The grand jeté is ballet’s signature leap: a big jump from one foot to the other with the legs in a split in the air. Height comes from the preparation and the brush of the front leg, not from kicking.
Step-by-step
- Preparation: usually a run, chassé or glissade to build momentum.
- Plié: push off from a strong plié on the back leg.
- Brush: throw the front leg forward through a grand battement, straight and turned out.
- Split: the back leg lifts behind as you reach the peak.
- Upper body: lift the chest, arms usually in an arabesque line.
- Landing: land on the front leg through the foot into plié, back leg in arabesque.
Variations
| Variation | Description |
|---|---|
| Grand jeté en tournant (tour jeté) | A turning leap with the legs switching in the air |
| Grand jeté développé | The front leg unfolds rather than brushes |
| Grand jeté en attitude | The back leg bent in attitude |
Drills
- Grand battements at the barre for leg speed.
- Split stretches, both sides.
- Plyometric bounds for power.
- Low jetés focusing on the brush and landing.
Common mistakes
- Bending the front knee.
- Dropping the chest and looking down.
- Landing on a straight leg.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get more height in my grand jeté?
Use a stronger plié push-off, a faster brush and build leg power with plyometrics.
Do I need a full split for a grand jeté?
No, but split flexibility makes the line look fuller.
Which leg do I land on?
The front leg, landing softly in plié.
