Description
Before you use this DVD, we strongly recommend you first study Pirouette Class 2. We apologize for the confusion with the numbers, but it’s only now we realize that most students need a more detailed breakdown of the preparatory elements for the en dehors turn. After you’ve done some practice with Pirouette Class 2, you’ll be able to get a lot more out of Pirouette Class 1.
This video builds and progresses from adagio to grand allegro in real time, slow motion, and freeze frame. Dance along with Michele Wiles, former principal dancer of The American Ballet Theatre. We’ve also added breakdowns that clear up the difference between the waltz step and the balancé. And, you’ll be amazed when you see how Michele makes clear the difference between the waltz and the balancé and then flies through the air with the pas de bourrée sauté. It boggles the mind. The CD music is by Scott Killian
Play the DVD in 3 modes: Full Class, Individual Exercises or Workout Mode where you can run the exercises without instruction. Once you’ve learned the exercise and heard the instructions, you may want to go straight to the demonstration with music so you can have a work-out without interruption.
You can find this feature on these videos.
The following DVDs don’t have the SPECIAL FEATURE but do allow you to skip the Instructions and go straight to the demonstration with music by using the SKIP FORWARD button:
- The Finis Jhung Ballet Technique: Stretch, Turn-out, & Extension
- The Finis Jhung Ballet Technique: The Power Barre
Streaming Playback
Streaming videos that offer the “Workout Mode / Nonstop Class” feature Streaming videos that offer the “Workout Mode / Nonstop Class” feature may be found here.
Most streaming videos do not offer multiple playback modes. Each DVD chapter/exercise is presented as an individual video. Once you complete an exercise, the next will play automatically. There is currently no “workout mode” available for most streaming videos.
About your purchasing choices…
FJ Streaming Singles We have released several brief videos (for example, our Foot Strength and Dance at Home series) which are only available to stream online. You will not receive a DVD, but may watch instantly upon completing your purchase.
DVD vs. Streaming
You’ll notice you have purchasing options on nearly all of the Finis Jhung Instructional Videos:
Streaming Playback
Streaming videos that offer the “Workout Mode / Nonstop Class” feature may be found here.
Most streaming videos do not offer multiple playback modes. Each DVD chapter/exercise is presented as an individual video. Once you complete an exercise, the next will play automatically. There is currently no “workout mode” available for most streaming videos.
Please visit our Frequently Asked Questions page for more information.
Available to Stream Instantly Online.
“FIVE STARS! I am a non-professional adult dancer, dancing 5 days a week. Unlike most ballerinas I came to dance very late in life after retiring at 55. I train extensively and have a ballet room in my home. This DVD provided a clear, easy to understand and follow lesson in pirouette. I recommend it to advanced beginners with the highest of confidence and praise. I use DVDs to supplement my class work and private lesson experience. I do not use it to take the place of group class instruction. I have used his DVDs for 18 months and continue to add to my library.”
— Nora Charles. July 25, 2016
“FIVE STARS! He is the best at what he does. Clear explanations, excellent tips and excellent demonstrations.”
— Penelope Kalloo. March 2, 2015
“FIVE STARS! Such great tips are given here — it has helped with my pirouettes so far.”
— Felicity Jones. October 15, 2015
“FIVE STARS! Another great DVD from Finis! Really great to supplement training.”
— Alicia. February 10, 2016
“A haiku:
Finis Jhung says that if we can go to the moon and back then it is possible to turn on earth. This DVD begins with explaining the physics of turning with a TOP! When I was a dancer, back in the ’50s an ’60s, we had not yet gone to the moon and being a good turner seemed just about as remote. (Some dancers were ‘natural’ turners and these women were the ‘turn girls in Graduation Ball.’) How I would have loved this DVD when I danced as well as when I was teaching. I am amazed at the simplicity of Fins Jhung’s presentation. After the top, he continues with slow motion demonstrations and minute descriptions for a dehors pirouette preparation — which progresses with a promenade before the actual turn. Practicing with a promenade — brilliant! There is ample opportunity for one to body-feel one’s way. The DVD continues as it incorporates other steps. Note the comment: ‘It’s not about holding. It’s about moving.’”
— Marie Paquet Nesson, Cambridge, MA
“Buying videos on the internet is like a blind date – you don’t really know what you are going to get, and have to trust what you’ve been told. Well, I am so happy to say that what I got was wonderful! ‘Pirouette Class 1’ is a new and fresh way to look at turns. I like the way you explain the pirouette, and so do my students.”
— Mrs. Willy Knopper- van Duuren, balletschool “De Dansacker” Pijnacker, The Netherlands
“The precise filming of every part of the body and slow motion footage going into a turn is absolutely spectacular!”
— Margilyn Valle, Ballet Midwest, St. Louis, MO
“Until I saw this video, I hadn’t realized how the pirouette is such a gateway for understanding movement. The most powerful lesson that improved my turns right away was the demonstration of the ‘turning of the plié.’ This video transforms the believable mechanics of the pirouette into the power of dance.”
— Pat Browne, P.Eng, Ottawa Canada
“I have only been dancing for 3 years (I am nearly 65) and the detail with which you explain things, your calm delivery, humor, and the focus on different body parts (and where they should be) is really helpful. I also appreciate being able to do things very slowly. I think this is making me stronger, but I also get a chance to concentrate on different muscles so I know what I am supposed to be doing! Thank you!”
— Joan Sawyer, Brookline, MA
“I love your video! I like the way you explain in detail the ‘hows and whys’ of center combinations with pirouettes. The advice dispensed is invaluable. I’m really thrilled. A big THANK YOU!”
— Judith Tham, Adult Student, Singapore
“Your instructional technique has been a great benefit to me as a person who took up ballet in mid-life. My work environment is very stressful. Dance has been an enjoyable release for me, and your instruction has enriched my dance experience.”
— John Daly, airline pilot, Kirkland, WA
“I love your video and your approach to teaching – it makes sense. It is what I have believed all along. My ballet haters are getting interested, and my bun heads are in heaven.”
— Deborah Stanton-Bianca, New England Dance Academy, Attleboro, MA
“This video is full of valuable information! Using it has has given me knowledge and a better technique, and has made significant changes in the way I now dance. Thank you, Finis!”
— Rachida Dukes, Adult Student, Alexandra, VA