Ballet Soubresaut En Arriere Jacklyn Dougherty

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Ballet Soubresaut en Arrière – How To (with Jacklyn Dougherty)

The soubresaut en arrière is an elegant petit allegro jump that moves backward while keeping the classical, vertical form of the legs and feet. Translating to “sudden jump backward,” this step develops strength, balance, and precise directional control. Though it appears simple, performing a clean soubresaut en arrière requires focus, turnout, and controlled landing.

Below is a 600-word step-by-step guide to performing soubresaut en arrière, inspired by the teaching style of Jacklyn Dougherty, whose ballet tutorials provide clear visual references for dancers of all levels.

You can see demonstrations of soubresauts and other classical steps on Jacklyn Dougherty’s YouTube channel:
👉 https://www.youtube.com/@JacklynDougherty

What Is a Soubresaut en Arrière?

A soubresaut en arrière begins in fifth position and springs upward, traveling slightly backward, and lands again in fifth. The legs remain tightly crossed in the air, feet stay together, and the jump is compact and controlled.

This jump is used frequently in Cecchetti and Vaganova petit allegro exercises and is an excellent way to develop clean technique and backward traveling skills.

Starting Position

Stand in fifth position, right foot front.
Engage turnout from the hips, keeping weight evenly distributed on both feet.
Arms are typically in bras bas or first position.
Lift through the spine, engage the core, and focus your gaze forward (or slightly up to maintain balance).

Step-by-Step: How to Do Soubresaut en Arrière

1. Demi-Plié

Start with a strong demi-plié.

Keep the heels on the floor
Bend the knees evenly, tracking over the toes
Maintain proper turnout

This plié acts as the springboard for height and backward momentum.

2. Push Up and Back

From the plié, spring upward and slightly backward.

Push evenly through the whole foot
Both feet leave the floor at the same time
Lift first, then allow a gentle backward travel

Avoid leaning backward; the body should remain upright.

3. Legs and Feet in the Air

In the air:

Legs remain crossed in fifth position
Feet fully pointed and pressed together
Inner thighs, glutes, and core stay engaged

This ensures that the jump maintains classical elegance while moving backward.

4. Controlled Landing

Land quietly in fifth position with the same foot in front.

Toes touch first, followed by heels
Abs lift to protect the lower back
Knees bend immediately into demi-plié

A soft, controlled landing prepares you for the next jump or step.

Upper Body and Arms

The upper body remains tall and relaxed:

Shoulders down and relaxed
Chest lifted
Eyes forward

Jacklyn Dougherty emphasizes that the arms support the movement without taking over, helping maintain balance and flow during backward travel.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Leaning too far backward
Separating the feet in the air
Jumping too high or too far, losing control
Hard landings with stiff knees
Twisting the hips, instead of lifting evenly through the legs

Practice Drill

To improve soubresaut en arrière, try this combination:

4 jumps in fifth position, right foot front
4 jumps in fifth position, left foot front
Repeat across the floor slowly, focusing on clean form and controlled landing

Prioritize clarity, musicality, and proper alignment over speed or height.

Why Soubresaut en Arrière Is Important

Mastering this step strengthens:

Feet, ankles, and calves
Core and glutes for stability
Directional control in allegro
Precision for more advanced petit allegro sequences such as changements, jetés, and assemblés

The soubresaut en arrière is a foundational jump that enhances overall agility and ballet technique.

For clear visual demonstrations of soubresaut en arrière and hundreds of other ballet steps, subscribe to Jacklyn Dougherty’s YouTube channel:
👉 https://www.youtube.com/@JacklynDougherty

For more ballet technique guides, exercises, and classical training resources, visit https://jacklyndougherty.com 🩰