Tag: jumps

How to Use Power Pilates to Get Powerful Jumps

As you may have learned firsthand from your shin splints and furniture run-ins, it’s nearly impossible to replicate some aspects of your dance training in a small bedroom or on a concrete driveway. But all is not lost in your quarantined quest to perfect your grand allégro. Pilates is one of the best low-impact cross-training […]

4 Tips to Make Your Jumps Soar to New Heights

Miami City Ballet principal soloist Nathalia Arja is known for her powerful jump—in fact, she recalls one reviewer describing her as “popcorn.” But flying through the air wasn’t always second nature. Growing up training in her native Brazil, she says, she didn’t know how to use her body efficiently during grand allégro. So what changed? […]

All About That Bass

We’ve all seen her: that dancer whose jumps just seem to defy gravity. From suspended sautés to soaring grands jetés, she takes the audience’s breath away every time her feet leave the ground. What’s her secret? She’s got backup—of the gluteus maximus variety. Strong glutes can take your jumps to the next level, giving you […]

The Switch Firebird

Grace Gerring, a former member of the 14-time National Championship–winning University of Minnesota Dance Team, shows off one of the team’s signature moves. All photos by Steve Lucas. 1) Prep by stepping on your right leg, arms down and back slightly… 2) …and then Step Forward on your left leg, coming into fourth position plié, […]

Learning to Fly

Martina Chavez in Oregon Ballet Theatre’s Nutcracker (James McGrew) As The Nutcracker’s familiar “Waltz of the Flowers” theme swells to its exciting finale, Oregon Ballet Theatre’s Martina Chavez gathers up all her energy for Dewdrop’s most exhilarating choreography: a series of huge saut de chats traveling back and forth across the stage. “By that point […]

Video Break Time!

Need a little motivation before your next ballet class? Check out 20-year-old ballet dancer Osiel Giros. Let’s just say, WOAH! (Skip to 2:01 to check out some of the most amazing jumps you’ll ever see!) What do you think? Leave us a comment below!