Description
It’s a fact of life: you’ve got to keep moving. If you don’t use it, you lose it. And, it’s been proven that people who exercise their bodies and minds daily feel better, look better, and age better. Awaken your body and refresh your mind with these short bouts of ballet. Choose from four different ten-minute breaks, each with four ballet exercises choreographed by Finis Jhung to the soul-stirring, heart-pounding orchestrated music of Scott Killian. Finis presents each exercise and gives pointers while Antonio Carmena, the critically-praised soloist of The New York City Ballet, demonstrates. To live is to dance. The CD music is by Scott Killian.
STREAMING WORKOUT MODE AVAILABLE
This video now offers the Workout Mode / Non-Stop class feature in both the Streaming and DVD formats.
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 as a DVD.
Available to Stream Instantly Online.
Stream in Workout Mode.
“Finis Jhung’s The Ten-Minute Ballet Break is a much better way of dividing a day which otherwise might by a long stretch of numbing daily tasks—sitting or not. It’s a perfect remedy for all levels and ages of (adult) dancers. ‘Feel Better’ ‘Look Good’ ‘Stay Fit’ the DVD begins. The older a dancer gets the better that sounds. Trust me on that one! The DVD, in four sections with four exercises in each, incorporates ballet fundamentals in smooth rhythmic movements to original music. Every body part gets a careful and thorough reawakening. Listen carefully because Finis Jhung’s invaluable tips on how to dance better are sprinkled throughout. You undoubtedly won’t look as good as wonderful Antonio Carmena, the NYCB dancer who demonstrates, but keeping his image in mind you will, at the very least, get closer! In the fourth section, the value of over-crossed (!) fifths is included. As always, the interview at the end of the DVD is an interesting glimpse into a dancer’s world. And, as with all of Finis Jhung’s interviews, he is generously appreciative of their participation.”
— Marie Paquet Nesson
“I recently purchased this DVD, and I am so happy with it! I am over 50 years old, but in good shape, being a semi-retired ballet teacher and former dancer. I live in an area where there are no ‘adult ballet classes.’ I really wanted a way to keep some ballet movement in my life, but due to old injuries and such, doing a whole ballet class DVD is really more than I can do. THIS DVD is perfect, because it has short, 10-minute segments that can be performed anywhere you have a small space to move around in a bit (don’t need much space). They are all performed ‘in the center’ — no barre required. The exercises are relatively simple (for someone with previous ballet experience), yet also artistic and very nice to do. Really they can be approached at various levels—the beginner will get a taste of ballet, and the more advanced dancer can work on details of technique, flow of movement and style. I have only done the first two ‘breaks,’ and both contain two slower combinations, and two a little faster. There is a ‘contemporary’ feel to the movement, with a solid classical base, which I like. This is a great DVD for a dancer, former dancer, or ballet enthusiast who either can’t take a class, or needs something to do between classes that doesn’t take much time or space, but comes from a world-class ballet teacher. The DVD has a section where Finis explains the exercises in detail, as well as a section where you can just perform them in sequence. If you want more than 10-minutes, well, do two, three or all four in a row. They are beautifully demonstrated by NYCB soloist Antonio Carmena. I studied ballet with Finis more than 20 years ago, so this DVD is like coming home! I hope he’ll consider doing another DVD like this.”
— Catriona White
“The Ten-Minute Ballet Break provides a way for you to dance on those days you just can’t make it to class. I find that on those days when I cannot go to class or exercise my body, my body feels stiff. The video is divided into are four sections, each ten minutes long (once you can do them following the demonstrator without instruction) each with four exercises. It’s possible for you to do a segment or two during your lunch break! You don’t need your ballet clothes or slippers – just take off your street shoes and proceed! It’s also nice to dance with this video in the comfort of your home. The exercises serve a double purpose: to work your body gently as well as to learn and review basic ballet movements so that you can improve in ballet class. Deceivingly simple, the exercises in the third and fourth sections evolve into short beautiful combinations done both forward, sideways and on diagonal. In addition, there is a wealth of information in each exercise and each is beautifully demonstrated by Antonio Carmena, soloist of the New York City Ballet. I especially love the beautiful adagios and am sure you will too. It is wonderful to see Finis demonstrate the movements while Antonio stands behind him “marking” the movements. This is a must-have for any ballet student or teacher looking to expand their video library. I highly recommend it!”
