Ballet jumps (allegro) start and finish in plié. You push through the floor, point your feet in the air, keep your turnout and core engaged, and land softly through the toes, ball and heel back into plié.
Key technique
- Plié to push: a deep, controlled plié with heels down loads the jump.
- Point the feet: fully stretched in the air.
- Stay lifted: engaged core, shoulders down, neck long.
- Land quietly: toe, ball, heel, then plié, with knees over toes.
- Keep turnout from the hips throughout.
Types of jumps
| Group | Examples | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Small jumps (petit allegro) | Sauté, changement, échappé sauté, soubresaut | Quick, light, close to the floor |
| Beaten jumps (batterie) | Entrechat quatre, royale | Legs beat together in the air |
| Traveling jumps | Glissade, assemblé, jeté, pas de chat | Linked steps moving across the floor |
| Big jumps (grand allegro) | Grand jeté, tour jeté, cabriole | High, expansive leaps |
Exercises for higher jumps
- Calf raises and relevés for ankle strength.
- Squats and single-leg work for power.
- Core work for control in the air.
- Plyometric drills under a teacher’s guidance.
Common mistakes
- Heels not reaching the floor in plié.
- Landing loudly or on straight knees.
- Losing turnout in the air.
Frequently asked questions
How can I jump higher in ballet?
Use a full plié, strengthen your calves and legs, and time the push-off.
Why do ballet teachers say to land quietly?
Quiet landings show control and protect the joints.
What is the first ballet jump taught?
Usually sauté in first position.
