What is the meaning of the ballet term Jeté?

What is the meaning of the ballet term Jeté?

• A. A throwing step
• B. A turning step
• C. A brushing step
• D. A gliding step

Answer: (A)

Jeté means to throw. In Cecchetti, a jeté is a leap where the working leg is brushed into the air and then thrown forward or to the side, landing on the opposite leg. The defining idea is the throwing action and the transfer of weight through the jump, with the working leg extended and pointed as it leaves the floor. It’s not about turning in place, which would be a pirouette; it’s not merely a preparatory brushing motion, which doesn’t involve coming off the floor; and it’s not a glide on the floor, which stays in contact with the ground.

Jeté means to throw. In Cecchetti, a jeté is a leap where the working leg is brushed into the air and then thrown forward or to the side, landing on the opposite leg. The defining idea is the throwing action and the transfer of weight through the jump, with the working leg extended and pointed as it leaves the floor. It’s not about turning in place, which would be a pirouette; it’s not merely a preparatory brushing motion, which doesn’t involve coming off the floor; and it’s not a glide on the floor, which stays in contact with the ground.