Hey everyone! We hope you are doing lovely on this Friday! Today we are going to be talking about the beloved center leaps! Most commonly used in Jazz, center leaps are a staple in dance leaps and turns. The middle split equivalent of a front split leap, this leap can always be found on stages and in technique classes around the globe. Learning the split, however, can be a little tricky for some and those who already have the logistics of it down may want to perfect it even further. That’s why today we are going to be sharing five tips that will help you not only get the center leap down, but better it that much more. Let’s “jump” right into it!
- Practice Marking The Leap
One of the best methods to achieve a new move is to mark it. This allows your body to retain the muscle memory that it takes to perform the move as if it is second nature. In addition to muscle memory, getting the move down in an easier way first will allow you to build a solid foundation in technique, which will then allow you to feel more comfortable adding the more difficult elements of the leap as you progress in perfecting it. So let’s start out this process by marking the center leap: chasse, step-cross front, lifting the right leg, lifting the left leg, cross back, turn towards the back wall and repeat. See? Keeping it nice and simple!
- Deep Plie
The next tip on our list is one that is always mentioned with leaps and turns, and that is to make sure you get a good plie! A good, juicy plie creates the perfect platform to execute a good center leap. So when you cross front, be sure to really dig into your plie. Be sure to bend both knees and distribute your weight evenly between both legs while in your plie. From there, use the floor and brush that leading foot (whether your right or left) out as much as you can.
- Use That Core
Our next tip is to always engage your core and pull up. While this tip can be applied to technically all leaps, it’s super important when executing center leaps as the higher height you reach, the more time you will have to achieve a beautiful full out middle split. So let’s go back to our childhood basics and keep the invisible string method in mind. You know the one where your teacher tells you to pretend that there is a string at the top of your head pulling you towards the ceiling? It comes in clutch in situations like this! So, be sure to lift up out of those hips each time you leap!
- Point Your Toes
Now, let’s be real. If there is one thing that can take a few imaginary (and in competition season) literal points off a good center leap, it is most definitely unpointed toes. I have seen the most beautifully executed, and even hyperextended, have their awesomeness somewhat taken away by the presence of the club foot. The unspoken truth however, is that sometimes pointing your foot can sometimes be the last thing on your mind while trying to hit a middle split in thin air, let’s be very honest. But alas, it must be done to create those beautiful lines that we would like to achieve. So, be sure to whisper “point, point, point!” to yourself as your awesome self is soaring through the air. 😉
- Stretch, stretch, stretch
And last but certainly not least, our last tip is to not skip on your stretching. As with all leaps, flexibility is always key. In order to better your center leaps, stretches such as straddle stretch, knee-to-chest, frog stretch and of course, middle split will all help you see improvement in your journey to perfecting this move. Holding these moves a little longer than normal in your routine will also be a subtle and effective way to see results.
As always, we hope this post was able to help you along as you continue to better yourself along your dance journey! We wish you a wonderful weekend filled with love, positivity and remember…
Keep dancing!
Lexi
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