Sautes (jumps) in ballet help?

Question

absolutely terrible at them elevation wise, any tips for improvement?

Answer 1

o well i love jumping and thinking about going up helps make your jump higher!also remember to push with the  tips of your toes.

Answer 2

Hi missy,

There's not much specifically that I can tell you.  Try to bend very deeply into your plié, so that you stretch your Achilles tendon.  Don't double bounce on your way down, because it's painful and can cause your knee to buckle.  Always just go straight down into whatever position you're going into.

Keep your chin up and eyes just above eye level.  That will give the illusion of height.

Keep your posture correct as if you were standing at the barre, even when you're in the air.  I know it doesn't sound like it will make much of a difference, but believe me, it will.  A good way to do this without thinking too much about it is to think you're doing it.  As I like to tell my students, think like a dancer and you'll dance like a dancer.  If you think you're doing something beautifully with great posture and impeccable form, you'll look a lot more artistic and aesthetically your form will improve.  Your mind is a very powerful thing.

Always roll completely through the foot on your way up.  On some floors, you can hear a sort of sticky sound, and that means you're rolling through.  It might not happen on your floor, but if it does, good.  When you push off the floor with every part of your foot as your roll through it to jump, you'll get a better elevation.

Good luck and sorry this wasn't too specific.  If you need more details or have more questions, don't hesitate to shoot me an email.  Keep dancing!♥