Paula Abdul Cardio Dance

She sings, she dances, and she's adorable. We should hate her guts, but believe me, Paula is our friend, and she'll get us into shape...or kill us trying. As stated in the title, viewers receive two distinct benefits from this challenging tape: 1), a solid stretch-warm-up-exercise-exercise-exercise-cool-down cardiovascular workout, and 2) a nearly 40 minute hip-hop dance lesson. Abdul, an accomplished choreographer who has taught dance for years, is a stylin' dancer with a funky edge, and her instruction is fast, fun and encouraging. The program includes dance steps such as the "Mambo," "The Bus Stop," "The Strut," "The Military Groove," and "The Grapevine," and while viewers may feel a bit overwhelmed at the onset, Abdul's transitions from each step are so smooth that before you know it, BAM, you're adding your own brand of salsa to the move. In addition to the exceptional camerawork and editing, the program features on-screen announcements of what's up next, picture-in-picture mirror images (so you don't have to transcribe the moves), and an upbeat music track that perfectly matches both the instruction and step tempo. DVD extras include a behind-the-scenes photo shoot and interview with Abdul, and an instructor-only audio option so that viewers can workout to their own music. Highly recommended. Aud: P. (N. Plympton)