How do you pick instructional videos?

[pygmalion]

I used to use the "browse through the catalog or web site, then buy as many as I can afford," method. I got some really pitiful videos that way, LOL.

Just curious. What do you think is the best way to select videos? By reputation of the teacher? By recommendations from friends? By what you're working on in your dance training? Any other good ways?

[Sagitta]

Depends on what you are trying to learn. Df is a great place to get advice, as you know. I always try to see what people have said about the videos, the instructors in general, etc.

[cl5814]

The dance camp i attended also tried to promote the instructors as good candidates for video purchases. Most of them, if not all, did videos for dancevision. I definitely know whose videos i will purchase in future...

[pygmalion]

Exactly. Not all are good. :?

[MacMoto]

To this date, I only have two videos.

The first one, Edie's spins video, I bought by recommendation here on DF.
The second one, Susana's styling video, I bought after taking her workshops because I liked her approach to teaching.

I'm thinking about buying Edie's styling video, since I find her styling concept interesting (I took her ladies styling workshop).

So I'd say base your choice on:
- What you want out of instructional videos
- Recommendation
- What you know about the instructor, not just general reputation but whether their teaching philosophy agrees with you.

[pygmalion]

So you think Edie is a good bet, based on what you've seen? 8)

[MacMoto]

So you think Edie is a good bet, based on what you've seen? 8)
Well, she (with Al) has a number of "moves videos", and I have no idea if they are good or not -- to me, moves videos are for leaders, so I haven't checked out any. For follower-specific skills such as spinning and styling, yes, I think she's a good teacher with a unique style and approach, and you can learn a lot from her.