A frog, a firework and a rocket

The excitement built as we watched with wide eyes the prince leap across the stage into a huge grand jeté. My partner had never seen a ballet before, but wow was Swan Lake one to start on. Even he, who is not easily impressed by shows, was left amazed by the height that the dancer had achieved as he took off into the air like a frog jumping to its next lily pad, a firework shooting into the sky and a rocket shooting to the moon.  

To jump, to leap or to spring is a joy. Not many things compare to the feeling you get when you take off into the sky and perform a grand jeté (big leap), pas de chat (delicate sideways leap) or soubresaut (big jump with the feet crossed tightly in the air). But how do you execute the perfect jump? Here are my three top tips to help you with a simple sauté in first:

Tip 1: Start and end with a bend always, always, always! This not only helps to gather power but also provides a soft landing for the knees.

Tip 2: Think about the feet slowly peeling off the floor with the toes being the very last part of the foot to leave.

Tip 3: Make sure the legs and toes are fully pointed in the air to create a strong and elegant look.

Happy Jumping!