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Prop Work6 minutes

Taking Off Gloves in Burlesque Without Tearing Them

By Bernhard De LucaUpdated

In short
  • To remove a glove in burlesque, grasp a wide section of the glove edge between the thumb and index finger of your free hand.
  • Loosen any tight fingertips beforehand and slowly pull the fabric along your relaxed arm.
  • If you feel resistance, stop instead of using your teeth or pulling sharply.
  • After removing the glove, show a clear reaction and place it on a prepared surface.

When the fabric snags, all your attention suddenly shifts to your fingers. A reliable hand movement leaves you enough focus to stay in character, even during this little costume adjustment.

What you need for the rehearsal

  • An elastic glove with an easy-to-reach upper edge
  • Both hands free of rings and sharp-edged jewelry
  • A dry, clear standing area and comfortable flat shoes
  • A stable surface within easy reach
  • A mirror or a securely positioned camera
  • A short music excerpt with a clearly audible beat

The fabric determines the path of your hand

A Burlesque Glove Peel is the theatrically staged removal of a glove. For this exercise, use a long, stretchy fabric glove with no fastener. Stiff material, tight fingers, and sewn-on decorations may call for different hand movements. The movement below is therefore not a universal technique for every costume.

The top edge offers a larger gripping surface than a single fingertip. When you grip it across its surface, you distribute the pull over more fabric. The glove may turn inside out and bunch up as you remove it. You do not need to keep it smooth. When you feel resistance, ease off and grip again, rather than using more force. Pain, numbness, or an edge that feels constricting are reasons to stop.

For the theatrical effect, a small change is enough here: for example, your character looks at the now-free hand with satisfaction or irritation. You do not need an additional pose or a big change of position. If you want to connect this reaction more closely to a role, the guide to developing a burlesque stage character can help.

At first, limit the practice to one hand and this one action. Repetition is easier to follow when the material, standing position, and place where you set the glove down all stay the same. That way, you can tell whether a snag comes from the glove or from changing your arm's path.

A soft surface prevents small decorative items from making an audible noise when set down on the tabletop.
A soft surface prevents small decorative items from making an audible noise when set down on the tabletop.

Take off the glove in seven steps

  1. Put the glove on fully

    Slide each finger into its designated position and straighten the fabric without twisting it. Gently bend and straighten your hand: you should be able to move your fingers without the edge digging in or a seam pulling uncomfortably.

  2. Place the tray within reach

    Place a shallow bowl on a stable table next to your free hand. From your planned standing position, reach for it once with an empty hand: it’s within reach if you don’t have to reach far or lean your upper body over an edge.

  3. Present the gloved arm

    Stand in a stable position and bring your arm slightly out to the side in front of your body, so you can see your hands in the mirror. Keep your elbow softly bent and your shoulder down: your arm stays visible without you having to hold it stiffly.

  4. Carefully loosen the fingertips

    Using your free hand, gently loosen the snug fabric at each fingertip in turn with small, gentle movements. Don’t pull on the nails or embellishments: it’s enough for the fabric to loosen slightly around the fingertips while they remain inside the glove.

  5. Grip the upper edge with a flat hold

    Grip an easily reachable part of the upper edge between the thumb and index finger of your free hand. Take hold of a little width of fabric rather than just a seam: the grip is right when you can shift the edge slightly without pinching your skin.

  6. Slowly pull the fabric toward your hand

    Guide the edge along your arm toward your wrist and then over your relaxed fingers until the glove comes free. Let it turn inside out as you do so: if the fabric catches, stop, ease your grip, and loosen that spot on its own.

  7. Show and lower your free hand

    Look at your free hand and show a previously chosen reaction, such as a satisfied nod. Hold this moment briefly, then place the glove in the bowl and release your grip completely: only then does your next movement begin.

This keeps the promotion under control

Do this

  • Grip the fabric with short, smoothly filed nails
  • Pull with a relaxed elbow
  • Remove jewelry before practice
  • Let go of the removed glove completely

Don't do this

  • Hook delicate fabric with long fingernails
  • Lock your elbow and stiffen your arm
  • Leave rings under the fabric as extra hooks
  • Walk away from the shelf while holding the fabric

Mark your trial run as complete

Before the first repetition

Setup

After the rehearsal without music

Mechanics

After Practicing with Music

Connection

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. An elastic, long fabric glove with a simple edge and no closure is suitable for this exercise. It should fit snugly without restricting finger movement or circulation. Glued-on stones, loose threads, or delicate lace can get caught when you grip the glove. So start with an undecorated practice pair before using your more elaborate costume.

For the next run-through

On udansa connect, you can find people to rehearse dances with. Be specific: say that you're practicing a short Burlesque glove routine and are looking for feedback from each other on your grip and the visible reaction.

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For the next run-through

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