saut de chat

Saut de chat, translating to “cat’s jump”* in French, is a jump that occurs in a split position in the air. This jump usually appears in grand allegro at the end of each class and in choreography and classical ballets. Saut de chat is very similar to grand jeté, but in a saut de chat the front leg will développé to reach the split position whereas the front leg of a grand jeté brushes the floor and stays straight. 

One of the focuses of a saut de chat, other than the goal of a split position in the air, is the height and lift of the jump. Like the other jumps we’ve discussed for #TechniqueThursday, the height you’re able to reach in the jump is reliant on a powerful takeoff and correct placement before you’re even in the air. A glissade will most commonly precede a saut de chat, but sometimes basic steps or other jumps will lead into the takeoff. It’s important to turn out the foot that steps across in all preparations. This is important because the preceding step not only becomes the takeoff for the jump—it’s also very visible to the audience and noticeable if it’s turned in or parallel. No matter what step comes before your saut de chat, imagine the heel leading forward and the whole leg rotating as you step onto it for the jump preparation. 

One of the keys to a correct saut de chat is balancing the movement. While you may normally think of balancing in pirouettes or held steps, saut de chat uses the idea of balance in a different but equally useful way. Think of the balance in this step as equal energy shared between the front leg and back leg. If you only think about the front leg, the back leg can’t contribute to the power of the step. The same goes for the back leg. Each requires focused and balanced participation to create the correct energy in the jump. Both legs are “working legs” in a saut de chat. 

Another tip for achieving your best saut de chat is to use the front leg pathway efficiently. The foundation for the leg’s pathway transfers directly from développé front at the barre. The front leg will start to développé while you are still in the plié for the jump takeoff, and the momentum of the développé thigh and knee lifting will launch you into the jump as the back leg simultaneously straightens and pushes into the floor. The développé action of the front leg needs to be quick and efficient as the goal of the jump is the split position, not the développé. You will have more time to hold and show the position in the air by lifting and straightening the front leg as soon as possible.

The back leg, equally important, should match the front leg to create the split position when it reaches its maximum développé and height. In a saut de chat, the back leg pushes you into the air while using the momentum of the front leg développé to lift off. Think of a grand battement to the back as you straighten the plié back leg and push into the jump. As with other jumps we’ve discussed, the push into the floor is where you gather maximum jumping power, so use the resistance from the floor to straighten and lift the leg to the back. 

Saut de chat is a thrilling step, and one to look forward to each class, because it creates the feeling of flying through the air when you use the full extent of your jump. There’s always an opportunity to continue fine tuning your saut de chat to make it soar even more than you thought possible!

*translation source: BalletHub.com

Have a wonderful Technique Thursday, and a happy New Year!