repetits

Repetits is an informal term used in some performing arts communities to refer to brief, repetitive practice cycles designed to improve accuracy in a passage or task. The aim is to isolate a difficult segment and rehearse it repeatedly until consistent performance is achieved, after which it can be integrated into a longer run-through.

The term is not a standard or widely recognized entry in major dictionaries. It tends to appear in informal notes, workshop handouts, or within specific groups as shorthand, possibly derived from the English word repetition or from the French word répétition. Its usage is typically contextual and project-specific rather than official terminology.

In practice, repetits are used across disciplines such as music, theatre, and dance. In music, a player might loop a challenging bar to secure rhythm, pitch, and articulation. In theatre, an actor might repeat a difficult line or blocking sequence in quick succession to build memory and timing. In dance, a phrase or sequence can be cycled to cement movement quality and coordination.

Critiques of repetitive drilling emphasize the need for balance. While repetits can improve technical fluency, excessive repetition may reduce expressive dynamics or lead to fatigue. Effective use usually combines focused repetits with broader run-throughs and varying tempos or interpretations to maintain musicality and spontaneity.

See also: Répétition, Repetition, Drill, Practice.