Expert: Dianne M. Buxton - 2/25/2009

Question
From primary to intermediate, can you explain how you would teach the component parts that make up this step(grand jete en evant) to your pupils at each stage of their training. Can you give one example of a training exercise for each progressive stage.

Answer
Hi Joey. Starting at the primary level ballet class, it is correct posture combining with an accurate grand battment devant and derriere that will produce a good grand jete en avant.

A demi plie take off without posture changing or the heel coming off the ground, is a secure take off. An effective brush of the foot on the floor,practiced hundreds of times in battment tendu, degage, and grand battment, will add power.

Being able to change from upright back to a proper arabesque position (as in a grand battment derriere) will make for a good position in the air, and a good landing. Repetitive releves in arabesque at the barre will enable you to see if the position is being held well, and the demi plies are on balance and strong.

A chasse temps leve forward into arabesque is a good practice routine to also make sure the arabesque can be held in the air.

Brushing up into the devant position, arms reaching their position at the same moment, holding the position as though you were going to take a snapshot, and then tombe forward, repetitively across the floor, helps too.

If all the basics are done with strength, it doesn't take too much to do a good grand jete forward. However if the positions are not strong, they must be practiced at the barre in the usual exercises before the jump will improve.

Hope that helps, all the best, Dianne