Retiré Sauté Derrière is a classical ballet jump that combines clean footwork, balance, and refined coordination. Frequently taught in petit allegro, this step helps dancers develop strength, turnout control, and precision while maintaining an elegant, lifted quality. Though small in appearance, Retiré Sauté Derrière requires strong technique and attention to detail to execute correctly.
What Does Retiré Sauté Derrière Mean?
- Retiré means “withdrawn,” referring to the working foot drawing up to the knee
- Sauté means “jumped”
- Derrière means “behind”
Together, the term describes a jump where the dancer springs upward while the working foot lifts to retiré behind, with the toe touching just below the back of the supporting knee.
Starting Position
Retiré Sauté Derrière is most often performed from fifth position. The dancer begins with proper turnout from the hips, a lifted torso, and arms placed in first, fifth, or preparatory position depending on the combination or syllabus. Correct alignment at the start is essential, as the jump relies on even weight distribution and core engagement.
Execution of the Step
The movement begins with a smooth demi-plié, keeping the heels grounded and the knees tracking over the toes. From the plié, the dancer pushes strongly through the feet, extending the legs to leave the floor in a vertical jump.
As the dancer rises into the air, the working leg draws up to retiré derrière, with the knee turned out and the toe placed lightly behind the supporting knee. The supporting leg remains fully stretched in the air, and the torso stays upright and centered over the base of support.
The arms remain calm and controlled, helping stabilize the body without unnecessary movement. At the top of the jump, the dancer should appear buoyant and lifted rather than rushed or tense.
Landing and Finish
The landing is just as important as the jump itself. The dancer returns to the floor softly through the toes, rolling through the foot into demi-plié. Turnout is maintained, the heels lower with control, and the dancer typically finishes back in fifth position, ready to continue the combination.
Key Technique Tips
One of the most important elements of Retiré Sauté Derrière is maintaining a vertical jump. Although the working leg moves behind, the body should never pitch backward. The hips remain square, the pelvis neutral, and the core engaged throughout the movement.
The retiré position should be placed gently and precisely. Avoid gripping the ankle or forcing the foot too high. A clean, relaxed retiré creates a more classical and refined look.
Breath also plays a role. Inhaling slightly on the jump and exhaling on the landing helps maintain lightness and control.
Common Mistakes
Dancers often struggle with twisting the hips, losing turnout, or snapping the working leg aggressively into position. Another frequent mistake is landing stiff-legged instead of absorbing the jump with plié. Each of these issues can disrupt balance and reduce the elegance of the step.
Why Retiré Sauté Derrière Is Important
This step strengthens the calves, ankles, and feet while reinforcing coordination between the legs and arms. It also prepares dancers for more advanced petit allegro sequences and improves musical timing and precision.
Retiré Sauté Derrière appears in many ballet training methods, including Cecchetti, French, and Russian styles, making it a foundational step for students at multiple levels.
Learn with a Visual Demonstration
For a clear and professional visual explanation of Retiré Sauté Derrière, dancers often study tutorials by Jacklyn Dougherty, whose ballet videos break down classical technique in a way that is easy to understand for students and teachers alike.
👉 Jacklyn Dougherty Ballet YouTube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/@JacklynDoughertyBallet
Much Love
Jacklyn Dougherty and Dr. Joni Dougherty Ed.D
