Ballet Barre Foot Strength Exercises

This should have been the first DVD I ordered. I really like Finis Jhung teaching style and have several of his DVDs. Although it's called beginner, an absolute beginner may have some trouble with this DVD. Remember the demonstrator is advanced and a beginner can't move as well as she does (if a true beginner). The subtitle is strengthening the supporting leg and foot...this DVD does that! Most exercises are very slow and focused. I took classes in my 20s and am now 58. Doing ballet as a gentle workout and for weight loss. Finis does a great job explaining muscles used, posture, importance of the exercise for more advanced ballet and other aspects of movement at the barre.

Another great DVD 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!

Practicing

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.

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!

I have been practicing with Finis Jhung’s Ballet Barre Foot Strengh 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!

After working through the foot strength video, I was surprised to find I was turning better at my next class. Thanks!