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The Finis Jhung Ballet Technique All Levels: Stretch, Turnout, & Extension
January 5, 2010 | finisjhung | More on
Instructional
DESCRIPTION In this new video, Finis Jhung has created 17 exercises especially designed to show… how to stretch safely and correctly so that you will strengthen and improve your turnout and extension. Finis shows and explains each exercise step-by-step, and then it is demonstrated by Isabella Boylston of The American Ballet Theater. The floor exercises are done both sitting up as well as lying down, which allows you to stretch without stress or strain on your muscles and joints. Each barre exercise includes detailed instructions and demonstrations on how to bring your floor stretches to a standing position while displaying your maximum turnout and extension with balance and control. Teaching in New York City since 1972, Finis Jhung has enabled thousands of dancers to become their personal best. As you will see, the secrets to success can be yours. CUSTOMER COMMENT "I have been teaching for the past 25 years, and I find your DVDs a breath of fresh air and proof you should never stop learning! I wish every instructor/choreographer would take advantage of the wisdom you pass on in your DVD's. You are truly a teachers Teacher." - Debbie Berry, Dance Repertoire, West Allis, WI "My hips hurt every day for ten years. I did this stretch class once and it totally released my hip flexor. The pain disappeared!" - Holly Derville-Teer, Chehalem Valley Dance Academy, Beaverton, OR "Been working with your DVDs for the past two weeks and it has changed me. I have been more focused and aware during my ballet classes and in everyday life. I love how you explain and teach the movements in sequences and it has slowed me down to really think before I dance the move. Even my pointe work is getting better. Keep making the ballet world bigger and better!" —Stasha Becker, US Army Europe Purchase The Finis Jhung Ballet Technique All Levels: Stretch, Turnout, & Extension DVD at http://finisjhung.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=1&products_id=60.Read More
The Finis Jhung Ballet Technique Levels 2 & Up: The Power Barre
January 5, 2010 | finisjhung | More on
General
DESCRIPTION As you do these exercises on a portable barre in front of the mirror… will be encouraged to use the barre by pressing down on it with your hands. This will energize your shoulders and supporting arm, strengthen your posture, and help you to balance the movement of your legs and feet in center floor. You will also be instructed to keep your head turned toward yourself in the mirror so that you check your placement, alignment, and execution while you develop correct body positions—éffacé, croisé, and écarté. All pliés (except for stretches) are to be performed with opposition and resistance, which will strengthen your feet, ankles, knees, hips, and core. The fondu-relevé exercises develop proper placement, balance, and foot-ankle-knee strength which are necessary in order to correctly execute most poses, turns, and jumps. Learning to plié and relevé correctly on one foot is the determining factor in how quickly you can advance, so take these lessons with Finis Jhung to heart and you will be well on your way! CUSTOMER COMMENT "I have been teaching for the past 25 years, and I find your DVDs a breath of fresh air and proof you should never stop learning! I wish every instructor/choreographer would take advantage of the wisdom you pass on in your DVDs. You are truly a teacher's Teacher." - Debbie Berry, Dance Repertoire, West Allis, WI "I'd like to give you my perspective on your DVDs, which I regard as the most powerful learning tools available to today's ballet student. Although I deeply appreciate the teacher's corrections in my weekly adult ballet class, I feel that I'm able to learn more when I work solo with your DVDs. The problem is that when I'm in class and watch the demonstrations of the barrework and center work, my inability to remember the movements still throws me into a low-key panic. Because of my poor memory, I need movement models to follow, so I still have to find a place at the barre between two more competent dancers. Since I'm following rather than initiating the movements, I end up feeling like a failure as the class moves on to the next exercise and the demonstration once again throws me into a low-key panic. On your DVDs, each exercise is thoroughly previewed before being demonstrated, which helps address my learning limitations. What I find even better, though, is the rewind/replay option the DVDs provide. If I'm not happy with the quality of my movement, I can take as much time as I need to practice it, and to refine it. On the other hand, since there's no rewind/replay option in a live class, I rarely attain the satisfaction of a decent level of mastery. In short, your DVDs allow the luxury of self-pacing, which, for me at least, is the key to success." — Ian Jackson, developer of the Acousticoaching™ CDs for the ballet-inspired BreathPlay System -- the power behind Olympic medals, world records, and world championships. (www.BreathPlay.com) Purchase The Finis Jhung Ballet Technique Levels 2 & Up: The Power Barre DVD at http://finisjhung.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=1&products_id=61.Read More
