¶ … Jete'
Analysis of the Muscles Involved
The Center of Gravity
Analysis of the Injuries Prone to the Movement
It is not known when leaping first appeared in dance. Many ancient forms of dance involve leaping. The most common connotation of leaping is found in ballet. Ballet reached the height of its popularity during the reign of Louis XIV at the end of the late 17th and early 18th centuries. It was because of leaps that the ballet dancers shortened their skirts. The French Dancer, Marie Camargo broke convention and shortened her skirts to emphasize her leaps and jumps (Thinkquest, 2002).
Leaping refers to a movement taking off from one foot and landing on the other foot. There are five types of jumps in ballet. This particular type of leap is called a jete' A leap in dance is often proceeded by a preparatory move such a one or more approach steps or a plie. A plie means bending at the knees. Preparatory steps are designed to give the dancer momentum so that they can achieve greater height and distance. Emphasis in a ballet leap is on proper form in all stages of the leap from preparation to take off to flight, and landing. A proper leap will include a lifted upper body, proper arm placement, extension, tight legs, and pointed toes. A proper leap has both height and distance. The leap should give the illusion of flight.
Kinesthesiology is a branch of physics dedicated to the physics involved in movement. Several scientists of note contributed to this field including Aristotle, who applied geometry to the acts of walking, running and jumping. Barelli, a student of Galileo, noted that the bones act as levers. The forces that act on the body are both internal from muscles and bones, and external forces, such as gravity and inertia. As a dancer moves across the stage force is transferred from one element to another. This paper will explore the body mechanics involved in all phases of the ballet leap, called the jete'.
Phases of the Jete'
The leap can be divided into three major portions, the take off, flight, and landing (Becker, 1964). In addition there is a preparation stage and a recovery stage after landing. The preparation and recovery stages can be have many forms and variations.
The purpose of the preparatory stage is to provide momentum. In order for maximum upward and forward momentum to be exerted, several actions must take place, a change in direction and a burst of energy from the feet pushing against a solid object. These two forces interact to launch the dancer into the air. Ballet dancers use many preparations in their leaps. They may give a plie, bending of the knees to varying degrees. They may also use a series of steps prior to the leap.
The take off is the most important part of the leap. In order to change direction the feet must impact a solid surface (floor). At this point the legs move from a bent positions to a straight position and then one leg extends forward and one extends backward into flight position. At the same time the arms and hands rise from the preparatory positions, usually either hanging to the sides or at 90 degree angles to the floor and torso. They rotate into final flight position.
Flight involves forward motion. At this point legs and arms are positioned for maximum aerodynamics and extension. Many arm positions are possible. Legs are extended rigidly in a split position. Toes are pointed. The body travels in an arch.
The forward foot is the first to impact the floor. Specifically the big toe, ball of foot, then rolling to the heel. The second leg joins the first, which is already firmly planted. Knees are slightly bent to absorb impact. The recovery involves a bend in the knees to absorb shock. Arms return to natural position. The knees straighten to a standing position ready for the next move.
Analysis of the Muscles Involved
The forces exerted during the leap are both internal and external. Internal forces come from the muscles, bones, and tendons. When a muscle contracts it exerts active force. A passive force absorbs energy that is transferred to it by the active force, such as when the muscle tries to move the joint. Gravity and inertia are examples of external forces that are exerted on the dancer. An load is applied when a dancer lifts another dancer Dancing involves many types of movements. However,...
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