Pointe shoes are an essential part of a ballet dancer’s attire, providing the stability and support needed for executing complex moves en pointe. However, tying them correctly is crucial for both comfort and injury prevention. In this article, you’ll learn the six steps to successfully tying pointe shoes.

Step 1: Gather Your Materials

Before beginning, ensure you have a pair of pointe shoes fitted by a professional, some ribbon, and a pair of soft ballet tights.

Step 2: Put on Your Pointe Shoes

Wearing your ballet tights, slip your feet into your pointe shoes. Remember that each shoe is designed for a specific foot (right or left), so pay attention to which shoe you’re putting on each foot.

Step 3: Position the Ribbons

Each pointe shoe comes with two ribbons attached to it. For proper support, position the ribbons so they wrap around your ankle in opposite directions – that means the ribbon from the inside of your foot should go around your ankle toward the outside of your leg, and vice versa.

Step 4: Cross The Ribbons Over Your Ankles

Begin wrapping the ribbons around your ankles. Start with the ribbon attached to the inside of your foot and wrap it around your ankle before going behind your leg and crossing over to the outside of your foot. Do the same with the other ribbon – it should go around the front of your leg first before crossing over at the back. The ribbons should create an X shape on both sides of your ankles.

Step 5: Secure The Ties

After both ribbons are crossed over each other above your ankles, wrap them around one more time and then tie them together in a neat double knot or bow at either side of your leg. Make sure the knot is tight enough to secure the ribbons but not so tight that it restricts blood flow or causes discomfort.

Step 6: Tuck In The Ends

Lastly, tuck any excess ribbon under the loop created by the wrapped ribbons to ensure a clean and polished appearance. This step not only makes it visually appealing but also helps prevent tripping on loose ends during your dance routine.

With these six steps, you’re ready to hit the stage! Properly tied pointe shoes provide the necessary support and stability needed for an elegant and graceful performance. So, take your time with each step and happy dancing!