The Art of Pointework Level 4 - Finis Jhung
January 5, 2010 | finisjhung | More on
General
DESCRIPTION Reviewing Michele's debut as the ballerina in Balanchine's Theme & Variations at The Metropolitan… House in New York City, Jennifer Dunning of the New York Times said "Ms. Wiles tore through the demanding ballet like a colt, newly released and running free . . . her big open torso and appetite for space were a pleasure." Now, we're talking Balanchine, which is the fastest pointework on earth. How does Michele do it? What enables her to dazzle the audience and critics? This video shows you the "secrets." You'll be amazed when you see what Michele does in slow motion, close-up, and freeze frame. The beauty and precision of her pointe work is riveting and eye-opening. Finis analyzes all of her movements, so that you can understand and apply what you see and hear. Tobi Tobias of New York Magazine said that Michele is "a big, bold blonde on her way to stardom." If you'd like to get reviews like that, I'd study this video seriously. CUSTOMER COMMENTS "I have never seen any one hammer home with such clarity the tenets of good pointe technique. I like how Finis makes it clear that this is about dancing, and not just placement and positions. He clears up any questions you might have about the execution of a step. He removes the 'smoke and mirrors' of technique, and shows the nuts and bolts, while still giving you a greater appreciation of the work that is involved and the art that is ballet." - Rebecca Witjes, Instructor, Santa Monica College, Santa Monica Dance Studio, Ballet by the Sea, Malibu, CA "I think that your approach to the audio-visual instruction is unique and superior to any that I have seen to date . . . Thank you for helping me to remember that technique can be taught, and can feel natural." - Alora Haynes, Santa Fe Community College Dance Department, Gainesville, FL "This video is similar in format to its companion video, The Art of Pointework Level 3, but its use of small jumps and turns on pointe in its centerwork combinations makes it appropriate for a somewhat more advanced ballet student. Exercises range in difficulty from 'Echappe, sous-sous, tombe, releve arabesque', to 'Continuous pirouettes from 5th position'. As in The Art of Pointework Level 3, each exercise is thoroughly explained with the aid of close-ups, slow-motions, freeze frames, and voice-overs, during which Mr. Jhung points out precisely what should be done, and calls attention to common mistakes that make it impossible to do the exercises correctly. And, this enlightening commentary, combined with the musical background provided by Scott Killian, and the superb manner in which ABT soloist Michele Wiles demonstrates the exercises, makes this video a delight to view and an invaluable learning instrument." - Carol Garmiza, Adult Student, New York, NY Purchase The Art of Pointework Level 4 DVD at http://finisjhung.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=1&products_id=71.Read More
The Art of Pointework Level 3 - Finis Jhung
January 5, 2010 | finisjhung | More on
Instructional
DESCRIPTION This revolutionary new video shows Michele Wiles, today a critically acclaimed Principal Dancer of… 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. CUSTOMER COMMENTS "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 Purchase The Art of Pointework Level 3 DVD at http://finisjhung.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=1&products_id=70.Read More
The Art of Pointework Level 2 - Finis Jhung
January 5, 2010 | finisjhung | More on
Instructional
Purchase The Art of Pointework Level 2 DVD at http://finisjhung.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=1&products_id=69. DESCRIPTION Finis explains each exercise,… you how it should be done, and Ashlee Knapp of The New York City Ballet does it, in her inimitable way. She is an absolute delight! Watch how beautifully she works her legs and feet, and how she moves with musical precision and lyrical delicacy. Slowly and surely, Finis and Ashlee take you through each exercise, giving you all the important ideas you need to know, so that you will steadily progress, and dance as the best professionals do. With great care, each exercise is presented and demonstrated so that you will learn to talk with your toes, as Ashlee does. You'll enjoy doing these exercises to Scott Killian's orchestrated music. It's magic time! CUSTOMER COMMENTS "This DVD is the