Photo by Mark Sumaylo • Text by Abigail Oliveiro

Step: Grand Jeté. The word “Grand” means big and “Jeté” is to throw. Grand Jeté is a big throw.

How: The dancer jumps by throwing one leg into the air in front, then pushing off the back leg behind to form a straight line and then landing on the front 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 front leg up, lift the leg to at least 90° to set the minimum height of the jump. As the back leg pushes up and off, try to also push or move to hips forward so the jump has a lifted, suspended “up and over” look. Like jumping over a fence rather than a jump In the same spot with just the legs working, making the dancer look like they are landing on the fence instead.

Ballet: This step is common to both male and female variations.

Dancer: Brian Sevilla, Trainee

Location: University of the Philippines, Diliman