Ballet Dictionary: Practice Tutu
Photo by Mark Sumaylo • Text by Abigail Oliveiro
What: A practice tutu or rehearsal tutu is just the bare half of the bottom part of a tutu. It is used, as the name itself describes, for practice during rehearsals. It is bare as it is made of the same material as a performance tutu but without the bodice (which is the dancer’s leotard during rehearsals) or any details on it.
A practice tutu is used so as not to overuse the actual costume. Over time, with constant use, a tutu tends to droop instead of having a flat pancake look. On a performance tutu, there are also many details on both the bodice and the skirt which makes it very delicate. A properly made costume is costly.
Therefore, a practice tutu is used prior to dress rehearsals and performances so both the dancer and her partner can familiarize themselves with the weight and circumference of a tutu without overusing the costume and keeping it in tip-top condition.
Dancer: Rissa May Camaclang, Ballet Manila Company Artist
Location: Ballet Manila Studio 1
