Changement De Pieds Grand Changement

Changement De Pieds Grand Changement

How to Do Changement de Pieds – Grand Changement (Ballet)

A grand changement is the larger, more powerful version of the changement de pieds. It is a vertical jump performed from fifth position, where the feet change positions in the air and land in fifth with the opposite foot front. Unlike the petit changement, the grand changement emphasizes height, suspension, and strength, while still remaining clean and controlled.

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Starting Position

1. Stand in fifth position:
   • Heels and toes fully crossed
   • Legs turned out from the hips
   • Weight evenly distributed
2. Arms are usually in preparatory or first position, depending on the exercise.
3. Keep the torso upright, shoulders relaxed, neck long, and core engaged.

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The Plié (Power Source)

4. Perform a deep, elastic demi-plié.
   • Knees bend directly over the toes.
   • Heels stay pressed into the floor.
   • Feel energy storing in the legs.

In grand changement, the plié must be deeper and stronger than in petit changement to create height.

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The Jump

5. Push strongly through both feet at the same time.
6. Jump straight up, keeping the body vertical.
7. In the air:
   • Clearly change the feet, fully showing the crossed fifth position.
   • Stretch the legs completely.
   • Keep thighs, knees, and ankles tightly connected.
   • Allow a moment of suspension at the top of the jump.

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The Landing

8. Land softly in fifth position, with the opposite foot front.
9. Absorb the landing with a controlled demi-plié.
10. Maintain turnout, balance, and alignment through the torso.

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Repetition

11. Repeat the movement several times, alternating which foot finishes in front.
12. The step may be done on the spot or traveling, depending on the combination.

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Key Technical Focus

• Height with control, not tension
• Strong core engagement to keep the jump vertical
• Sustained turnout throughout takeoff and landing
• Silent landings, even with a larger jump

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Common Mistakes

• Jumping high but losing fifth position
• Not fully changing the feet in the air
• Landing stiff without plié
• Allowing the torso to tip forward or backward

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Jacklyn Dougherty–Style Tip

Think of grand changement as a clean, powerful elevation rather than a wild jump.
The feet change crisply, the body stays lifted, and the landing is soft and controlled.

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Watch It Demonstrated 🎥

For a clear visual demonstration of Changement de Pieds (Petit and Grand), visit Jacklyn Dougherty’s YouTube channel, where ballet steps are shown quickly and precisely:

👉 https://www.youtube.com/@JacklynDougherty