DVD REVIEW: Dance Xtreme

Our ever-benevolent reviewer, Kate Diamond, has slipped on her leotard to test the latest fitness DVDs and save you the job.

So, is the high-energy Dance Xtreme a winner?

X factor
Hosted by dance group Pulse – Bruno Tonioli’s winning team from the reality tv show Dance X. Unless you watched the show, chances are you wont recognise them.

Expert credentials
Pulse are joined by ‘personal trainer and international presenter’ Jackie Diss. Jackie has over 10 years experience in the fitness industry, and a penchant for oversized t shirts.

Soundtrack
Generic aerobics tracks which don’t always fit the dance theme perfectly.

Filming locations
The dvd is filmed in a dance studio in Islington. White sheets have been draped over the speaker table in an attempt to pretty it up.

Leg warmer count
In abundance. The girls are sponsored by Pineapple, and showcase their range of pink, white & black beautifully. The boys and Jackie attempt to out baggy each other in a series of XXL garments which, considering the genre, seems something of a health & safety hazard.

The Workout
Consists of five different dance styles – disco, hip hop, pop, latin and house. For each you spend around eight minutes learning a routine and then the final two minutes showcasing your new found talents in a freestyle dance off with the band. The dvd also features warm up, cool down and some short toning sections.

Explanations
Each routine is built up slowly by incorporating a series of dance moves, but individual steps aren’t always explained in great detail. Infuriatingly, much of the camera time is spent focusing on the dancer’s top halves, making it near impossible to follow their feet.

Fun factor
Putting a few basic steps together into some semblance of a dance routine is strangely rewarding. Being told to “use your hair”, “add your own pose” or “freestyle!” (which mainly seems to consist of shouting ‘Woo!’) could also be some people’s idea of fun.

Repeat appeal
Limited. Once you’ve mastered the dance routines (three viewings should do it, for even the most unsynchronised) you’re left with the two minute freestyle routines. One could argue these could be carried out just as effectively to proper music, without the DVD.

Square footage
Space to take two steps forward, back and to each side. More room may be required depending on your propensity to freestyle. A mat and optional chair are used in the toning section.

Score
4/10

Wanna buy it?

Dance Xtreme