Jumping and breathing at the same time, how?

[Amylia]

I've always had an incredibly difficult time keeping up my breath during jumps, and therefore my jumps lose energy and by the time I'm finished jumping I'm trying to catch my breath. I've asked teachers for advice on coordinating breath with jumps, but so far nothing has helped much. Any advice? thanks.

[Mel Johnson]

It depends a lot on what jumps you're doing.

 

If you're doing really big jumps, inhale on the plié, exhale on the jump. If you're doing a brace of little beats, you may be able to breathe slowly and deeply all through the series. Whatever you do, don't hold your breath!

[Amylia]

Thanks Mr.Johnson, that seems to be my biggest problem. I hold my breath constantly when I dance, but especially when I jump.

 

Grande allegro I seem to be okay, since I feel like I have the time to breathe, but in petit allegro I struggle the most because my mind seems to get confused trying to focus on the intricacy of the movement and the basic function of breathing.

[Chronus24]

I've found that much in the same way as people remember arms for a combination, try marking the combination with obvious breathing so you can "feel" where you will be able to breathe more easily.

[Mel Johnson]

That's a good way to do it. It's the same sort of practicing that goes with playing a musical instrument of whatever sort. Breathing pattern DOES make a huge difference.