PAS DE CHAT

Pas De Chat, meaning “step of the cat” in French, is named for the nimble and cat-like quality this jump displays. In a pas de chat, each leg travels through passé positions with a moment at the highest point of the jump where both legs are equally bent in a diamond shape. To begin a pas de chat, a dancer will transfer weight onto one leg while the other leg begins to travel toward a passé. Simultaneously, the leg still on the floor will push off into the jump and follow the first leg to the passé position, Next, the first passé leg will begin to straighten to the ground, with the second leg following close behind and completing the same pathway. The top of the jump will ideally show both legs meeting and holding for a moment with equally bent knees in a diamond position. Like a lot of other jumps, pas de chat should have a “snapshot” moment at the highest point where the position appears to freeze for a second.

Because one leg has to follow the other to the passé position, achieving the goal of a moment with matching bent knees in a diamond shape at the top of this jump can be difficult. It can help to imagine the first passé freezing in the air while the second leg “catches up” quickly. A key to a quick pas de chat is to make sure the second leg does not slow down or lag behind. This leg should move swiftly to meet the first. 

When you first learned pas de chat, you may have practiced by separating each section of the step into two separate passés (retirés) on the floor before even attempting it as a jump. Even though this doesn’t capture the goal of a diamond position at the top, it’s a helpful tool to learn the pathway each leg needs to take. Pas de chat can feel like a very quick jump with a lot of components, so refreshing the very basics of this step is always helpful. The technique for the passés will use the same rotation from the tops of the legs you would apply anywhere else you do this step. Just like other jumps, the correct placement will begin at the barre, with technique translating directly from passés. 

For a higher pas de chat, try thinking of the first knee traveling as high as possible (with correct technique), which will help to lift your hips and the rest of your body along with it as the other catches up. If you can use the first leg to start the momentum of the jump combined with a strong push off from the second leg, you will be able to maximize the height of the jump more easily. Use every element of this jump to help you push into the air!

Have a wonderful Technique Thursday!