Things You'll Need:
- Ballet slippers with sewn-on ribbons
- Ballet tights
- Bobby pin or hair pin
- Needle and thread (if required)
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Step 1
Tie the drawstringPut on the ballet tights and the ballet slippers. Place one foot flat on the ground (it doesn’t matter which foot you start with, either the left or the right). Tie the drawstring at the front of the shoe and tuck it in.
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Step 2
Wrapping the inside ribbonStart with the ribbon on the inside of the foot. Holding the ribbon firmly, pull it diagonally across the top of the foot (# 1 in the picture) and then around the back of the leg (2) to the inside of the leg (3) making sure it remains above the ankle bones. Continue pulling the ribbon around to the front of the leg (4).
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Step 3
Finish on the inside of the legWrap the ribbon around the back of the leg to complete the circle (5) and end holding the ribbon firmly in place on the inside of the leg (6).
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Step 4
Wrapping the outside ribbonNow 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 (7). Wrap the ribbon around the back of the leg (8). Continue pulling the ribbon across the front of the leg (9), making sure it lies directly over the first ribbon (i.e. 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.
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Step 5
Tying the ribbonsWhile it is important to tie the ribbons firmly and securely, they must not be so tight that they restrict blood flow to the feet. Gently flex the foot (10) to ensure there will be sufficient foot movement when the ribbons are tied in place. Tie a normal knot (i.e. cross right over left and pull it through) on the inside of the leg (11). Repeat to form a double knot (12) to prevent the ribbons from coming undone.
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Step 6
Tucking the ribbons inTuck the ends of the ribbons in. Use a bobby pin or hair pin if the ribbons are too tight to use your fingers.
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Step 7
Sewing the ribbonsFor 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. If you do sew the ribbon ends, be very careful when you cut the thread to take the ballet slippers off – do not cut the ribbons or the ballet tights!
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Step 8
Repeat steps 1 - 7 above for the other foot.













