Saut de chat

A saut de chat is a soaring “cat’s jump,” one of the big traveling leaps that make ballet look like flying. The name means “jump of the cat,” and like its smaller cousin the pas de chat, it is inspired by the light, springing leap of a cat, but here the movement is much larger and covers real distance.

How the jump works

The exact form of a saut de chat varies depending on the school of ballet, such as the French, Italian, or Russian traditions, and teachers may describe it in slightly different ways. In many common versions, the dancer springs from one leg, sweeping the front leg up through a bent, developing action so the leg unfolds into the air as the body rises. The back leg follows, and at the height of the jump the dancer reaches a wide, split-like shape before landing softly on one leg. Because the leading leg often develops upward, some dancers and schools use “saut de chat” for a grand jeté in which the front leg unfolds rather than kicking straight up.

Whatever the exact style, the goal is height, a big airborne line, and a light landing. That takes a strong push off the floor, quick and clear leg action, and controlled strength to land without a heavy thud.

Why it varies

Ballet grew up in different countries, and each school developed its own vocabulary and preferred technique. Because of this, one studio’s saut de chat can look a little different from another’s, and the same jump may go by more than one name. The kindest thing a young dancer can do is follow how their own teacher defines and demonstrates the step, since the wording matters less than performing the leap cleanly and safely.