From the White Board: Ballet in Motion

Cabriole

Cabriole is a beaten jump. Cabriole derrière is similar to temps levé arabesque as the beginning of the jump is the same in that you take off from one leg. When performing cabriole, the jumping and action of beating of the legs (thighs) occurs on the “up of the jump.

• When performing cabriole derrière, the bottom leg thigh quickly rebounds to beat against the top thigh for the beat of the cabriole. Both legs should be stretched long when the beat occurs in the air.

Cabriole can also be performed devant and à la seconde.

It is important to use your demi-plié at the beginning and ending of all jumps, and to maintain a long lengthened torso. It is also important to avoid leaning forward or backward when jumping as it can stress the body and makes jumping difficult.