Grand jeté

A grand jeté is a big traveling leap in which the dancer springs from one leg and lands on the other, throwing the legs apart into a split in the air. It is one of the most recognizable steps in ballet, prized for the feeling of soaring across the stage. Because it asks for power, flexibility, and control, the grand jeté is typically done by intermediate to advanced ballet students.

How a Grand Jeté Is Performed

A grand jeté usually starts with a preparatory step such as a glissade or a few running steps to build momentum. The front leg brushes or kicks forward through a grand battement while the dancer pushes strongly off the back leg. At the height of the leap the legs open into a split shape in the air, with both legs straight and both feet pointed. The dancer then lands on the front leg in a soft demi-plié, often letting the back leg trail into an arabesque line.

What Makes It Look Effortless

The goal of a grand jeté is the feeling of hanging in the air, or ballon. To achieve it, dancers need a strong push from the floor, a fast and full split, and a controlled landing that absorbs the height without a jolt. Flexibility helps the legs reach a wide split, but strength in the legs and core is what launches the jump and controls the landing. Because it combines a preparation, a powerful jump, and a graceful landing, the grand jeté is a highlight of grand allegro combinations.