Changement

A changement is a jump from fifth position in which the dancer springs straight up and switches the feet in the air, landing in fifth position with the other foot in front. The name means “changing,” which describes exactly what happens: the front and back feet trade places during the jump. It is closely related to the souté and forms part of a dancer’s basic vertical jumps.

How the Jump Works

The dancer begins in fifth position, bends into a plié, and pushes evenly off both feet. In the air the legs are stretched and the feet pointed, and near the top of the jump the feet quietly change so the back foot comes to the front. The landing returns to a controlled plié in fifth. The change happens cleanly, without the legs splitting apart, so the movement looks smooth rather than scrambled.

Why It Matters

Changement teaches the fundamentals that every jump depends on: a strong plié, a full push through the feet, pointed toes in the air, and a soft, quiet landing. Because it is straightforward, teachers use it early to build elevation and stamina, often repeating it many times in a row. It also prepares dancers for beaten jumps like royale and entrechat, which add crossings and beats to the same basic up-and-down action.

A grand changement is simply a larger version done with a deeper plié and more height, giving the dancer more time in the air to make the change.