Learning how to execute different types of leaps and jumps, such as a grand jete or sauté, requires proper technique and strength.
Alignment: The proper positioning of the body in relation to gravity to achieve balance and stability.
Turnout: The external rotation of the hip joint to create a wider range of motion in the legs and feet.
Core strength: The development of the muscles in the abdomen, lower back, and hips to maintain proper posture and control during leaps and jumps.
Plyometrics: Exercises that focus on explosive movements to develop power and speed in leaping and jumping.
Preparatory exercises: Exercises that target specific muscles and movements involved in leaping and jumping to improve technique and prevent injury.
Coordination: The ability to synchronize body movements with music and other dancers in a group setting.
Spotting: The technique of quickly turning the head and body to maintain balance and control during turns and jumps.
Timing: The ability to execute movements in sync with the beat of the music or other dancers.
Breathing: Maintaining proper breathing techniques to ensure adequate oxygen intake and prevent fatigue during long sequences of leaps and jumps.
Footwork: The precise placement of the feet and toes during leaps and jumps to achieve optimal height, distance, and landing.
Jeté: A jump where one leg is thrown in the air while the other leg pushes off from the ground.
Grand Jeté: A larger version of the jeté, where the dancer leaps off one leg and extends the other leg in a high extension while in the air.
Sauté: A small jump where both feet leave the ground at the same time.
Sissone: A jump performed from two feet where one leg extends forward or backward and the other leg crosses behind or in front of the extended leg in mid-air.
Cabriole: A jump where one leg is brushed into the air and then beats against the supporting leg before landing.
Assemblé: A jump where the dancer jumps into the air and brings the legs together before landing.
Changement: A jump where the dancer jumps into the air, switches the position of their legs in mid-air, and lands with the opposite leg in front.
Chassé: A jump where one foot slides or glides into the air before the other foot kicks off the ground.
Pas de chat: A jump where the dancer jumps into the air and brings both feet up to the knee before gliding them back down to the ground.
Temps levé: A jump where the dancer rises onto the ball of one foot before leaping into the air with the other foot.
Entrechat: A jump where the dancer beats their legs in the air while jumping and lands on the opposite foot.
Tour Jeté: A jump where the dancer performs a turn in the air while leaping.
Barrel Jump: A jump that consists of a full turn in the air while the legs are tightly crossed.
Glissade: A sliding step that can also function as a jump where the dancer jumps from one foot to the other while moving forward or sideways.
The Leap: A leap where the dancer jumps from one foot to the other and extends their legs forward or to the side while in the air.