How to Tie the Ribbon on Ballet Shoes
When people think of ballerinas, they instantly think of fluffy tu-tu's and satin ribbons gracefully wrapped up the dancers' ankles. In all actuality, ballet shoes do not have ribbons. Only pointe shoes do. These are the shoes worn by older, more experienced dancers that allow them to dance on the tips of their toes. While many people think the ribbons are simply for looks, they actually serve an important purpose. While beautiful, the pointe shoe ribbons provide valuable support for a dancer as she rises "on pointe." Experienced dancers are able to quickly tie their pointe shoes so that they are comfortable while dancing, yet still supportive.
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Instructions
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Slide on the pointe shoe, placing your foot through the elastic sewn around the ankle. Hold the ribbon on the left side of your shoe in your left hand. Hold the ribbon on the right side of your shoe in the right hand.
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2
Point your foot to its fullest. Take the two ribbons and criss-cross them over the top of your instep, angling up toward your ankle. As you cross the ribbons, switch the hands you are holding them in for ease of movement. They will form an "X" over the top of your foot when crossed.
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3
Flex your foot. Wrap both ribbons around the back of your ankle. Criss-cross them once again at the back of your ankle. As you wrap the ribbons, pull them so they are tight, but not binding. Ribbons should sit right above your ankle bone, not wrapping up your leg.
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With your foot still flexed, bring the outer ribbon all the way around the front of your foot to the inside of your ankle. Bring the inside ribbon from the back of your ankle to the inside of your ankle to meet the other ribbon.
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Tie both ribbons together in a double knot. Take the excess ribbon and lay one on top of another. Fold the excess ribbon underneath in ½-inch squares until you can neatly tuck the excess square underneath the ribbons tied around your ankle.
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Tips & Warnings
By flexing and pointing your foot in the designated steps, it will help you gauge how tightly to wrap your ribbons, as it will place your foot in the actual positions where the ribbons will support you when dancing. In order to ensure the excess ribbon does not fall out during a long performance, some dancers will loosely sew the tucked ribbon to the part of the ribbon wrapped around their ankle.
Ribbons should be tied tightly to add support, but should never be so tight as to constrain movement or cut off circulation. If you remove your shoes after dancing, and have marks on your ankle from the ribbons, they are most likely tied too taut. As you dance in your pointe shoes, the ribbons will adjust- tightening in some places and loosening in others. You may need to re-tie your ribbons during the course of a long class or performance.
