rue du Postillon 14, 1180 Brussels - Tel: 02/347.06.75
Congratulations on the purchase of your first pointe shoes!
Before you can wear them at your first class, you need to prepare them and sew on the ribbons and the elastics that were provided to you in our shop.
WHAT YOU'LL NEED
  • ribbons
  • elastics
  • scissors
  • a sewing needle
  • a white/pink thread (a color that matches the pointe shoes)
PREPARATION
  • cut the ribbon in 4 equal pieces (2 per pointe shoe)
  • cut the elastic in 2 (one per pointe shoe)
  • next, prepare your needle: thread your needle and tie a knot at the end
SEWING RIBBONS
  • Lightly burn the ends of the satin ribbons with a lighter so that they do not fray.
  • Fold the heel of your pointe shoeflat against the bottom of the shoe and place the ribbon at the fold.
  • Stitch the ribbon in a small square so that it will hold well.
  • Tie a knot at the end and cut the excess thread. Start again with the other ribbon and repeat on the other shoe.
Be careful! Ensure you don’t sew the ribbon on the drawstring but just underneath it

TIP: We suggest you sew the ribbon right underneath the drawstring so it does not interfere with the comfort of the foot (see photo 2).
SEWING ELASTICS
  1. Place the ends of the elastic on each side of the heel seam. This will help the pointe shoe to remain in place while supporting the foot.
  2. You can either sew the elastic on the outside (if you want to avoid it rubbing against your heel) or on the inside (for aesthetic reasons).
  3. Sew a basic stitch on one side, then, place the dancer’s foot in the shoe to adjust the length of the elastic to her ankle.
Please note! The elastic should not block the blood flow and compress the ankle but it should be tight enough to support the foot.
TAKING CARE OF YOUR POINTE SHOES
Heat and sweat soften and damage the pointe shoes.
Therefore, they shoud be aired out after each use.
Here are a few tips on how to extend the durability of your pointe shoes:
  • Carry them in a cloth bag
  • Leave your pointe shoes and protective toe pads in the open air after class
  • Do not leave your toe pads in the pointe shoes
  • If you tend to sweat a lot from your feet, you can fill your pointe shoes with (news-, toilet-, kitchen-) paper to absorb the moisture