Description
This revolutionary new video is demonstrated by Michele Wiles, the critically acclaimed Principal Dancer of The American Ballet Theatre, in real time and slow motion. Each carefully planned exercise is first taught by Finis, then performed by Michele, analyzed in slow motion with detailed commentary by Finis, and repeated in real time. Some exercises feature close-up sections, as well as freeze frames. You’ll see all the little details that will make a difference. For instance, you’ve got to get on the stage, and you’ve got to get off, and you’re either going to have to walk or run, and we can’t tell you how many times we’ve seen pretty dancers galumph on and off stage, as though their pointe shoes were bedroom slippers. Michele shows you how to do it correctly, so your first and last impressions will be memorable. Scott Killian’s fresh and fabulous CD music accompanies each exercise.
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.
“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
“Five Stars (out of five). His DVDs are as good as a ballet class!
“I’ve been studying ballet for three years, as and adult beginner. I take classes three times a week, and I’ve added two days of ‘Finis’ to my schedule. His DVDs are as good as a ballet class, I love the way he explains the moves, then has a professional dancer demonstrate each section. I find the level three DVDs just right for me, challenging, but not impossible. I’m looking forward to moving into Level 4.”
—Shannon S. on Amazon
“I returned to ballet about a year ago after being away from it for a very long time. I wanted to let you know how much your DVDs have helped and encouraged me in this pursuit. All of the dancers in the videos dance beautifully and are so helpful to watch. Your turning technique has enabled me to start nailing my double turns and the pointework DVDs have given me the practice I needed to move up to the next level of pointe class. I will be performing with my daughter in a recital next weekend — the first for me since I was a child. Coming back to ballet has enriched my life in so many ways and I have enjoyed every minute of it.”
— Leslie Miller, Adult Student, College Station, TX
“Michele Wiles dances so beautifully and is a perfect example for amateurs like me. I especially like your new method of teaching which shows the dancer in slow motion footage while you explain the technical points. While I have excellent teachers here in Germany, I turn to your videos in order to learn the reasons why things are done in a certain way. I love to exercise together with a real ballerina under your intelligent training at home. Finally, I can look at your videos whenever I want. I am learning how to stand, walk, run and turn correctly. Thanks to your creative way of teaching ballet, I feel like I would be a ballerina: beautiful, lovely, noble, elegant, and graceful. Thank you.”
— Dr. jur. Xiaobing Yang-Benckendorff, Management Consultant, Frankfurt, Germany
“Your videos never cease to amaze me. Thanks for sharing so many secrets.”
— Denise Daniele, Denise Daniele Dance Studios, Brick, NJ
“Your life philosophies combined with your dance beliefs have always made my heart and soul sing. Thank you for the passion you hold about dance and movement and for giving us the opportunity to soar — both physically and spiritually!”
— Colleen Murphy, Stage Door School of Dance, East Patchogue, NY
“This DVD is an excellent aide for beginning students of pointe, regardless of age. It begins with some easy stretches that provide a safe warm-up for the feet and ankles, and then quickly moves to a series of pliés and relevés which emphasize the importance of smooth rolling foot movements, and correctly positioning the entire body for balance. As the video proceeds, the exercises grow progressively more challenging, demanding increased speed, coordination, and foot muscle strength. This DVD includes both barrework and center floor work, and I found its explanations and illustrations to be extremely helpful.”
— Carol Garmiza, Adult Student, New York, NY