We all know what a chore it can be to sew on your elastics and ballet shoe ribbons. Some brands come with ready-sewn elastics, while in some cases, even if they do, the ballet school in question requires that you sew on ribbons rather than elastics.
There is a lot about this that matters. First of all, there used to be a belief that if you have elastics rather than ribbons, this could restrain the circulation around the ankle. If this does happen, it can only mean that the elastics are too tight, and need to be sewn on afresh. However do remember that elastics tend to give with time, and you may find yourself having to tighten them again.
Properly sewn on ribbons provide important support for the ankles, and this is even more imperative with pointe shoes. You need to ensure that the ribbons are angled slightly forward since this is how they will be used when you are tying them. Otherwise you risk them being too loose, which can be very damaging, especially en pointe.
There are plenty of instructions available on youtube and elsehwere, but feel free to contact us if you have queries. And remember to tuck those loose ends in!
Hi My daughter is an adult UK size 5 Do you know what size pointe shoes she would need ? She has quite wide feet
It would be size 8 – Narrow, Medium or Wide. If she uses toe caps you would possibly need a larger size, particularly if she has a longish foot.
Would be a size 8XX. When you have such queries, please send an email or use our contact form!