Benny ballet: Boston Ballet dancer reacts to Andrew Benintendi's leaping catch

The social media world went wild after Andrew Benintendi's leaping catch in Game 2 of the World Series at Fenway Park, and the Red Sox outfielder even caught the attention of ballet dancers.

Benintendi made the acrobatic grab during the top of the fifth inning Wednesday night, and memes and edited images began comparing the moment to anything from Michael Jordan's infamous dunk to a professional ballet dancer's moves.

"He may not even have realized what he did middle of the game like that," Boston Ballet dancer Patric Palkens said. "He was probably moving pretty fast."

Palkens didn't realize what had happened either while watching the game, but quickly saw why social media sank its claws into Benintendi's high-flying haul.

"When he was running, you can see him throw his left leg forward really high, and that kind of launched him in the air," Palkens said. "His left arm twisting back to allow his right arm forward."

Palkens has been a professional ballet dancer for the last decade, comparing the almost-perfect positioning to a difficult move known as a "grand jete."

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"I know it was athletic," Palkens said of the move which can take years to master. "Does he know? Maybe he doesn't."

With how Benintendi seemed to effortlessly execute the jump under the pressure of the game, Palkens predicts the Red Sox outfielder may have another career waiting for him in the future if he chooses to capitalize on it.

"By the way he jumps, I bet if he wanted one, he could get one," Palkens said.

Palkens also related to Benintendi making the grab while speeding with the Green Monster behind him. He pointed out that ballet dancers often have to accomplish moves in the confined parameters of being on stage without crashing into the orchestra pit or the audience.

>> GAME 3: Red Sox hope to stay hot at Dodger Stadium

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