How to Tie Ballet Slippers

Ballet slippers are the most important piece of a ballet dancer's costume. More than just footwear, they are tools enabling the dancer to perform the beautiful and graceful ballet dance steps and movements. To dance in ballet slippers, it is very important that the slippers be tied properly. Learn how to tie ballet slippers correctly to ensure that the slippers will be worn comfortably and properly.

Things You'll Need

• Ballet slippers (also called Pointe shoes)

Instructions

1. Place the ballet slippers onto your feet. Pull a ribbon in each hand straight up beside each other. The ribbon on the outside of the ankle should be a slightly shorter length than the other ribbon.

2. Pull the inside longer ribbon across the front of the ankle. Hold it firmly here. Pull the shorter ribbon across the front of the ankle over the longer ribbon. Make sure that both ribbons are firmly tight across the front of the ankle and laying perfectly flat on the ankle.

3. Pull the longer ribbon around the back of the ankle so it reaches back to the inside of the ankle. Meet the two ribbons together inside the ankle.

4. Tie the two ribbons together in a double knot. Conceal the knot under the ribbon wrapped around the ankle by tucking it under. This will help to make sure that the ribbons do not come untied.

5. Stand up and go up on pointe to test the fit of the ballet slippers. Check to see if the ribbons are tied too loosely, too tightly, or just right. The ribbons should be tight enough to feel secure, yet not so tight that they dig into the ankles. If they are too loose or too tight, re-tie the ribbons following the preceding steps.