Dance- open side leaps?

Question

how can i learn to do a leap like this?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_VIRci9Eriw

i can do my middle splits, but i can't seem to get my legs up high and make them level with the rest of my body.

also, i tend to lean forward instead of keeping my back straight.

thanks so much! any advice is appreciated =)

Answer 1

Your legs should be in a straddle position (like when you're stretching on the ground) only in the air. You're not actually doing the middle splits in the air. Start by sitting in a straddle and lifting your legs off the ground for a few seconds at a time. (It's really boring, but if you do this a lot, it should help.) When you practice the actual side leap, keep your arms out to the side instead of in front like a lot of people do. This should help you keep your back straight. Make sure you prep well and don't lean forward to try to get your legs higher. They'll get higher if you try to get as flexible as possible in a straddle and prep well!

Hope this helped...Good luck!

Answer 2

You have to bend much farther than a split to so this leap... you should be able to to left and right splits, as well as the straddle split. Also, you should be able to stand up straight and lift your leg to your head.... (your leg should be straight)  do this with both sides and keep on practicing!