Split leap

A split leap or split jump is a sequence of body movements in which a person assumes a split position after leaping or jumping from the floor, respectively, while still in the air. Split leaps and split jumps are both found in various genres of dance including acro, ballet and jazz dance, and in gymnastics. Split jumps may also serve as a form of exercise, and the term split jump is also commonly used to describe similar body movements in figure skating.

Types

Some types of split leaps and jumps are named according to the type of split that is performed, while others may use nomenclature associated with specific dance genres. For example, a straddle (sometimes called side) split leap incorporates a straddle split, with legs extended symmetrically to the sides, whereas a grand jeté, which involves a front split, derives its name from ballet terminology. A stag split leap is a split leap in which one knee is bent, whereas both knees are bent in a double stag split leap.

A ballerina performing a grand jeté.