Every ballet dancer knows the excitement that comes along with getting their first pair of pointe shoes. It’s a core memory. It takes so much time and effort to prepare for dancing on pointe, so the day it finally happens feels like Christmas.
Unlike most shoes, putting them on your feet isn’t the whole story when it comes to breaking them in. Preparing your pointe shoes is all about getting them safe and supportive to dance with before you even put them on your feet. If you’re opening your new pointe shoes and wondering, “What do I actually do with these?” we have you covered.
Let Your Teacher Approve Everything First
Before you take the first steps of bending and gluing, make sure you know what your teacher wants. They are the experts after all. Every studio has different preferences for ribbon placement, the style of the elastic, how the shank is broken in, and padding.
Don’t worry about asking too many questions. You aren’t “behind” just because you aren’t exactly sure what to do. Pointe is a serious step for ballet dancers! Prepare your shoes with the same concerns about technique that you apply to new choreography.
Sew On Your Ribbons (Yes, You Have to Do It Yourself)
Most dancers don’t know this at first, but pointe shoe ribbons are hand-sewn, usually by the dancer. Pointe shoes often come with ribbons and elastics separate from the shoe, so before you learn how to tie your ribbons, you will need to attach them!
You will need a needle, strong thread, scissors, and lots of patience. Don’t get frustrated if it takes you a few tries! This is a learning process. Start by folding the heel of the shoe forward to find the natural crease. Then mark where the sides meet (this is where the ribbons will go), and sew them securely using whip and running stitches in a square pattern. Make sure you ribbon overlaps your shoe by at least one inch and fold the end of the ribbon under itself to protect the raw edge! Ask your teacher for a tutorial if you are unsure about your placement.
Add Elastic for Extra Support
Elastic gives your feet some extra support and stops your heel from slipping and sliding in the pointe shoe. Studios also have different preferences when it comes to this. Some will prefer a single loop, criss-cross elastics, or pre-sewn elastic. As a beginner, you are going to want extra support, so ask your teacher what they suggest. How you place your elastic for support and overall look will decide how you sew them in place.
Gently Break Them In
Some safe ways to break in your pointe shoes include: gently bending the shank at the arch, massaging the box with your hands, and wearing them around the house to get them to mold to your feet. This might be a slow process, but it is important you do it slowly and gently. For more advanced techniques, check with your teacher! Pointe shoes can take some rough treatment, but keep it simple with your first pair.
Prepare Your Toes
Keep it relatively simple. You don’t need 10 layers of padding, but you definitely want some to protect your toes. Having too much can actually make it harder to keep your balance. For beginner toe prep, look into toe pads (gel or fabric), lamb’s wool, and toe tape. Make sure you test everything during class to see what does and doesn’t work for you!