Good workout and fun to learn the steps
I'd seen Lisa Wheeler on some of Petra Kolber's workout tapes and that's why I ordered this one. It didn't disappoint. I would go ahead and get the VHS; you will get the good out of it.

I enjoy learning different routines and new steps, and this video provided a lot of opportunities for that. I had to "fake" the routines for the first few times; it was only after that that my body seemed to remember the basics so I could work on adding the embellishments. This is delayed gratification in a good way!

It was great to have three different workouts of varying intensities and with different routines. I've tried all three, but most commonly do the first and second intensities together, mostly because of time constraints.

Lisa gives great cues and good advice about how to "feel" the movements associated with each step. The dancers who work with Lisa (two men and two women) are well worth watching, too. Each of them has his or her own style and I am finding myself trying out a little bit of this and that. The music was fine for me, not obtrusive but rhythmic enough to help me keep time.

Yes, as other reviewers have reported, this is cardio, not Pilates. I had read the description of the tape and realized that, so I was not disappointed.

In short, it's a fun aerobic dance tape and good for the long haul.

nice dance video
I have tried three of the method videos (dance to fitness, all in one workout and dynamic cardio)and this one is the best.
1. it is easy to follow. Lisa explained everything clearly and always told you what was coming. I followed her without any problem 99% of the time the first time I tried the tape.
2. it is a nice aerobic workout. The dance moves of the first section are of low impact. The second part is very similar to Lisa's section of "dance to fitness". The final section is more like regular hi-lo aerobics (like the Tamilee Webb tapes)than dance. I did all three and I got a good sweat.
3. the only drawback I can find is the music

Interesting and Fun Exercise
I took a lot of dance as a teenager but find it hard to find classes that cater to the middle age person. This tape does the job well. It is engaging and fun. I have had no problem doing it in my living room and making it as "cardio" as I need it to be. I too wonder how they can use the word Pilates since it is not referred to in the tape at all. The teacher is excellent.

Dance Routine--not for uncoordinated or advanced exerciser
I am a beginning exerciser, I'm small framed and at 120 lbs and 5'5" not in need of serious weight loss. But, I love to do this tape. It WILL get your heart rate up if you have dance experience and can do all the routines full out the first (or even second) time. I get my heart rate up and break a sweat with this video. You will NOT get your heart rate up if you can't follow along and have to sort of fake the moves and stand in front of your TV in frustration. I also think it's a little too easy for the hard core Method and Firm fans. True, there is NO Pilates work, I don't know why they lied about that. But this video is in my normal exercise rotation as a light 30 min (if you do all 3) workout, and is very good when I've been off aerobics for awhile. If you love dance and are in need of a light - medium workout, this one is for you.

Fun, innovative, good EVEN workout
I would have to agree with other reviews regarding the use of PILATES in the title. When considering pilates is traditionally matwork,abdominal centering and lengthening, this video does not hit the mark. BUT in its' defense, the package states it is a CARDIO workout.

The dance sequences are tough to master, but that's a good thing. This tape uses your mind and body's coordination. You will not get bored.

As far as beginner versus advanced, the workout does raise your heartrate. For people with more advanced conditioning, this tape will probably meet your 60% of your target heart rate. You won't be pushing hard like with other tapes. A beginner probably will be more around the 80% range.

Conclusion: Buy it to supplement your tape collection. It's fun and different.