How to Leap Higher and Longer
Tips and Tricks for Learning and Improving Leaps and Grand Jetés
The art of leaping, whether it is in ballet, jazz, or a more modern style of dancing, has often challenged even the greatest of dancers. Achieving the same grace and height of dancers in professional ballets is possible, but it requires basic knowledge and skill in ballet, adequate practice, and perseverance.
Flexibility and Splits
It might sound basic, but to have the widest, most beautiful leaps, or grand jetés, you must first have beautiful splits. Once the split has been mastered on the floor, try overstretching by carefully balancing each leg on a chair (or similar surfaces) set about two feet apart. This will lend to even further flexibility both in splits and leaps.
The Importance of the Plié
To master a leap, you must first have great strength and control of the plié, or deep bending of the knees. This requires strength not only of the entire leg, but also the core muscles of the stomach and back. First work on the plié and grande plié in each position at the barre and once balance and control are found, try grande pliés in the centre.
The plié is the beginning and the end of the leap, and the better the beginning and end of the leap, the better the actual leap will be. When beginning a leap, the deeper the plié, the more potential energy is created, and the higher you can spring off of the ground. When landing, you must land in a plié to help absorb shock and weight, or else risk serious injury, especially of the knees.
Momentum and Form
Gaining speed, whether through chassé or running, can help you leap further, but the final step of a plié should still be where you receive ultimate height. Because you have already gained forward momentum and speed through the chassé or other introductory step, it is not necessary to concentrate on moving across the floor, but instead on moving up and away from the floor.
Your body will continue to move forward as you propel into the air, and the higher you get, the further you will leap. Lifting your head and focusing your spot on a high and distant object while leaping can also aid in gaining height.
When in the air, be careful not to lift arms in any arabesque position too high. Concentrate on splitting your legs as far apart as possible, but once in the air, remember to think about landing with bent knees. Remember to consciously straighten the back leg while in the air, since by nature, your knee will bend slightly. Keep toes pointed and arms lengthened while in the air.
Avoid the “rocking horse” or “seesaw” look by pushing hard off of your bent back leg as you sweep your front leg off the ground and by keeping your core aligned and perpendicular to the floor.
By gaining flexibility, practicing technique, and developing control, your leaps will be longer, higher, and more graceful.
Once Mastered, Leaps are Graceful and Impressive
|
What do you think about this article?
Comments
More in Visual & Performing Arts
Latest Articles