The Charge

I be jammin'.

The Case

So who exactly are the JammX Kids? Why, they're a group of racially diverse, age varying young people with a song in their heart and some kick-ass dance moves in their feet. And they're here to pump some hip-hop into any kid looking for a rhythmic beat-down.

Can't Dance Don't Want To is a 30-minute dance tutorial, spiffed out by an entertaining little narrative. Here's the story: Young Josh has some serious self-esteem issues. He's got his eye out for the cute girl in his class, and would love to meet her at his school's dance, but he distrusts his dancing ability. So he is content to just park his behind at the computer and gripe to his best friend about his romance woes. Thankfully, the JammX Kids are listening in to the conversation, and prepare a super-hip intervention to get Josh's confidence level into the ionosphere. And how are they going to do that? By magically teleporting into their flying delivery van, infiltrating Josh's house, and forcing him to learn some sweet dance moves. Hesitant at first, Josh eventually succumbs to the infectious beat and soon transforms into a one-man Soul Train!

And your kid could be next!

The bulk of this disc is dedicated to dance instruction. Six specific dances are tackled by the JammX Kids: Grape Vine Groove, Stomp Out, Scare Crow, Twist Hop, Monestary, and Chest Pop. Yeah, I know what you're thinking: "Gee, these dances sound like fatalities for the next installment of Mortal Kombat." That they may, but let me assure you, there ain't nothing here but flat-out movin' and groovin'.

The step-by-steps are walked through one beat at a time and prefaced by a helpful crash course in simply rhythm. As is the norm with instructional DVDs of this ilk, the learning progression accelerates into full-blown dance routines set to music. What isn't customary is the loose plot and characterization that goes with the learning, making it all more entertaining and—I would wager—engaging for kids. Eventually, Josh nabs all the routines then is off to the dance to show off his sweet moves while the JammX kids lay down some melodies.

This is a fun, exuberant disc and if you're a) a kid itching to learn some dope moves to flaunt at your next spring fling or b) a creepy adult who wants to keep up on all the trends, the JammX Kids should serve you well. My only complaint: the encouragement of questionable fashion trends among young girls. One young lady is a tad overweight, yet dresses in a too-tight outfit and another girl has been, frankly, decked out in whorish attire.

Loads of extras accompany the program, most notably an introduction by American Idol judge Randy Jackson and a special dance session with Shaquille O'Neal. A pile of behind-the-scenes spots feature interview with the JammX Kids, candid making-of footage, and a live performance at the Hollywood Radio and Television Society.

Similar Decisions

• Sound And Motion: Volume 1
• Are We There Yet? (Travel Disc)
• Emerson Lake And Palmer: Pictures At An Exhibition
• Stuart Little 2

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