Truthfully, my boys' reception of Harry was lukewarm. Initially enthusiastic, they lost interest rather quickly during the DVD's first play. Repeated viewings were met with familiarity and smiles, but I don't think they ever sat (or danced) through the entire program, until I realized it was the last segment that caught Splig's attention (more on that later.) Still, the Cat picked up some of Harry's lines, and definitely picked up the grating "Ha-HA!" laugh.

Hip Hop Harry: Move Those Feet is ambitious. It seeks to teach positive competitive spirit / good sportsmanship, basic "how-to" on the dance floor, and little tips like "remember to drink lots of water!" and to stretch prior to dancing. Then there are lessons independent of dance, such as encouraging students to visit the library to read books to learn just about anything. The format is very similar to another show in which there is a large character (who happens to be purple, instead of jewelry-laden) teaching multi-cultural kids. The dance instruction episodes, however, are novel. I admit that when I saw Shane Sparks, who many know from "So You Think You Can Dance," it was my interest that was sparked.

Interestingly enough, it was during the Shane Sparks segment that Spliggle really became enamored with the show. I think the actual "learning of dance moves" is more appealing than the first episode storyline which is about a dance competition (which for those who aren't familiar, doesn't have moves the other kids can necessarily imitate.) Oh, and the Cat liked the soccer ball lights hanging from the ceiling. After Spliggle saw the "You Can Dance!" episode, he wanted to watch the DVD "again and again."

My suggestion would be to re-order the episodes so that the instructional segments air before the competition segment. Just as the character "Katie" in "You Can Dance!" is initially nervous about trying hip-hop, perhaps some of the kids feel the same way at the beginning of the DVD.

This DVD is terrific for kids who are into dancing, perhaps whose older siblings might listen to actual hip-hop music. Harry's variety is more of that late-80's squeaky clean (which of course one would hope given this is a children's show!) His attire is definitely "old school" with his sideways hat and rather large clock accessory. Cue flashback from high school... er... never mind.

Before the DVD airs, there is a little warning stating that the dancers depicted are professionals, so kids shouldn't try to mimic any of the moves. But, of course, the kids will mimic the dancing, particularly during "I Like to Move," when a fitness expert teaches the kids some fun ways to exercise, and "You Can Dance!" where three different "levels" of hip-hop are taught, the last segment for which Shane Sparks makes his appearance.

Hip Hop Harry: Move Those Feet has terrific intentions, but I think it aims to accomplish too much in a single DVD. I really love the instructional segments, and after awhile Harry's laugh was a little less annoying, particularly because the characters are so kind and earnest that I'd feel guilty for being critical of an accent when so much of the message is about inclusion!

Hip Hop Harry: Move Those Feet can be found at amazon.com - Check it out, yo!