Pointe Shoes... tieing on the ribbons and elastic?

Question:I need to know if I'm supposed to tie the ribbons or the elastic first? and i'm also supposed to find out if it's better to tie the elastic on the outside so that you don't get blisters. Any help is appreciated. Thanks!

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: I need to know if I'm supposed to tie the ribbons or the elastic first? and i'm also supposed to find out if it's better to tie the elastic on the outside so that you don't get blisters. Any help is appreciated. Thanks!

I have danced for 17 years. I put the elastic on first. I also put it on the inside of the shoe. (once you have worn the shoes in then you will no longer get blisters). Then proceed to put the ribbons on. Pointe Shoes are very hard to break in, but once you do they will be like your second skin. Try using bandaids until your shoes are worn in to prevent blisters.

Good Luck.. and Keep Dancing!!!

My dance teacher says to sew the elastics first and on the outsides, and then the ribbons second and on the inside. It's worked well for me! Hope this helps! : )

i have been dancing for 14 years and i would say if you are just starting to dance on pointe, (unless your dance teacher advised to get elastics) dont put on elastics right away, because dancing with just ribbons strengthens your feet. my dance teacher always told me that elastics provide too much support, if you are just starting. however, if you do need to put them on, elastics go on first. also keep in mind that there is a VERY specific way that you are supposed to attach your ribbons. you should fold the heel of your pointe shoe over, and then slide the ribbons in between the crack. they should be on an angle when you attach them. remember not to sew the ribbon through the outside, just the inside layer. heres a website that will help you sew on your ribbons:
http://www.parkenet.org/jp/ttp09.htm
HAVE FUN!!!

First of all, don't tie the elastic. That needs to be sewn on, or else the back of the shoe will come off when you're dancing.

Slip your foot in, under the elastic. If the elastic is snug against your ankle, it's sewn on correctly and you're ready to proceed.
Take your ribbons and criss-cross them until you reach the end. TIE THEM ON THE INSIDE! Make sure they are snug as well, but not too tight.
If you tie them on the back, you risk an Achilles tendon injury. Tying them on the front or back just makes you look silly. ;)

Recap:
Elastic (sewn on) goes over the foot first.
Ribbons are then tied, and knotted at the inside ankle bone.

Happy dancing!

It is best to actually have two strips of elastic and cross them diagonally per pointe shoe, that way you have full support and the elastic pulls the canvas up by your arch so there is no bagging. Sew one end of each elastic almost at the heel seam of your shoe (yes that far back and on the outside of your shoe) and the other right by your arch (this time inside the shoe), making sure to cross them so you have full support. As for the ribbons, I would always sew them with the elastic by your arch. It cuts back on sewing time, because you can literally sew them together. Just remember for performances, it is best to sew both elastic and ribbons on the inside of your shoe for aesthetic purposes.

Merde!

With the elastic, you fit the shoes, tie the elastic for proper fit, the double knot them and cut off the ends. You can buy "soft slipper" elastic and attach them to the pointe shoes this way to keep the heel on your foot while you go up and down on pointe. Take a piece of elastic and sew in an angle from the back center of the shoe. Wrap the elastic around your instep and sew to the opposite die of you shoe about an inch lower than the ankle (when you are on pointe.) Rpt on the other side.
Then attach the ribbons as the directions show, and tie in a knot under the ankle. For class, you can make a small bow and tuck the bow under the ribbon on the inside under the ankle. For performance, double knot and cut off the rest of the ribbon. Sew on new ribbons if you can use the shoes again.