jeté

Jeté is a term in ballet describing a leap from one foot to the other, in which the dancer throws the working leg into the air and lands on the opposite foot. The name comes from the French jeter, meaning “to throw.” In classical usage, jetés emphasize a clean line, controlled elevation, and a smooth transfer of weight.

Technique and common variations: The leap typically begins from a plié or demi-plié on the supporting leg, with the working leg brushed into an extended position and then released into the air. The height and length of the leap depend on the variation. A grand jeté is a long, high leap with the working leg extended forward or to the side and the body stretched to an outstretched arabesque or full split in the air, landing on the opposite foot. A petit jeté is a smaller, quicker version with less elevation, often used as a connecting step in a sequence. Jeté en tournant, or tour jeté, describes a jeté that includes a turn in the air and finishes on the opposite foot.

Context and technique: Jetés are foundational elements of classical ballet vocabulary and are used across repertoire from contemporary to neoclassical works. Proper execution requires turnout, alignment of the spine and hips, core control, and a soft, secure landing on a fully pointed foot to protect the joints. Precision in the brush of the working leg, the height of the leap, and the clean landing contribute to the overall effect of the movement.