greatest I've ever seen! Not only is there demonstration by a dancer, but Finis teaches you 'how to it' and his commentaries are understandable, even by a foreign teacher like me. My students and their mothers love it. I've found what I was looking for! Thank you, Finis, for this unique educational material!" - Simone Hock, Owner/Teacher, La Danza, Krombach, Germany "His knowledge, clarity, and love for dancers and the dance are inspiring." - Penny King, Stillpoint Dance Studio, Grants Pass, OR "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 plies and releves, 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 "Been working with your DVDs for the past two weeks and it has changed me. I have been more focused and aware during my ballet classes and in everyday life. I love how you explain and teach the movements in sequences and it has slowed me down to really think before I dance the move. Even my pointe work is getting better. Keep making the ballet world bigger and better!" —Stasha Becker, US Army EuropeRead More
The Art of Pointework Level 1 - Finis Jhung
January 5, 2010 | finisjhung | More on
Instructional
DESCRIPTION Judy Weiss tells you all about the construction of the pointe shoe and how… find the shoe for you. Ashlee Knapp, now dancing with The New York City Ballet, shows you special foot and ankle strengthening exercises, how to correctly prepare your shoe and foot, and how to tie your ribbons. Finis and Ashlee show you how to do the soft toe work required today. You'll learn to use your weight and energy so that you can roll up and down on pointe with delicate strength and ease, as Ashlee does. Your first steps are the most important, and this video will make sure you put your best foot forward. The music of Scott Killian makes this a magical experience. CUSTOMER COMMENTS "The Art of Pointework videos are a wonderful asset to our school. Utilizing the techniques, I am seeing a marked improvement in strength and correction of rolling over, as well as better balance, which ultimately will strengthen center work and pirouettes. The placement exercises are especially excellent! Thank you for this wonderful series." - Pamella McReynolds, Ballet Mistress, In Motion Dance Center and Fauquier County Ballet Theatre, Warrenton & Culpeper, VA "This is a lovely, wonderfully explained class with answers to the usual questions, plus extra exercises to strengthen the feet that are useful to absolutely anyone." - Ione Barczak, Ballet Mistress, City Dance & City Ballet, Auckland, New Zealand "These are the best videos I have ever seen. They are thoughtfully planned, and demonstrated. It's like having an Intensive Teacher Training Seminar right in your own home." - Jane Coyle, The Highland School of Ballet, Lakeland, FL "This video provides a wonderful introduction to pointework for the absolute beginner. Starting with the importance of the shoes being properly fitted, it covers everything from how to tie the pointe ribbons, to how to pad the toes, to how to break-in the shoes. The video then provides a substantial and varied group of exercises. Many of these involve plies and releves in various positions, which increase the strength of foot muscles, while emphasizing how essential it is to be able to roll smoothly from 1/2 toe to 3/4 toe to pointe. Toward the end of the teaching session, the exercises become more complex, combining pique steps and pas de bourrées. This provides the new pointe student with the delightful feeling of dancing at the barre, rather than just performing exercises. This DVD is very informative and lots of fun. The exercises are well-explained, beautifully demonstrated, and accompanied by rich and pleasing music." - Carol Garmiza, Adult Student, New York, NY "Been working with your DVDs for the past two weeks and it has changed me. I have been more focused and aware during my ballet classes and in everyday life. I love how you explain and teach the movements in sequences and it has slowed me down to really think before I dance the move. Even my pointe work is getting better. Keep making the ballet world bigger and better!" —Stasha Becker, US Army Europe Purchase The Art of Pointework Level 1 DVD at http://finisjhung.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=1&products_id=68.Read More
The Male Ballet Dancer - Finis Jhung
January 5, 2010 | finisjhung | More on
Instructional
