Courtesy of Distinctive Assets, I was able to try LaBlastworkout DVDSs– the latest ballroom dancing workout from Louis Van Amstel from Dancing with the Stars. Don’t scoff here! These are serious workouts and Louis is really great about giving you the tips, tutorials and the pace initially that you need. DO NOT JUMP AHEAD. Here’s the scoop on this series of DVDs.
LaBlast is designed for all levels – from the absolute beginner to the experienced dancer. It is a multi-level program at which students can progress at their own rate. Students begin with an introduction to the program providing the foundation and base techniques used in LaBlast. As the program progresses, the intensity of the workout increases, dances and choreography are expanded, and technique and details are refined.
Whether you want to tone your body, maintain a healthy lifestyle, learn to dance, or just have a great time, LaBlast offers something for everyone!
The program uniquely fuses fitness routines and movements into dance training. Music is a key component to the classes, using a wide variety of genres ranging from pop, rock, hip hop, country and disco to create a fun, energetic club-like atmosphere. The result is a high-energy experience that makes you want to dance!
Here are the dances that are involved:
•Jive
•Lindy Hop
•Merengue
•Paso Doble
•Quick Step
•Salsa
•Samba
•Cha Cha Cha
•Disco
The LaBlast program is a 5-DVD series. The first three in the series are solely dance based and designed to help you burn serious calories while refining your dance skills.
Level 1, LET’S DANCE, includes everything you need to get started.
Level 2, TURN IT UP, lives up to its name, you’ll turn up the energy and the dance moves so that you’re ready for
Level 3, HOT ‘N’ SPICY, where you’ll be dancing like the pros.Levels 4 and 5, TWIST ‘N BURN and BLAST A MOVE, add free weights for additional muscle tone and definition for your upper and lower body and your core; you’ll be leaner and stronger in no time.
Louis is very smart. He takes it slow. At times it seems during the tutorials you will never get past them. WAIT!! You NEED them because the choreography is the real deal and you will be able to dance. Realize you are probably aren’t dancing on hardwood floors — find a bare floor if you can. Also you need every tip Louis can give you. This is no different than what he did with DWTS– and these are the same dances!!! So be aware that if you have issues with ankles, knees, hips or your back, you must take this very cautiously. If you follow his slower but steady workouts– and don’t jump ahead, you will be fine. If you don’t, the likelihood of you feeling the repercussions of the workout are pretty likely.
However you do learn some fun things and you will pick up the pace and you will learn how to dance and burn off some calories. I love the ideas of the 15 min blasts but they are also very very intense and ASSUME that you know all the moves. I didn’t when it came to the merengue. (BIG mistake- and I am pretty adept at dance choreography and also pretty fit).
However after watching all the workouts I am so impressed with Louis’ technique and his attention to detail– while initially you might want to fast forward through it, listen to him at least once all the way through each disk– so that you LEARN what it is you are supposed to know. Practice with him in the mirror (really you are working along with him just like a regular dance studio)
You can’t help but have fun– except you have no partner and you don’t have the fancy clothing or makeup of the Dancing with the Stars. It’s a blessing because then when you blow a step or trip, you don’t get booted off the show. Take each disk and master each one completely before moving on. It will help in reference to balance and how you manage all the dancing. They do intersect in a great many ways.
You can buy the DVDS separately or together as a 5 pack set on www.lablastfitness.com
Stevie Wilson,
LA-Story.com
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