temps lie: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low (Specialist term in dance)Formal / Technical
Quick answer
What does “temps lie” mean?
A connected, flowing movement in classical ballet where weight is transferred from one foot to the other with a smooth, continuous motion, often involving a plié.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A connected, flowing movement in classical ballet where weight is transferred from one foot to the other with a smooth, continuous motion, often involving a plié.
In broader artistic contexts, can metaphorically describe a seamless transition or connection between elements. In French, the literal meaning is "linked time."
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. Pronunciation may follow French origins more closely in British contexts, but the term is standardized in ballet terminology worldwide.
Connotations
Technical precision, grace, foundational ballet training.
Frequency
Used with identical frequency and meaning in ballet schools and companies in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “temps lie” in a Sentence
The dancer performed the [Adjective] temps lié across the floor.We will begin the barre with a series of [Number] temps liés.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “temps lie” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- The principal demonstrated a flawless temps lié before the corps de ballet.
American English
- Her temps lié was the smoothest in the class, showing excellent control.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Extremely rare. Potentially metaphorical: 'The merger was executed with the temps lié of a well-rehearsed ballet.'
Academic
Used in dance history, theory, and criticism papers.
Everyday
Virtually never used outside of dance contexts.
Technical
Core term in ballet pedagogy, choreography notation, and rehearsal directives.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “temps lie”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “temps lie”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “temps lie”
- Mispronouncing 'temps' as 'temps' (like 'weather' in French) instead of the silent 's' and nasal vowel. Spelling it as 'temp lie' or 'tems lié'. Using it to describe any slow movement rather than the specific weight-transferring step.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Rarely. It is a fundamental concept in classical ballet. The term might be borrowed in contemporary dance contexts that use ballet technique, but it is not standard in styles like hip-hop or tap.
Approximately 'tohn lee-AY'. The 'temps' has a nasal vowel similar to the French word for 'time', and the 's' is silent. 'Lié' is pronounced 'lee-AY'.
Both are linking steps. A 'temps lié' is typically done in place or travelling directly to the side, front, or back, emphasizing the plié and weight transfer. A 'glissade' is a travelling step that glides from one position to another, often involving a small jump or brush.
Yes, but it is a highly specialized and poetic usage. One might say, 'The negotiations proceeded with a careful temps lié,' implying cautious, smooth, and interconnected stages. This is not common in everyday speech.
A connected, flowing movement in classical ballet where weight is transferred from one foot to the other with a smooth, continuous motion, often involving a plié.
Temps lie is usually formal / technical in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None directly. Figuratively, 'a temps lié approach' might describe a methodically connected process.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine 'temps' as 'time' and 'lié' as 'tied' or 'linked.' It's a step that 'links time' together smoothly.
Conceptual Metaphor
MOVEMENT IS A CONTINUOUS PATH; GRACE IS FLUIDITY.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary characteristic of a 'temps lié' in ballet?