Ballet Term
Jeté entrelacé
Jeté entrelacé is an interlaced jump, where a dancer will throw a single leg in the air, jump and bring the other leg to meet the leg that is in the air, and switching their body position half way around, before landing in arabesque.
A jeté entrelacé is a big, dramatic traveling jump that ends in a soaring arabesque. The word entrelacé means “interlaced,” and it describes the way the two legs cross or interlace in the air as the dancer turns halfway around during the leap.
How the jump happens
The dancer throws one leg up into the air, springs off the floor, and brings the other leg up to meet the first. As the legs come together and pass, the body turns half a rotation, so the dancer takes off facing one way and lands facing the opposite way. The landing is in arabesque, with one leg extended behind and a long line through the body and arms. That switch of the legs in the air, combined with the half turn, is what gives the step its interlaced look.
Because so much happens at once, jeté entrelacé calls for height, a strong throw of the legs, control of the turn, and a steady arabesque landing that does not wobble. Dancers usually travel into it with a preparation such as a chassé or a few running steps to build the speed they need.
Where you will see it
This jump is a favorite for covering ground across the stage, and it often appears in a series of two or more that travel in a line or a diagonal. You may also hear it called a tour jeté or grand jeté en tournant, names that point to the turning quality of the leap. It is a signature step in many classical variations because it combines big travel, height, and a beautiful finishing line all in one movement.
Good to know
Frequently Asked Questions
What does entrelacé mean?
It means "interlaced." It describes how the legs cross or interlace in the air as the dancer performs a half turn during the leap.
How does a jeté entrelacé end?
It ends in arabesque. After the legs switch in the air and the body turns halfway around, the dancer lands on one leg with the other extended behind in a long line.
Is jeté entrelacé the same as a tour jeté?
Yes, they refer to the same jump. Tour jeté and grand jeté en tournant are other common names for it, all pointing to the turning, interlaced quality of the leap.