There are many ways you can improve your leaps/Saut de Chat. Most importantly, dancers need a good balance of strength and flexibility in order to achieve a full split in the air. Sometimes, dancers have both of these things, but still lack the 180 degree range. There are many methods teachers use to help their students, and we’ve recently found another way that may click with your students.
The leap is only as high as the passé. A Saut De Chat or leap, unlike a grand jeté, passes through passé before straightening. If your student’s passes are low when they extend their leg, their leg will remain at that low level. Instead teach your dance students to have the highest passé possible. This high passé has a greater chance of remaining high during the completion of the Saut De Chat/leap. With the front leg reaching a full 90 degrees at extension, you are free to work on getting your back leg up- along with the other necessary leaping technique. See the below pictures:
