How to Lace Up Ballet Shoes

Ballet shoes are typically pointe shoes that have canvas and shellac toes, ideal for on-toe work.

Just like dance is an art, tying up dance shoes is also a bit of an art and absolutely an acquired skill. Through practice, your ability to lace up your shoes without assistance will improve, but following a few simple steps will make those initial attempts easier. Ballet shoes are typically pink (but may be dyed in other colors for performances) and do not come with ribbons attached. When finished with your ballet shoes, clip the ribbons and reuse them on another pair.

Instructions

1. Attach the ribbons to your ballet shoes. These should be tightly sewed to the interior of your shoe, about 1/2 inch from the heel portion of each shoe, on each side. Pull firmly after adding the ribbon to the shoe and ensure it is secure.

2. Take on ribbon and wind it around the interior of your leg (you almost make a cross) and then take the other ribbon and weave it around your leg. If you look down at your ankle, you should see a triangular-like pattern above your ankle. Tuck one ribbon behind the other so it makes a neat bow.

3. Repeat this process with the other shoe. Professional dancers and dance students do not, like pop culture showcases, tie the ribbons up the entire leg. A professional dancer has a discreet, well-tied ribbon that is safe and appropriate for the rigors of classical dance.

Tips & Warnings

• Canvas shoes, also known as flat shoes, are also known as ballet shoes, however these are not set-up for pointe work. For performances, you may apply the ribbons to canvas shoes for the appearance of pointe shoes.

Resources

• "The Pointe Book: Shoes, Training & Technique; Janice Barringer, Sarah Schlesinger; 2004