Q&A for How to Do a Grand Jete

If you can't get the leap all the way into the splits, don't focus on your front leg. Instead, stretch out your back leg. Even if your leg is bent, make sure you're stretching it. Your front leg will get up on its own once you have the back leg in place perfectly. Don't expect to get your grand jeté down after just three times -- it could take anywhere from weeks to over a year to perfect it.

You can, if you are a gymnast you normally take a step or two before doing it, but if you are a dancer, you take a small skip before it, then plie and leap (this can differ).

Try practicing every day. Stretching and practicing your leaps will definitely help. But only do it once a day, try not to overdo it or you may injure yourself. You also need to learn how to do the front splits. (The splits with one leg facing forward and one leg facing back.) These will definitely help. And remember to just try to be patient -- sooner or later you will get your split leap.

Practice will aid your progress. Make sure to keep your shoulders back and to breathe correctly. These two things will help you maintain your form as you land.

The best way to get a higher jump is to make sure that you do a really deep plié, then push your feet into the floor before you push off. Use the strength in your legs to really lift yourself up.

It can take about a month of continuous (but not too harsh) stretching. It really differs from person to person - levels of strength, flexibility, practice etc.

Don't give up! Everyone is different and it can take people different amounts of time to get their splits. Make sure you're stretching every day, even for 15 minutes at a time. If you're close to the splits, try and go into oversplits (splits in a raised position). This can really help improve your normal splits.

Try reaching for your toes and leaping day after day to focus your stretching.

Yes, you need to make sure they are straight during the jump and force them up.

Make sure you hold your core. You might need to build up your leg muscles too.

It doesn't really matter, you just have to get your splits and be strong in your core.

To make it look nice, yes, but a mediocre dancer or gymnast can accept an imperfect split. Try it everyday until a split is reached.

It depends on whether or not you're in a class/competition where it may not be allowed, but if not, go ahead! However, try to practice keeping your hands down.

Yes. You can use either leg, depending on which is easier or which leg the choreography requires. Make sure you practice splits both ways and practice the leap both ways. It's best to stretch equally on each leg and practice equally on each leg, as it will make you stronger.

Yes, you can still do the split leap without being able to do the splits. Your legs will just be a bit lower than they normally would be in the air.

It seems like your flexibility isn't the trouble here, but your strength. Do the exercises in Part 2 for building strength, and you should be able to do the splits in the air soon enough.

Make sure you start in a pile, then extend your right leg and push off your left to gain height and power.

Definitely! The higher you chasse, the higher and better your jete will be.

No, you don't, although being flexible does help.

I used to have this same problem. I would really squeeze your legs once you get into the jete and focus on that. It's difficult, but eventually it will become second nature.

It all depends on how your teacher/choreographer wants them! My studio usually has them in a L position, but ask your instructor for specific directions.

It can be done on pointe shoes if you are en pointe. However, it is not required and the move can be done in ballet slippers just like any other ballet move.

Make sure you stretch more. When your muscles are burning, it means that you are tearing apart your muscle fibers to be repaired later, which leads to muscle build up. If you are truly in pain, then stop and take a break. You don't want to injure your muscles.

You need to be able to jump higher, which means working on the strength of your legs. Otherwise, you will not be able to leap well, even with that flexibility. Try jumping rope or just jumping as high as you can every day.

You need to stretch both really hard, unless you do a stag and don't bend them when landing.

This is probably because you aren't flexible enough. In order to do a grand jete well, you must be able to do a split or something close to it. If you can do a split but it still hurts your legs, maybe try an oversplit.

That is something! You should work on leg-strengthening exercises. Then, keep on working.

No, it is totally fine if you do not have shoes for this. But if you want to be professional then you can buy shoes.

No, being able to do the splits is an essential part of this.

Stretch every day and try to get an oversplit, so that you can get a perfect split in the air. Start with your legs really low to the floor and keep your knees straight while in the air. Keep aiming to do the splits wider and wider each week and soon, you'll be able to do it. Don't give up!