Hip Hop for Kids

Although the press release says "1995," the end credits on this 1993 production say otherwise, and the demonstration of the once popular "running man" step further dates this half-hour hip hop dance routine featuring the "latest Hip Hop steps" for kids. That said, Hip Hop for Kids is still an enjoyable program that will get non-discerning tykes off their duffs and onto the carpet to move and groove with Roger G (who has danced in productions with Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, and Lionel Richie) and a group of funky hip hoppers. Following a series of warm-up exercises and stretches, Mr. G leads the kids and viewers through a basic hip hop dance routine, before turning the instruction over to his young associates who each perform a sequence and then all join together for a grand finale that would have easily put me into traction. Recommended, with reservations, for ages 6-12. (R. Pitman)