Ballet Training: Preparing Your Sauté de Chat with a Deep Lunge

Mastering the mechanics of a powerful jump begins long before you leave the floor. In this Broche Ballet quicktip, we dive into the fundamental preparation for the sauté de chat by focusing on the mechanics of a deep, controlled lunge. Often described as a grand plié on one leg, the lunge is an essential exercise for developing the hip flexibility and glute strength required for impressive split leaps and jumps. By practicing this at the barre, you can isolate the specific muscles needed to achieve a full range of motion in center work.

During this exercise, the primary focus is on the back leg and the hip flexor. To execute this correctly, ensure your back foot remains on top of the toes in a strong demi-pointe. As you descend into the lunge, push your hip forward to actively stretch the back hip flexor—this mimics the position your legs must achieve mid-air during a sauté de chat or a grand jeté. It is vital to keep your torso upright rather than leaning forward; the goal is to ride on top of your legs, letting the front leg lead while the back leg provides the necessary stretch and resistance.

Utilizing both hands on the barre provides the support needed to explore your maximum depth safely. By squeezing the glutes and maintaining proper alignment, you can work toward a full lunge that translates directly into higher, more aesthetic split jumps. This 1-minute class is designed to help you build the muscle memory required for technical excellence. Whether you are looking to improve your flexibility or refine your posture during allegro combinations, this focused drill offers a practical path to more dynamic ballet movements.