Grand jetés

Definition

Grand jetés are a type of leap in dance characterized by a high jump that allows the dancer to extend their legs fully in a split position while in the air. This dynamic movement showcases a dancer's strength, flexibility, and control, making it a vital component in advanced jazz techniques where expressive movement and athleticism are key.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The grand jeté involves a strong push-off from the back leg and requires proper alignment of the hips to achieve maximum height and distance.
2. Dancers typically execute grand jetés from a run or series of chassés to gather speed before the leap.
3. The quality of a grand jeté is enhanced through training in strength and flexibility, especially in the hip flexors and hamstrings.
4. In jazz dance, grand jetés can be stylized with arm movements and body positions to add flair and enhance the overall performance.
5. Mastering grand jetés often requires extensive practice to ensure precision and to minimize the risk of injury during execution.

Review Questions

• How do techniques like tendu and chassé contribute to the successful execution of grand jetés?
  • Techniques such as tendu and chassé are crucial for preparing dancers to execute grand jetés effectively. Tendu helps establish the necessary leg strength and flexibility needed for high jumps by encouraging proper alignment. Chassé builds momentum and allows dancers to transition smoothly into the leap, making it easier to achieve height and distance while maintaining control.
• Discuss the importance of strength and flexibility training for mastering grand jetés in jazz dance.
  • Strength and flexibility training are essential for mastering grand jetés as they enhance a dancer's ability to achieve the required height and form. Strong hip flexors, quadriceps, and hamstrings allow for powerful push-offs that propel the body into the air. Additionally, flexibility enables dancers to extend their legs fully in a split position while airborne, ensuring that they maintain an aesthetically pleasing line during the leap.
• Evaluate how performance elements such as musicality and stage presence impact the effectiveness of grand jetés in jazz choreography.
  • Musicality and stage presence significantly impact the effectiveness of grand jetés in jazz choreography. Dancers who can interpret music rhythmically will time their leaps to coincide with musical accents, enhancing the visual appeal of their performance. Moreover, a strong stage presence captivates the audience and communicates emotion, making the execution of grand jetés not only a display of technical skill but also an expressive element of storytelling within the dance.

Related terms

Jeté: A general term for a leap in dance, where the dancer takes off from one foot and lands on the other, often used as a foundational step for more complex jumps.

Tendu: A position where the dancer stretches one leg out to the front, side, or back while keeping the toes on the ground, serving as a preparatory movement for many jumps including grand jetés.

Chassé: A sliding step where one foot chases the other, commonly used as a transition into larger leaps like grand jetés to build momentum.