Breakin' It Down

Former In Living Color Fly Girl and choreographer (Making the Band 3, Honey) Laurie Ann Gibson hosts this dance instruction program full of trendy costume changes and clichéd urban slang (“drop it like it's hot!”). Regardless, Breakin' It Down does a good job of presenting the fundamental elements of contemporary dance moves through a customary warm-up, beginner “Starting Steps,” intermediate “Turnin' Up the Heat” moves, advanced “Full Flava” combinations, and a “Club Superstar” freestyle segment to wrap things up. Backed by trained dancers and great DJ music, Gibson's technique is slightly intimidating, but her solid demonstrations (using claps, turns, and rolls, sometimes with picture-in-picture shots of her feet) and constant reminders to have fun using your own self-expression make the program seem easily within the capabilities of those willing to make the effort. Also featuring a “Club Remix” (with freestyle pointers for adapting to different music styles such as house, reggae, and salsa), Breakin' It Down is bundled with a bonus disc containing the documentary “Making the Dancer,” which includes auditions for Brandy's latest tour, as well as testimonials from artists such as Alicia Keys and Missy Elliott. Sure to be popular, this is recommended. Aud: P. (J. Williams-Wood)