Cecchetti Grade 1 Practice Exam

Pas de chat is a small, quick jump with a cat-like feel. The idea is to mimic the swift, chasing motion of a cat: both feet leave the ground, the feet “pass” each other in the air, and the dancer lands on the opposite foot. From fifth position with a light demi-plié, you brush one leg to the knee of the other leg, then the second leg follows to meet it in the air, finishing on the landing foot. This step emphasizes light, controlled turnout and the rapid, compact footwork that gives the characteristic cat-like image. Other terms describe different ideas: coupé is a specific foot position, not a jump; dessus refers to an over-crossing or over- movement in various steps; and jeté devant et derrière is a larger leap traveling front and back. None of those capture the distinctive quick, passing foot action of the cat step.