In dance what attracts more attention than the dance steps, are the jumps the dancer takes. In the dance vocabulary, these are called “leaps”. They are one of the greatest thrills in dance not just for the dancer, but also for the audience. Professional dancers appear to defy gravity as they soar through the air and fall down with grace and style.

Some people seem to have a natural ability for jumping and taking a high, polished leap. Others have to work at it a little harder. Every dance has leaps as a part of its form, and most leaps in dance require tremendous strength and coordination to be executed correctly. However, in an art like dance, practice is what makes a move perfect. With my experience of teaching dance in India and abroad for so many years, here are 3 tips to help you improve your leaps:

Tip 1: Plie Deeper
In simple language, plie means a squatting movement, like we do in the gym while strengthening the legs. A deep plie is important for achieving the height you need to properly execute a leap. It is simply a deep knee bend, and the last step you do before leaving the ground. The deeper the plie, the more power you will have in your legs to push off. No matter how many steps you take to prepare for the leap, make sure to really bend your knees to get as much power as you need to get high into air. It is said the deeper the plie, higher the leap. If we measure the height of the leap, it will be double the height of the plie.

Tip 2: Look up
Be sure to look up as you go into your leap. Or better is to look at the direction of the leap, it’s like the phrase: Look at the sky and you will achieve reaching the tree. If you look up, the rest of your body will follow. Looking down will keep you low to the ground. As you approach your leap, fixate on a high spot in the distance. Aim to reach that spot, your body will strive to meet the goals you set, so set your goals high. Looking up will not only allow you to jump higher, but will also make for a prettier leap. Where you look also makes the dance and leap look polished and confident. It helps connect with the audience too.

Tip 3: Control the landing
What goes up must come down, so landing cannot be avoided at all after a leap. A leap is not complete until it is landed safely with ease. Once again, a deep plie will be helpful. Your goal for the landing will be to hit the floor as softly, and quietly, as possible. Never come out of a leap with straight knees, as doing so will almost always cause an injury. You should begin thinking about your landing as soon as your feet leave the ground. Mentally preparing your legs to absorb your weight will really make a difference. Land back on the floor with deep plie and land on the ball of the foot and then come to the heel. Never land on a straight leg and directly on a full foot.

Tip 4: Balance the Body with strong open arms Hands play a very important role during the plie before and after the leap. Use them in the required position to balance your body properly, never keep them loose as they will make the body heavier and the leap will not look light. So think before you leap, feel like a bird and enjoy your flight.