JUMPS!

In Physie, we do jumps in 1st (feet together), 2nd (feet astride),  3rd (one behind the other) and sometimes in 4th.  The hardest things to perfect in a jump are to:

– keep your body still and upright as you jump and land

– get enough elevation for full extension of your feet in the air

– land with your heels pressed into the floor.

Jumps require a lot of practice and you can’t expect to perform them perfectly if you are new to physie.  You’ll need to build up your leg muscles and core strength to be able to jump high and control your body.  A controlled landing is also important to prevent ankle and foot injury.  Always warm up before dancing and listen to your teacher when she shows you how to jump.

The more you practice, the easier jumps will become.  And jumping is great for improving your fitness level. (It’s great to practice on a mini tramp!)

So… to begin, bend the knees and turn on your core (tummy muscles). Then push into the floor with your heels then the balls of your feet as you jump, to get maximum elevation. Your toes are the last thing to leave the floor.

In the air, stretch your toes towards the floor and the top of your head towards the ceiling.

When you land, your toes touch first, then the balls of your feet and finally your heels should make full contact with the floor and your knees are bent.  (If you can’t keep your heels on the floor with your knees bent, then you’ll need to do some stretches of your Achilles tendon – just above your heel).

Whatever direction your feet were facing before the jump, they should stay in that orientation during the jump and the landing.

Happy practising!