Ballet Dictionary: Grand jeté à la seconde
Photo by Mark Sumaylo • Text by Abigail Oliveiro
Step: Grand jeté à la seconde
How: This grand jeté is done in à la seconde. À la seconde describes that the step should be done to the side or in second position with the feet. In this case, the “à la seconde” indicates that the grand jeté should be done “to the side”. The dancer jumps by throwing one leg into the air to the side, then pushing off the other leg to the other side to form a straight line and then landing on the first leg. The throwing of the first leg can either be done in a Développé action (an unfolding motion bending the leg to a high passé position to straight) or a Grand Battement action (a swishing motion where the leg is already straight as it leaves the floor).
Tip: When throwing the first leg up, lift the leg to at least 90° to set the minimum height of the jump. As the other leg pushes up and off, try to lift the hips up so the jump has a lifted and suspended look.
Ballet: Don Quixote Act 3, Basilio’s Variation
Dancer: John Carl Concepcion, Ballet Manila 2
Location: Donada Condominium parking lot
