Ballet Term
Coupé-jeté en tournant
Coupé-jeté en tournant is also commonly called "coupé jeté.” A Coupé-jeté en tournant is a split jeté with a turn done in between. This step can be done as a series en menège, in a circle, or simply as a single step.
Coupé-jeté en tournant, often shortened to coupé jeté, is a traveling turning jump made of two linked parts: a coupé, which is a small cutting step that changes the supporting foot, and a grand jeté with a turn worked in between. Together they create one continuous rotating jump that carries the dancer through space while turning.
How it is performed
The step begins with a coupé, a quick cut of one foot under the other that launches the movement and starts the rotation. From there the dancer springs into a jeté, throwing one leg through as the body turns in the air, so the jump and the turn happen at the same time. The dancer lands and immediately coupés again to begin the next one. When repeated, each coupé feeds the next jeté, so the step chains together into a smooth, rolling series of turning leaps.
Where you will see it
Coupé-jeté en tournant is a showpiece step, often done as a traveling series en manège, meaning around the edge of the stage in a large circle. It can also appear as a diagonal line across the floor or as a single step. Because it covers ground while turning, it is a favorite for the exciting finales of variations and codas.
Common mistakes
Because the step packs a cut, a jump, and a turn into one beat, timing is the usual struggle. Dancers often rush the coupé and lose the push they need for the jeté, or they under-rotate and drift off their line. Spotting helps keep a manège traveling on its circle. Keeping the jeté full and the coupé sharp, rather than blurring them together, keeps the step clean and traveling.
Good to know
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "en tournant" mean in coupé-jeté en tournant?
"En tournant" means "turning." It tells you the step includes a turn, so the coupé and jeté are performed while the body rotates.
Is coupé-jeté usually done alone or in a series?
It can be a single step, but it is most often performed as a traveling series, frequently en manège in a large circle around the stage during a finale.