Photo by Mark Sumaylo • Text by Abigail Oliveiro

Step: Jeté Entrelacé

How: A Jeté Entrelacé means an “interlaced throw.” This step is usually done in grand allegro (big jumps). The dancer first throws one leg into the air in front of them while pushing off for a jump. As the dancer is jumping, the other leg lifts off the floor to meet the first leg. At the height of the jump, the dancer switches their body half way around (to face the opposite side they started) as they scissor their legs open before landing in arabesque on the leg that was first thrown in the air. This step is common to both male and female dancers.

Tip: The first battement jeté (throw) of the leg is incredibly important as it is that throw that sets the height of the jump. The throw has to be at least 90° to set a big jump to lift the hips up and over that height. If the dancer is flexible enough with a strong battement, they will be able to achieve a 180° split in the Jeté Entrelacé. This however is not necessary to perform a Jeté Entrelacé. However, it is aesthetically pleasing as a dancer can really only achieve this if the jump is big enough.

Ballet: Gulnara’s Variation, Pas D’Esclave, Act 1, Le Corsaire

Dancer: Brian Sevilla, Ballet Manila 2

Location: Ballet Manila Studio 3