Hip Hop Harry: Got a good beat and it's easy to dance, too!

As children of the 80's - okay, so I was a teenager, allrightalready - my twin brother and went clubbing together and rocked out in our tres trendy baggie pants, sporting bi-level haircuts and blindingly white high top sneakers; the most humorous characteristics of the decade, really.

My children find that, and thought of their mother ever being hip, laughable.

Unlike their momma, they can dance.

No, really, my husband and I don't have any idea where they get their rhythm from and you won't believe what I caught them doing on the couch, yesterday!?!?

All four of my kids love to watch America's Next Top Dance Crew (phew, that's saying a lot) so, when I was offered a chance to review Hip Hop Harry - the Emmy-nominated program on TLC - and his new DVD called “Move Those Feet,” I thought that this would be the perfect fit.  Especially, for Mini-me!

The DVD has three episodes - Fancy Footwork, I Like to Move! and You Can Dance! - using music, dance and rhyme to teach kids about language, social skills and problem solving.

The dancing I get - well, not really - but, I was curious to learn about the teaching aspects of hip hop.

So, I finally got a chance to watch with Mini-me (she's 6) who was feeling a bit under the weather and Thing Two (who's a terribly troublesome tween, at 12) snapped this picture, to remember the moment - apparently, I don't ever sit down, NEVER!

Then, Thing Two felt pooped - she wasn't feeling very well, either - which, clearly, was an invitation for Mini-me to join her on the couch.

"How are you supposed to dance, lying down?"

Seriously, not a good sign and I kept thinking of ways that I could make Mini-me, you know, get up off the couch and dance for the nice readers!

Then, Thing One (she's 14) stopped by...to see what we were watching...CLICK...too late, I've got proof and...wait a minute...was she really singing along?

"It's got a good beat, but the script is stupid."

I quickly reminded Thing One that Move Those Feet is a G-rated DVD and recommended for children ages 3 and up.

But, that didn't stop The Boy (he's 9) from stopping by, after his shower, or Thing One from grabbing another bowl of cereal and sitting down, to watch.

"Whoa, a kid's body shouldn't be able to do that!"

What impressed my children the most about the DVD is the awesome dance moves and gymnastics-like manuevers performed in a friendly competition between the kids, who were separated into two dance teams.

Green and orange. 

Which, by the way, was another pleasant surprise - teaching kids that it's okay to want to win, I mean - unlike some of the television shows my kids have watched, I really appreciated the way each of the episodes reinforced lessons that my husband and I are dealing with, here at home.

Without being rude and mean, or too sappy.

Hip Hop Harry is actually a totally lovable teddy bear, who happens to wear a lot of bling, and helps bring home the importance of movement to keep healthy and drinking lots of water (especially, before and after exercise) better than any obnoxious dinosaur my two oldest kids may remember.

What?

[the sound of crickets chirping]

JabbaWockeeZ rule!

[blank stares]

Whatevuh, the kids and I think this DVD is the bomb and encourage other families to stop, drop down on the couch and feel the beat - I'm pretty sure your feet won't have any trouble following, right along!

[This review was made possible by the Parent Bloggers Network]

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