How to Tie Ballerina Shoes

Tying pointe shoes incorrectly can be dangerous and cause serious injury to the dancer. This article will describe the correct way to tie ballet (pointe) shoes.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Put the shoe on your foot.

2. Take the inside ribbon first and cross it over the arch of your foot and wrap around your ankle completely finishing at the inside of the ankle just before the ankle bone.

3. Hold this ribbon firmly and take the outside ribbon and wrap across the arch of your foot and all around your ankle crossing over the other ribbon and finishing at the same point. Both ribbons should be lying smooth over your foot.

4. Tie a double knot on the inside of your ankle and tuck the spare ribbon away. Cut this to about 2-3 inches length if the ribbon is quite long. Never tie to tight so your ankle is restricted. When tying your pointe shoe it is more comfortable and secure if you tie while your foot is in the en-pointe position.

Tips & Warnings

• If your shoes slip at the back don't use elastic to hold them on. Try dampening the heel fabric inside. This usually stops the slipping.
• It is important to remember when tying pointe shoes is to make sure that the ribbons are tied reasonably close together around the ankle. This provides the foot with the most support.
• it is important to remember to tie the knot in the ribbon on the inside of the ankle rather than at the back of the foot as this way helps to minimize the pressure on the tendons in the ankle.

Resources

• VIdeo: How to Tie Pointe Shoes