Description
Good dancers move and work their arms as they dance across the floor, they don’t “hold” static positions. Never-ending energy pulsates from their fingers to their toes. Their dancing has intensity and rivets our attention because they are so deeply involved with how they balance their legwork with their arms. Most important is the fact that they use their arms to facilitate the movements of their feet and legs, which in turn magnifies their movements. New York City Ballet Soloist Antonio Carmena demonstrates beautifully.
The music is from New Ballet Music 13 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 as a DVD.
Available to Stream Instantly Online.
“FIVE STARS! If you want to learn more steps and routines, this DVD is it. It is challenging and fun to learn. Sometimes a little difficult, but if you go over it, you’ll learn.”
— Amazon Customer. August 18, 2017
“FIVE STARS! Very informative and easy to follow. Makes it appears effortless to perform. I am more comfortable using my arms and the transition to another move is easier.”
—Amazon Customer. September 20, 2013
“In my past I have done hundreds of pique arabesques and, often, was not quite sure if I would end up on balance or not. On some level I accepted that pique arabesques were just one of those things in life which were a gamble! Finis Jhung’s DVD, Use Your Arms & Dance! explains how this does not have to be. ‘Lead with the toes not the nose,’ he says.
“As in all his DVD’s, Finis Jhung not only has many important lessons that are demonstrated and explained but also he never seems to run out of ‘pearls of wisdom’ that sum up the essence of what he teaches. Here are a few from this DVD: ‘Toe and back arm balance the pique arabesque.’ (!) ‘Both arms are active even if, seemingly, they are in a pose.’ ‘Carve the space with your arms.’ ‘Push arms through the air.’ ‘Arms are the extension of the breath.’ ‘Energy flowing out of the eyes, as well.’ ‘Intensely magnify the movement.’ ‘Arms initiate the movement.’(!)
“As with all pearls of wisdom, the words need to be experienced. To hear them and understand them is only the first step. Arm movements should NOT be add-ons or after thoughts as they were, too often, in my training. I love this DVD. Check it out and experience, more fully, the title: Use Your Arms & Dance!”
— Marie Paquette-Nesson
“Thank goodness there is some instruction on what to do with arms. I am an adult beginner and always lose my way in class when it comes to arms”
— Robert Herbst, Chicago, IL
“I just have to let you know how thrilled I am with this video. What a beautiful display of grace and fluidity! Some of the movements I admire but don’t imitate (such as the backbends) but everything is inspiring and encourages me to do as much as I can.”
— Laura Fasick, Moorehead, MN
“This DVD is an excellent addition to the catalogue of resources that are available for dancers and teachers. The instructions for each lesson are clearly presented and the movements well demonstrated. I first watched all of the lessons to become familiar with the content and joined in when I could. Now I am working my way through each lesson in more detail. Usually I concentrate on one lesson at a time, and when I can, I go through the lesson with the music only. It is easy to gain a sense of working in a studio situation and this helps maintain interest and motivation. The interview included in the DVD is very informative and the Workout Mode feature will be most helpful once I am more fluent with each of the lessons. The variety of tempos and rhythms of the music keeps me on my toes and the cheerful and professional discussion of the different elements of the movements highlights the essential creative qualities of the presentation. I can feel that my dancing is improving each time I practice and I am enjoying the process very much.”
— Judith Chestnut, Erina, New South Wales, Australia