Ballroom for Beginners; Dance Basics Plus

How many of us have engaged in the "why" dance, which host and instructor Ricardo Salazar describes as the kind of dance where you wrap your arms around your partner, and then stand and sway...so why dance? Those of us graced with two left feet who would like to cut the parquet with a little verve (like the folks in Strictly Ballroom) will appreciate Ballroom for Beginners, an engaging introduction to the waltz, foxtrot, and swing, which includes both step-by-step instruction for guys and gals, as well as general tips about where (and where not) gentleman should place their hands, and how not to step on those blue suede high heels. A fine introduction for aspiring ballroom dancers. Recommended. Aud: P.Dance Basics Plus covers some of the same material as Ballroom for Beginners, but while the supplementary materials are more comprehensive, the organization of the videos and technical quality are not in the same league. Hosted by instructor Tony Lewis, the oversized boxed set includes a pair of audiocassettes, three manuals, and two videos. The Techniques Plus video (recorded in the SLP-mode) is a confusing effort, comprised mainly of stills illustrating various positions and movements while title screens routinely refer viewers to the manual (without specific page numbers shown). The Ballroom Dancing video (recorded in SP-mode) is better--though our review copy opened mid-sentence--with Lewis and a revolving set of partners demonstrating the basics of waltz, foxtrot, and swing dancing. Still, Ballroom for Beginners wins this particular competition hands-down. Not a necessary purchase. Aud: P. (R. Pitman)