Available as a DVD.
Available to Stream Instantly Online.
Stream in Workout Mode.Description
Almost every movement we make in ballet consists of a plié and a relevé. The problem most dancers have is not knowing the difference between a “pose” and an “action.” Simply bending the knees and sinking down into a passive pose with legs and feet relaxed does not properly engage the muscles of the feet or legs. As a result, it does not prepare you to spring up quickly into a balance, turn, or jump.
Learning to think with your feet and have your feet activate your legs is not taught in the traditional ballet class. Once you have tried initiating the demi-plié with your toes instead of your knees, you will feel and see the difference. To improve your jumps, you must know the difference between lifting your foot up passively, and then pointing it; or pressing the foot flat down on the floor and quickly springing it off the floor to full point in the air. Again, it’s not the “pose”—it’s the “action.”
Streaming Workout Mode Available
This video now offers the Workout Mode / Non-Stop class feature in both the Streaming and DVD formats.
“I ordered, received, and watched Ballet Barre Foot Strength Exercises. It’s really good. I started doing Foot Strength 1 after I found it on YouTube; the preview made me want to buy the DVD. It’s easy to watch and digest. You are relaxed, personable, and informative in the video; Vernard is a perfect demonstrator. There is so much of him to see! What he’s wearing highlights his musculature and makes it easy to recognize the articulation in his feet and legs. Good job, Finis and Vernard!”
—Maria Schreiber
“Another great addition to my collection from Finis Jhung. The basics are so important, and I find myself watching and re-watching this and my other Finis Jhung DVDs to practice and improve my technique. A great addition to my library. Thanks, Finis!”
— Sylvia C. Lausted
“Perfect demonstration and the best exercise for adult ballet beginners! As a no-experience adult beginner, my biggest challenge in learning ballet has been how to execute correctly what Finis is telling us in his class every day. Even though I could comprehend Finis’s logical explanation of the importance of dancing with your feet, it has been difficult for me to let my body understand and move accordingly. The best thing about Finis and Vernard’s video is that you can watch a perfect demonstration from front and center on your screen, unlike watching the demonstrators/better students in the class from behind or different angle in the classroom. Vernard shows you, with Finis elaborating in detail, how and exactly where, to place your body, hip, shoulder, head, and most importantly, your feet, correctly at the barre. Now you know what you should expect to see in the mirror. Finis and Vernard’s demonstration in this video is like Leonardo da Vinci’s L’Uomo Vitruviano, the perfect blend of science and art on your screen. I’ll continue to listen to my feet.”
— Mariko Fukuyama
“For all ballet dancers. I just love this video. I can’t believe how much it has changed my level of confidence in my adult ballet class. I know how to use my feet now! You will just have to buy the video, do the exercises, then go to class. You will see what I mean. All of a sudden, everything improves. It is very exciting. I even practice this in the elevator! Now I am always smiling during and after ballet class!”
— J. Narus
“I have been practicing with Finis Jhung’s Ballet Barre Foot Strength video in between in person classes for the past year and find it extremely helpful! As one of Finis’s students I appreciate the way he breaks down the format and thoroughly articulates the technique. The combination of Finis’s instruction and demonstration by Alvin Ailey American Dance Company member Vernard Gilmore creates an invaluable tool for beginners and professionals alike!”
— WM
“Helpful, solid ballet instruction. After working through the foot strength video, I was surprised to find I was turning better at my next class. Thanks!”
—Leslie
“I’ve been doing your DVDs with my mother in her 60s. It’s helping her out a lot with learning to keep her balance and have good posture. Even the slightest movements have helped strengthen her muscles. We love you.”
— Trula Hudelson
“After working through the three Foot Strength exercises, I was surprised to find I was turning better at my next class. Thanks!”
—Leslie Miller, Adult Student
“As an adult learner with no previous ballet experience, I was looking to gain more control and strength in my feet to improve my dancing and avoid injuries. I ordered the foot strength videos and immediately liked the format of a short video divided into separate sections. Through Finis’ explanations and the technical breakdowns, I was able to visualize and better understand what I was aiming to do. I have only just started to do the exercises, but already I am more aware of working through my feet and using the floor, both of which will help me to progress and improve.”
—Hazel Alexander
“The video is very helpful, thank you! I appreciate the way you break down the format and articulate the techniques thoroughly along with visual presentation.”
—Wendy Williams McDonnell, Bayside, NY
“As a no-experience adult beginner, my biggest challenge in learning ballet has been how to execute correctly what Finis is telling us in his class every day. Even though I could comprehend Finis’s logical explanation of the importance of dancing with your feet, it has been difficult for me to let my body understand and move accordingly. The best thing about Finis and Vernard’s video is that you can watch a perfect demonstration from front and center on your screen, unlike watching the demonstrators/better students in the class from behind or different angle in the classroom. Vernard shows you, with Finis elaborating in detail, how and exactly where, to place your body, hip, shoulder, head, and most importantly, your feet, correctly at the bar. Now you know what you should expect to see in the mirror. Finis and Vernard’s demonstration in this video is like Leonardo da Vinci’s L’Uomo Vitruviano, the perfect blend of science and art on your screen. I’ll continue to listen to my feet.”
— Mariko Fukuyama, Adult Student, The Ailey Extension