beginners, too easy for advanced, too boring for intermediate. Don't try this at home.

****************

Hemalayaa Bollywood Booty: 3 kicks

* Description: Bollywood movies always feature at least two if not more mass dance scenes - the main characters start singing, and suddenly everybody in the street is shakin' it. Good fun - and so are these four 10-minute workouts filmed in what looks like a poor man's harem. One beef: The instruction is a voice-over, rather than a description by the teacher as she does it, which means the cueing can be a smidge off.

* Bottom line: Any video that includes "butt monster moves" is worth trying.

****************

SELF Dance Your Way Slim!: 3 kicks

* Description: More dance-ish moves than real dancing, this is one of those generic cardio dance DVDs that intermediate non-dancers will feel comfy with. Instructor Kimberly Spreen is an awesome teacher, but not much of a dancer herself. No problem - this will get your heart pumping, even if these aren't moves you'd bust on a dance floor.

* Bottom line: If you're more about exercising than actually dancing, go for it.

****************

Crunch Cardio Go-Go Dance: 3.5 kicks

* Description: Break out the mini and the white boots - time to jump into the dance cage and go ga-ga over go-go. Fun and easy, a good workout and a trip down memory lane all in 44 minutes. Instructor Gypsy Clark wasn't even a gleam in somebody's eye in 1965, but she's got the energy and the moves down pat.

* Bottom line: Groovy!

****************

Gaiam Yoga Dance Fusion: 2.5 kicks

* Description: A gorgeous outdoor setting and Patricia Moreno's outstanding instruction make this DVD a winner in the stretch 'n' flex category, but it has very little to do with actual dance. Basic yoga poses meet trace elements of ballet and modern dance for an easy-to-follow, muscle-stretching, joint-loosening workout.

* Bottom line: For those who want a dab of dance in their yoga.

****************

The Hollywood Trainer Cardio Dance Workout: 4 kicks

* Description: You know this DVD's going to be different from the moment you meet Jeanette Jenkins' dance crew - everybody from 9-year-old Little Richard the Hip Hop Prince to a 63-year-old grandmother from St. Louis. Jeanette combines awesome instruction with attitude and huge fun. This is one you'll want to do over and over until you get it down.

* Bottom line: Everything a dance DVD should be, and more.

****************

Dance Off the Inches Tummy Tone Party Zone: 3.5 kicks

* Description: It's right there on the box: the words "complicated steps" with a big red line through them. They say just 10 easy steps, and they mean it. Instructor Marie Forleo knows what she's doing, but if you're having trouble figuring out what you're doing, a 17-minute segment breaks down those 10 moves into baby steps.

* Bottom line: Even beginners can't go wrong.

****************

10 Minute Solution Dance Off Fat Fast: 2 kicks

* Description: I know these are all only 10 minutes each, but do they all have to feel so gosh-darn frantic? Geez Louise - we're dancing, not sprinting. Take a breath, Leah Sarago, and get a class behind you; the lone dancer thing is hard to watch.

* Bottom line: If you can hang on, it'll be over in 10 minutes.

****************

Dance and Be Fit Brazilian Body: 3 kicks

* Description: You want to be in this video - just beyond the lush tropical garden where the dancers are working out, there's just got to be a beach. There's a lot to love about Brazilian dance, by definition an amazing workout with kick-butt music. But beginners beware: It takes previous dance experience to get the most from this DVD.

* Bottom line: Hot, fast and sweaty.

Back to Top