Mastering the Sauté de Chat: Grand Allegro Foundation & Drills

Elevate your grand allegro with this focused 28-minute masterclass from Broche Ballet. While grand allegro is often associated with soaring through the air, the secret to a breathtaking jump lies in the preparation and the mechanics of the body before it ever leaves the floor. This session focuses specifically on the sauté de chat, a staple of classical ballet that requires a unique blend of power, flexibility, and control.

Unlike the grand jeté, which emphasizes traveling forward through space, the sauté de chat is designed for an upward explosion and a split that appears to happen right in place. To help you achieve this look, we break down the movement into non-jumping drills that allow you to focus on form without the impact of landing. You will explore the importance of the front leg's developpé action and how it sets the stage for the rest of the jump.

A common challenge for many dancers is completing the split; we address this by emphasizing the lift of the back leg, which is essential for creating a level and impressive line. We also discuss the mechanics of the tombé and pas de bourrée to build the necessary momentum for a powerful take-off. Throughout the class, we dive into the nuances of balance and landing.

You will learn how to land underneath your center of gravity, a technique that prevents rushing and ensures you maintain control for the next movement in the combination. Whether you are practicing in a small home studio or a large dance floor, these fundamentals will provide the technical bridge you need to transform your jumps from tentative steps into professional-grade grand allegro. Join us at Broche Ballet as we refine your technique and help you reach new heights in your dance journey.