—Ileana Ray, Brooklyn, NY
“Love the Ten-Minute Ballet Break. Since I used to be a ballet dancer, it was fun to add this to my workout. When my granddaughter gets older I’ll give it to her since the instruction is excellent!”
— Maryann on Amazon
“The Ten-Minute Ballet Break is the solution to dancing every day in spite of our very busy schedules or when we cannot make it to class. As an adult student, I find that on those days when I cannot go to class and do not do any ballet movements at all, that lack of using my body will result in poor dancing the next time in class, and generally, in feeling unpleasantly rustier in my everyday life. Just as the title suggests, this video comprises short breaks taken during one’s regular activities in order to practice ballet. There are four segments with four exercises in each section that are 10 minutes long. This is excellent because you can do one segment, or even two, during your lunch break! You do not need special attire, only your ballet slippers will suffice. Another option is to do the complete video at the end of the workday, in the comfort of your home. The exercises have a double purpose: to warm you up and loosen up the body, as well as learn/review basic ballet movements which are executed in the center in these lessons. Thus, the student will perform better in class. Deceivingly simple, the exercises evolve into short beautiful combinations in Segments 3 and 4 done both forward, sideways and in diagonal. In addition, there is a wealth of information in each exercise and essential concepts of ballet are discussed and then demonstrated by Antonio Carmena, soloist of the New York City Ballet. Finis explains how to use the arms and head, so you can keep your balance when changing directions. I am sure that you too will fall in love with the beautiful adagios. Also, it is wonderful to see Finis demonstrate first with Antonio behind him learning the movements. This is a must-have for any ballet student or teacher looking to expand their video library. I highly recommend it!”
—Ileana Ray, Brooklyn, NY
“This is a great video to use between ballet classes. I am an adult beginner and using these lessons has helped me immensely while taking adult classes. It has clearly helped my technique and confidence.”
— Robert Herbst, Chicago, IL
“At 48, I am always looking for ways to stay strong that are enjoyable. I studied ballet as a teenager and again as an adult and have never lost my love for it. When time constraints limited the number of classes I could attend, I purchased several ballet DVDs and streaming videos but lost interest in them quickly. I discovered Finis Jhung’s site and was struck by his expertise, skill in instruction and his presence. I first purchased the streaming video, Ten Minute Ballet Break. What a wonderful teacher Finis Jhung is. The atmosphere that the video creates is one I want to escape to often. The result has been a strengthening and calming of both mind and body. The demonstration segments by Antonio are inspiring and easy to follow. My iPad allows me to take Finis’ instruction with me and sneak ballet breaks into my work day. I am thrilled to have discovered it. It is the first of many I will purchase.”
— Kathleen Rowland, Scientific Illustrator/Proofreader, Sioux Falls, SD
“I’m excited about this DVD . . . I love it! I don’t have to dress for ballet—I can easily do it in my full-skirted summer dress. I have such a feeling of peace after using this video —even better than when I use my relaxation tapes. It’s just what I needed. It was so clever of you to make this, and insightful, too, in that you choreographed the movements. Thank you!”
— Barbara Owen, Ballet Teacher, Annapolis, MD
“I use the ten-minute ballet breaks routines to collect my thoughts and bring myself back into balance whether I am dancing or not.”
— Judith Chestnut, New South Wales, Australia
“I’m in love with the Ten-minute Ballet Break. It’s filled with what is essential to your teaching, and the 10-minute format is extremely convenient. I tried the first two immediately and worked up some good sweat. Then I watched the remaining two. But the Ten-Minute Ballet Break is much more than a “workout” DVD. The movement in each segment flows naturally and beautifully. Antonio shows such grace and line that I forgot that I was watching an instructional DVD and instead thought I was watching great dance. I think it even beats some real ballet performances! I can’t believe you two put this much care and artistry into making this DVD. I wish it would come as a download as well so that I could use it while traveling.”
— Chie Helinski, New York, NY