Preparing pointe shoes is no simple task. They must be sewn almost perfectly, with elastic and ribbons. So here's how to prepare the elastic and ribbon for your pointe shoes in preparation for dance.
Steps
Step 1. Before your first lesson, bend the sole of your pointe shoes slightly
Do not bend the part between the sole and demi-tip; this will weaken the support of the shoe. Do relées from demi-pointe to toe. If you don't feel confident, ask a teacher to do it for the first time. However, applying only light pressure will not harm it.
Step 2. Soften the liners (the toe) by gently squeezing them until they give way slightly
This will make the liner wider and more comfortable for your fingers. Don't press too hard, and don't resort to extreme methods like using a hammer, unless you're very experienced! This could probably lead to damage or breakage of the shoe, or to its weakening in certain parts.
Step 3. For your first lesson, try to soften them to a minimal extent, just enough for the shoes to be wearable
If you have no experience you could damage them! The best way to soften them is to put them on and start dancing. With experience, you will be able to know how to soften your shoes more easily.
Part 1 of 3: Sew the Ribbons
Step 1. Sit down and examine your foot in the shoe
Find the center of your plant.
Step 2. Fold the heel of your shoe back into a crease, then mark where it meets the side of the shoe:
this is where you will need to sew your ribbons.
Step 3. Secure the ribbon with pins
Do a couple of relevé or some other basic dance step. If you haven't done your first lesson yet, just go for demi-pointe (so you avoid getting hurt). Make sure the ribbons support your ankle.
Step 4. Arrange the ribbons until they are in the perfect position for you
You may need to fold them.
Step 5. Sew them just below the cord
Make sure you don't sew the cord. There is no problem if you sew them through satin; the points will not be visible from a distance. If you don't want to sew them through the satin, use an overedge and sew a square around the edge of the ribbon.
Step 6. Check again and make sure the tapes hold tight
Part 2 of 3: Adjust the Drawstring
Step 1. After sewing the ribbons, lift your foot on the toe
Gently pull the cord.
Step 2. While holding the cords in place, go down to demi-pointe
The shoe shouldn't be too loose at the sides.
Step 3. Repeat steps 1 and 2 until the sides are no longer too wide
No problem if the shoes are a little bit loose, but you certainly want to avoid the drawstring being too tight.
Step 4. Pay attention if the drawstring is elastic; it's easy to squeeze them too tight
Step 5. Once the cords are properly arranged, tie them with a double knot
Step 6. Pull the cords up to the tip of the shoe and cut them there
This way you can always adjust them when needed, and at the same time they can be easily hidden for a professional look!
Step 7. Get in demi-pointe with your shoes on
If you feel pressure on your Achilles tendons or pain, it means the drawstring or ribbons are too tight, or the shoe is too small for you. Adjust your ribbons if you feel tingling, and don't dance if the shoes cause pain in your Achilles tendons!
Step 8. If this is your first pair of shoes, it is best to wait until you have already worn them to dance before adjusting the cords
Ask your teacher if you can tie your own cords in a bow for your first lesson. This way you can adjust them during the lesson.
Part 3 of 3: Tie the Ribbons
Step 1. Place the sole of your foot on the floor, or keep your foot flexed
Step 2. Take the inner tape
Run it over your ankle bone until it reaches the inside of your ankle. From that point, wrap it around your ankle once. Hold the tape in place on the inside of the ankle.
Step 3. Take the outer tape
Thread it inside the ankle so that it crosses the other ribbon forming an X. From that point, wrap it around the ankle once, and then around the mid-ankle, so that it meets the other end of the ribbon at the side. inner ankle.
Step 4. Tie the ends of the ribbon with a double knot
Step 5. Cut the ends, about 10 cm from the knot
Step 6. Burn the ends of the ribbon, or use clear polish to keep them from fraying
Step 7. Insert the knot and the ends of the ribbon under the tied ribbons
Step 8. It may take a long time to tie them up at first, but you'll soon be able to do it with your eyes closed
Advice
- Over time, the process of preparing your shoes will become systematic and personal. Each dancer has their own method. As you become more experienced, don't be afraid to experiment!
- For sewing ribbons, embroidery floss or dental floss is fine.
- If your teacher has given you different instructions, follow them! They know your foot better than an article knows it.
- Arrange the end of the ribbon and the elastic so that there are about 2.5 cm below the drawstring on the shoe. Sew along the base, sides and under the cord to form a square. This will make the shoes more suitable for your feet and decrease the chances of the ribbons falling off.
- If the heels of your shoes often fall off while you are dancing, try wearing pointe shoes without tights. Leather is not as slippery as tights and your shoes will fit better. If you have to wear tights, rub some rosin or water on the heel. Looping the elastic twice, or using tape with a bit of elastic sewn into the back where it meets your heel, can also help keep your heels in the shoes.
- To prevent the ribbons from loosening, you can use only one longer ribbon instead of two. Thread the ribbon under the foot and sew it under the drawstring on both sides. This will also save you some time.
- Feel comfortable in your shoes. But don't be discouraged if this is your first pair, your teacher will help you! Also, don't expect your shoes to be comfortable, they are usually quite painful in the first or first couple of weeks!
- To make pointe shoes last longer, remove the toe pads from your shoes after each lesson. They can be stored on the bottom of your mesh bag or in a separate bag.
- After each lesson, take your shoes out of the bag and let them dry. This way, they will wear out less and last longer.
- Do not take too pink ribbons / elastic. By doing this, the audience will be looking at your ribbons or rubber band more than looking at you. As a general rule, the shoes and ribbons should be the same color as your leg.
- You can also use these tips for demi-pointe shoes if you put ribbons and / or elastic on your soles.
- If you notice that the shoes are slippery, scrub the sole with a scraper or score it with an X-Acto knife. Remove the satin from the toe of the shoe.
- You have to be really good at dancing and have enough strength in your ankles to use pointe shoes.
Warnings
- Never dance with shoes that are too soft if you are a beginner. Only the most experienced dancers with very strong feet are able to support themselves with soft shoes.
- Don't get your shoes wet; you will probably ruin them.
- Never play in your pointe shoes at home if you are a beginner!
