The Level 5 floor routine is the final stop in the compulsory series before gymnasts enter the optional levels. This routine is faster, more powerful, and packed with polish. It includes full turns, leap passes, advanced acro like punch fronts and back tucks, and expressive choreography that demands focus and control.
Opening Pose and Arm Sequence
Start with feet together and rock back slightly to find your first position. When your toes lift, open your heels outward to create a turned-out stance. Your dominant leg crosses over the non-dominant one. Place your dominant arm behind your back and stretch the non-dominant arm forward, pointing into the corner. Eyes follow the hand.
When the music starts, stay completely still. After a brief pause, the routine begins with one foot stepping out and a sharp look down at it. The arm comes up a count later.
Then, pull the lifted foot into a sharp passé. Perform an inward turn and step back out of it. Cross the base leg over the other leg just above the ankle and hold a strong pose with arms at your sides and chest open.
Acro Skill and First Pose Sequence
Most Level 5 gymnasts perform a punch front. After landing, go straight into a plié and point the front foot to finish the acro line with control.
Then rise into first position on relevé with arms in crown. From there, open the arms into a T and point your dominant foot forward. Lower into a plié with the back leg while forming a soft contraction through the body. Fingertips meet, and the torso rounds slightly. Two fingers from your dominant hand touch the opposite shoulder as you look into the corner.
Échappé Turn and Relevé Pose
From that pose, start the échappé turn. Arms sweep low, lift high, then circle around and return to pose. The legs do a quick three-step sequence with straight legs, stepping to the side on each count. The last step bends the non-dominant leg while pointing the dominant foot behind.
Turn to face the back and press into a forced arch through your dominant foot. Hands rest behind you with the chest lifted. Rise into a side pose on relevé with hands on the hips. Then return to the forced arch and strike an optional final pose before moving into your tumbling pass.
Tumbling Pass: Handspring Series
The first tumbling line is handspring-heavy. Perform a round-off or front handspring step-out, then a second front handspring step-out. Add a cartwheel and step together into a back extension roll. Land in a lunge or feet together, depending on your coach’s style.
After finishing, prepare for the next section with a clean step and pose.
Step Kick and Full Turn Jump
Turn toward the side of the floor. Bring your non-dominant knee across your body and drop into a pose with arms by your side. From there, wave the arms forward, then step, kick, and step together.
Next, form a forced arch and plié. Two fingers from your dominant hand touch the opposite shoulder as you look over it. This creates a clean, sharp pose.
Now jump into a full turn. Land softly and let your arms settle low. Drag the back foot into a lock stand and prepare for a dramatic pose. One arm lifts into crown, and the other reaches across the chest as if prepping for a turn. Add a quick flick and a sharp look over the shoulder.
Leap Pass Options
At this point, you can choose between a split leap or a switch leap. Many gymnasts aim for the switch leap to build a B-skill foundation for optional levels.
Start the pass with a sharp pose. Step back with the non-dominant leg while pushing the non-dominant arm forward. Hop into a backward passé at a 45-degree angle. Land in second position and go directly into a side chassé.
Turn to square off with the front and prepare for a chasse leap. Leap and land on the dominant leg, then step through into a fish pose with arms crossed and body arched. Step together quickly to reset for the straddle jump.
Straddle Jump and Split Series
From the fish pose, jump into a straddle with arms rising into a crown. Land with feet in parallel and hold the crown position. Step back with the non-dominant foot and lower dramatically into a seated pose. The dominant leg rests on the floor and the non-dominant leg stays up.
Extend your dominant arm straight in front of the knee and look at it. Keep the line simple and straight. Sit and roll toward your non-dominant side. Extend the dominant leg in front and slide into a split. Raise the arms as if catching a beach ball, then lower into the split. Rest your hands on your chest, lean toward your non-dominant side, and lie down with legs together behind you.
Roll into a mermaid pose and push up to stand. Your dominant leg should be in front, with both legs straight and arms behind you.
Final Turn and Tumbling
As you rise, swing the dominant arm followed by the non-dominant. When you see a straight line between the arms, continue the movement. This leads directly into a full turn on your dominant leg. Step out onto the non-dominant foot and bring the arms to a hug.
Step toward the corner of the floor. Open the arms into a twisted pose, then close them. Shift the back foot forward to meet the front as you get ready for your final tumbling pass.
Perform a round-off into two back handsprings and finish with a strong rebound.
Final Pose
Step forward with the dominant foot and rise to tiptoes. Drop the arms slowly and lower the body in a dramatic backward roll-like pose.
Finish with a T-shaped arm position and extend your dominant leg out to the side. From there, move into your final seated pose. Your knees must stay down and your bottom must touch your heels. The arm position is optional, so you can choose one that feels expressive and clean.
Stand up, salute, and you’re done.
