Temps Levé

A temps levé is a simple hop on one foot, with the other foot held in a set position such as retiré or coupé. It is one of the first jumps young dancers learn, because it teaches the essential skills of springing off and landing on a single leg while keeping the rest of the body still and controlled.

How a temps levé works

The dancer stands on one leg with the free foot placed in a chosen position, most often retiré, where the pointed foot is drawn up to the side of the supporting knee, or coupé, where it rests at the ankle. From a plié on the supporting leg, the dancer pushes off the floor into a hop, then lands back on the same foot with a soft, cushioned plié. Throughout the hop, the free leg holds its shape without changing, and the upper body stays lifted and calm.

Why it is a foundation step

Temps levé builds the strength and coordination needed for nearly every jump that comes later. Learning to push down through a plié, spring straight up, point the foot in the air, and land quietly on one leg are the same skills used in more advanced allégro. Because it is done on a single foot, it also trains balance and control. Focusing on a deep plié, a stretched supporting leg in the air, and a soft landing will make a temps levé feel light and give young dancers a strong base for the exciting jumps ahead.