From the White Board: Ballet in Motion

Petit Jeté Battu Dessus (Over)

Petit jeté battu dessus (over) is a beaten jump. Whenever performing petit jeté battu, the crossing or beating of the legs (thighs) occurs side to side, and underneath you. When jumping and beating the legs, always work to cross the thighs to show “sous-sus” in the air and always perform the action of beating on the “up” of the jump.

Petit jeté battu dessus is similar to assemblé dessus as the beginning of the jump is the same. The end of the jump is different because you land the jump cou-de-pied derrière as opposed landing the jump in 5th position.

To perform petit jeté battu dessus (over):

• Begin in 5th position.
• Demi-plié and brush the back leg à la seconde for the petit jeté.
• Sauté off of the supporting leg and beat back from where you began to then beat (cross) front to finish the jump in cou-de-pied derrière en plié.
• The leg you land on will be the leg that performed the initial brush for the petit jeté. In this case the back leg brushed à la seconde, therefore you will land on that leg.

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.