Identify the two common faults in Grade 4 allegro leaps and a correct corrective approach.

Identify the two common faults in Grade 4 allegro leaps and a correct corrective approach.

• A. Overheight.
• B. Knocked knees on landing and insufficient height.
• C. Perfect alignment.
• D. Excessive turnout.

Answer: (B)

In Grade 4 allegro leaps, height and knee control in the air and on the landing are the main ideas being tested. The two most common faults are knocked knees on landing and insufficient height. When the knees collapse inward at impact, the line and clean execution of the leap fall apart, making the landing look unstable. If the leap doesn’t rise high enough, the lift and extension lose presence, and the overall effect of the jump suffers.

A solid corrective approach targets both issues at once. Start from a strong demi-plié, push off evenly through both legs, and stay tall with turnout coming from the hips. Squeeze the thighs to keep the knees tracking over the toes and lift through the legs to gain height, using a controlled, active push from the floor. As you land, maintain turnout, absorb with a deep plié, and keep the knees aligned with the toes so the hips stay stacked over the feet. This combination helps you achieve more height while preventing knee collapse, giving a cleaner, safer leap.

Overheight isn’t the typical problem described here, perfect alignment is the ideal aim rather than a fault, and excessive turnout isn’t the fault emphasized for these leaps.