Q&A for How to Do a Grand Jete

Return to Full Article

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    How do you get your back leg higher in the leap? I've tried three times and it's hopeless.
    Community Answer
    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.
  • Question
    Do you run and do the grand jete?
    Community Answer
    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).
  • Question
    What about if I have no experience and I want to make it into a dance team, how much will I have to practice?
    Community Answer
    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.
  • Question
    How do I keep my chest up and maintain my form? When I land, I look like a mess.
    Community Answer
    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.
  • Question
    How do I jump higher?
    Community Answer
    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.
  • Question
    How long does it take to learn how to do a grand jete?
    Community Answer
    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.
  • Question
    What if I can't do a split and I've tried for over a year?
    Community Answer
    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.
  • Question
    What are the best stretches to do?
    Community Answer
    Try reaching for your toes and leaping day after day to focus your stretching.
  • Question
    Do I have to force my legs?
    Community Answer
    Yes, you need to make sure they are straight during the jump and force them up.
  • Question
    I jump and fall. How do I balance?
    IncredibleGuinevere
    Community Answer
    Make sure you hold your core. You might need to build up your leg muscles too.
  • Question
    What if I am a beginner in ballet?
    Oconnor101
    Community Answer
    It doesn't really matter, you just have to get your splits and be strong in your core.
  • Question
    Do I have to do a perfect split?
    Community Answer
    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.
  • Question
    Is it okay to put my hands up when doing a split jump?
    Community Answer
    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.
  • Question
    Can I do a split leap with my left leg in front instead of my right?
    Community Answer
    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.
  • Question
    Am I able to do a split leap even if I can't do the splits?
    Community Answer
    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.
  • Question
    I can't do the splits in mid-air, but I can do the splits on the ground. What should I do?
    Community Answer
    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.
  • Question
    How do I do the beginning few steps?
    Community Answer
    Make sure you start in a pile, then extend your right leg and push off your left to gain height and power.
  • Question
    Should I chasse into it?
    Community Answer
    Definitely! The higher you chasse, the higher and better your jete will be.
  • Question
    Do I have to be flexible to do a grand jete?
    Community Answer
    No, you don't, although being flexible does help.
  • Question
    What should I do if my teacher says my back leg is always bent?
    Community Answer
    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.
  • Question
    How should I have my arms?
    Community Answer
    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.
  • Question
    Is a grand jete done on en pointe shoes?
    Community Answer
    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.
  • Question
    How do I stop the pain in my legs?
    IncredibleGuinevere
    Community Answer
    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.
  • Question
    I can do the splits and the oversplits, but my leaps look the same. What should I do?
    Community Answer
    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.
  • Question
    Should we stretch our back leg straight or right leg?
    Community Answer
    You need to stretch both really hard, unless you do a stag and don't bend them when landing.
  • Question
    How do I extend my legs? I try to do it, but it hurts.
    Community Answer
    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.
  • Question
    How do I leap further? When I leap I always go 5 feet.
    Community Answer
    That is something! You should work on leg-strengthening exercises. Then, keep on working.
  • Question
    Do I need shoes for this? Because I don"t have ballet or jazz shoes.
    Oconnor101
    Community Answer
    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.
  • Question
    Can I do this without being able to do the splits?
    Community Answer
    No, being able to do the splits is an essential part of this.
  • Question
    What if my back leg is bent and my legs are really low to the floor?
    Karen Rekdal
    Community Answer
    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!
Ask a Question

      Return to Full Article