How to Tie The Ribbons On Ballet Slippers

Tying ribbons on ballet slippers takes practice.

Ballet is one of the most graceful and elegant art forms. Every aspiring ballerina needs to be able to tie her ballet ribbons correctly. Learn how to tie the ribbons on all types of ballet slippers - satin, leather and pointed shoes.

Things You'll Need

• Ballet slippers with sewn-on ribbons
• Ballet tights
• Bobby pin or hair pin
• Needle and thread

Instructions

1. Put on the ballet tights and the ballet slippers. Place one foot flat on the ground. Tie the drawstring at the front of the shoe and tuck it in.

2. Start with the ribbon on the inside of the foot. Holding the ribbon firmly, pull it diagonally across the top of the foot and then around the back of the leg to the inside of the leg, making sure it remains above the ankle bones. Continue pulling the ribbon around to the front of the leg.

3. Wrap the ribbon around the back of the leg to complete the circle and end holding the ribbon firmly in place on the inside of the leg.

4. Take the ribbon on the outside of the leg and firmly pull it diagonally over the top of the foot to cross the first ribbon. Wrap the ribbon around the back of the leg. Continue pulling the ribbon across the front of the leg, making sure it lies directly over the first ribbon; it must cover the first ribbon completely so it looks like there's only one ribbon. Finish with the ends of both ribbons on the inside of the leg.

5. Flex the foot to ensure there will be sufficient foot movement when the ribbons are tied in place. Tie a normal knot -- cross right over left and pull it through -- on the inside of the leg. Repeat to form a double knot to prevent the ribbons from coming undone.

6. Tuck the ends of the ribbons in. Use a bobby pin or hair pin if the ribbons are too tight to use your fingers.

7. For ballet classes, it may be sufficient that the ends of the ribbons are just tucked in. However, for ballet exams or stage work, you may need to sew the ends of the ribbons in place to prevent them from popping out during the performance. Use a needle and thread (with a color that matches the ribbons) to tack the ends of the ribbons in place.

8. Repeat steps 1 through 7 for the other foot.

Tips & Warnings

• Sew a piece of elastic on the inside of the ballet shoe to sit across the top of the foot to provide extra support, in addition to the ribbons.

• Ballet ribbons should measure 22 inches (about 55 cm) long and 7/8 inch wide (about 2 cm), sewn into the ballet slipper so that the shiny side of the ribbon shows on the outside.

• The ends of the ribbons should be hemmed (if 100% satin) or singed with matches or a lighter (if nylon or nylon + satin) to prevent them from unraveling.

• Take care not to burn yourself or anyone else when using the matches or lighter.