Sewing Ribbons


Sewing Ribbons
Even before you go on pointe, you may need to know how to sew ribbons. Some schools require ribbons on technique shoes for exams; some require students to wear shankless, “pre-pointe” shoes.
The more you dance, the more particular you will become about how and where to sew the ribbons on your pointe shoes. Their location and their angle determine how effectively they keep the shoe attached to your foot, and how attractively they do it. Because every foot is different, every dancer must determine the positioning that is right for her, and most dancers insist on sewing their ribbons themselves. However you choose to sew them – more angled, less angled, staggered, or with your personal good luck number of stitches per side – you are participating in one of ballet’s tedious but dearly cherished rituals.
Most pointe shoe ribbons are nylon or polyester satin with either a shiny or matte finish. They should be seven-eights to one inch wide, and about twenty-two inches long. Some dancers singe the ribbon ends to keep them from unraveling.
Although you will fine-tune your own method with every pair you sew, the basic procedure is this