What Is a Soubresaut En Avant?
A soubresaut en avant is a jump that begins in fifth position, springs upward, and travels slightly forward, landing again in fifth position. Unlike soubresaut sur place, this version intentionally moves through space while keeping the legs crossed and the feet together in the air.
This step is commonly taught in Cecchetti and Vaganova technique and often appears in petit allegro combinations across the floor.
Starting Position
- Stand in fifth position, right foot front.
- Turn out from the hips with knees straight and aligned over the toes.
- Arms are usually in bras bas or first position, depending on the exercise.
- Lift through the spine and engage the core for balance.
Step-by-Step: How to Do Soubresaut En Avant
1. Demi-Plié
Begin with a strong, elastic demi-plié.
- Keep heels fully on the floor
- Knees bend evenly and track over toes
- Maintain turnout
The plié prepares both height and forward momentum.
2. Push Up and Forward
From the plié, spring upward and slightly forward.
- Push through the full foot
- Both feet leave the floor at the same time
- Think of lifting first, then traveling
Avoid throwing the chest forward—travel comes from the legs, not the torso.
3. Legs and Feet in the Air
In the air:
- Legs remain tightly crossed in fifth position
- Feet are fully pointed and pressed together
- Inner thighs and glutes stay engaged
The shape should look identical to a vertical soubresaut, only moving forward.
4. Controlled Landing
Land softly in fifth position with the same foot in front.
- Toes touch first, heels follow
- Abs lift to protect the lower back
- Knees bend immediately into demi-plié
The landing should be quiet and stable, ready for the next step.
Upper Body and Arms
The upper body remains tall and quiet:
- Shoulders relaxed
- Neck long
- Eyes focused forward
Arms help with coordination but should never overpower the jump. Jacklyn Dougherty often emphasizes keeping the arms supportive, not dominant, especially in petit allegro.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Jumping too far forward, losing control
- Opening the legs in the air
- Leaning the torso instead of lifting
- Hard landings with no plié
- Losing turnout on takeoff or landing
Practice Combination
Try this across the floor:
- 4 soubresauts en avant
- Change feet
- Repeat twice
Focus on consistency, musical timing, and clean fifth positions rather than speed.
Why Soubresaut En Avant Is Important
This step improves:
- Traveling control in petit allegro
- Strong feet and ankles
- Coordination between legs and core
- Preparation for glissades, assemblés, and beaten steps
For clear, visual demonstrations of soubresaut en avant and hundreds of other classical ballet steps, subscribe to Jacklyn Dougherty’s YouTube channel:
👉 https://www.youtube.com/@JacklynDougherty
For more ballet technique resources, visit https://jacklyndougherty.com 🩰
Much Love
Jacklyn Dougherty and Dr. Joni Dougherty Ed.D
