What You'll Learn
- Master the mechanics of the glissade and assemblé jumps
- Learn to use ankle and toe push-off for maximum jumping power
- Improve alignment by keeping the head over the hips during take-off
- Understand the importance of the plié in softening landings
- Practice common beginner jumps like sautés and changements
About This Video
In this beginner class from Broche Ballet, we dive into the foundational mechanics of jumping. Success in ballet jumps starts long before you leave the floor. We begin with a focus on preparation, using relevés to warm up the ankles and feet, ensuring you have the necessary push-off power.
The key to a beautiful sauté or glissade is the coordination of the plié and the strength of the toes. One of the primary focuses of this tutorial is the transition from simple vertical jumps to brushing movements. You will learn the mechanics of the glissade—a gliding step that travels across the floor—and the assemblé, where the feet 'assemble' in the air before landing together.
We pay special attention to alignment, teaching you how to keep your head positioned directly over your hips to prevent pitching forward. This stability is crucial for maintaining balance during rapid center work. We also address common beginner challenges, such as keeping the knees tracking back and ensuring the feet are fully pointed the moment they leave the floor.
Whether you are practicing your first changements or looking to refine the brush of your assemblé, this class provides the technical corrections needed to jump with grace and safety. Safety is paramount when jumping at home. As noted in the lesson, please ensure you are practicing on a sprung wood floor or using supportive footwear like jazz sneakers if your surface is hard.
Avoid ceramic tile or concrete to protect your joints. By focusing on the 'push' through the floor and the soft 'landing' through the heels, you will develop the classic ballet 'ballon' that makes jumps look effortless. Join us at Broche Ballet to build your confidence in the center and master these essential beginner combinations.