DESCRIPTION Get ready for a jaw-dropping, eye-popping experience as you watch Gold-Silver-Bronze Medalist Joseph Michael… perform the variations from Black Swan and Le Corsaire and then show "How It's Done" with Finis Jhung. Here is a thrilling display of the male bravura technique — all the virtuoso steps that stop the show and make audiences stand and cheer. Joes ability to turn is uncanny — he finishes most all his turns, including 9 pirouettes - on demi-pointe. His air turns are big and juicy, and his "trick" jumps are electrifying. Movement-by-movement, Finis and Joe go through all the steps and break down the preparations and main ideas. To help you better understand the mechanics of turns and jumps, Finis uses his teaching toys. This video is a Winner! CUSTOMER COMMENTS "This DVD is wonderful. Your instruction is so explicit—I was totally amazed at the amount of technical information you give." - Linda Caldwell, Teacher/Owner, N'styl Performance Wear, Orlando, FL "The Male Ballet Dancer DVD is a work of art in itself, and tremendously helpful. it gave me decisively useful tips on a number of techniques, including tours en l'air, that I simply never got before. it's really a program not just to watch and review, but to study. When I played it for the first time, I thought I'd watch a section or two and come back to it later, but I couldn't resist viewing one chapter after another, and before I knew it, I was watching the bonus interview at the end. Many thanks for all you bring to students of every age and level. you're living proof that we can keep learning and improving, and I'm excited about having a whole new appreciation and more importantly, a far more solid kinesthetic understanding of turns of various sorts as a direct result of your talent as a teacher, even "once removed" via media instruction." - Philip Golabuk, Director, The Field Center, Gainesville, FL "I was almost resigned to doing single tours en l'air forever - and landing on my butt quite a lot of the time, at that. Just one key hint from you in 'The Male Ballet Dancer' about what my arms should be doing in the plie, helped me get around for a double tour, twice, in my most recent class. And I had only had the DVD for a few days, too. I've still got a long way to go with my tours, but I feel like I've got a foothold now, something to work on. I hope that your tips and the different imagery you include on your DVDs continue to help me." - Tyler Saxton, Student- Computer Programmer, Melbourne, Australia "Astonishing. Astounding. The purest and most honest ballet dancing. Delivered with a lack of affectation and with seamless, fluid finishes that made rare artistry of the gimmicks." - Jennifer Dunning, The New York Times Purchase The Mle Ballet Dancer DVD at http://finisjhung.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=1&products_id=74.Read More
Classic Classes 2: Intermediate/Advanced Turning Class - Finis Jhung
January 5, 2010 | finisjhung | More on
Instructional
DESCRIPTION Finis gives this exhilarating turning class to Michele Wiles, here a teen-aged Gold Medalist… Varna and today a Principal Dancer of The American Ballet Theatre. You'll see how Michele got the Gold as she breezes through Finis's choreographed combinations which cover space and progress from adagio to grand allégro and are loaded with turning movements including multiple pirouettes (sometimes 4 turns) in passé, attitude, arabesque, and à la seconde. At the end, youll see some dazzling fouetté turns. We've also included slow motion footage of Michele's fouetté turns and grand pirouettes. Michele also has a lovely floating jump and it's thrilling to watch her fly through the air. Perfectly schooled and completely uninhibited in showing her love of dance and passion for movement, Michele will enchant you the same way she does critics and audiences the world over. At the barre, Finis gives each exercise, and then stands by and coaches Michele as she demonstrates. In center floor, Finis shows and explains each exercise, Michele demonstrates, Finis analyzes and coaches, Michele repeats, and then Finis summarizes. Sometimes Michele will repeat certain turns or jumps for clarification. There is slow motion footage of Michele's fouetté turns and en dedans pirouettes. See a star in the making! CUSTOMER COMMENTS "Your lessons are so beautifully structured and so rich in corrections. . ." - Irana Moretis-Aidonopoulos, Architect-Dancer, Athens, Greece "Thank you for your video. I will be using it in my pedagogy class. You're wonderful!" - Alicia Brown-Mathes, U of Iowa Dept of Dance, Iowa City, IA "I've been teaching forever, and so I try to broaden and diversify my teaching techniques by studying various videos and books. Yours are the best. I appreciate your willingness to share your expertise and insight." - Susan Crosby, Bountiful School of Ballet, Bountiful, UT "I really enjoy the Classic Classes DVDs since I need to follow a structured class. My schedule does not permit me to make the local ballet classes, which is why your DVDs are so valuable to me. Someone like me can take class from you, Finis Jhung, everyday! What joy and happiness you bring to my heart and spirit." - Sandra Chiodo, Pittsburgh, PA Purchase the Classic Classes 2: Intermediate/Advanced Turning Class DVD at http://finisjhung.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=1&products_id=66.Read More
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