Everything You Need to Know About Pointe Shoe Ribbons
What do Ribbons do?
Ribbons provide essential support en pointe, both keeping the shoe on and supporting the ankle, much like elastics.
Types of Ribbon
You can purchase either satin or stretch ribbon.
| Satin Ribbon |
|
Pros: -More supportive because it doesn't stretch -Durable Cons: -Cannot always be pulled taut enough -Frays more easily -Difficult to untie knots -Not ideal for looping your ribbon |
|
Stretch Ribbon |
|
Pros: -Lays flat nicely -Doesn't fray as easily -Easier to untie knots -Ideal for looping your ribbon Cons: -Less supportive -Less durable |
The perfect medium between the two is Bloch Stretch Satin Ribbon. It is a thicker stretch ribbon with a satin sheen, combining support and comfort.
Ask your teacher before picking a ribbon type, as some have a strong preference towards traditional satin ribbon.
Ribbon Placement
Many dancers sew their ribbons deep into the shoe, closer to the quarter seam (and sometimes even in line with the arch). However, I recommend sewing them next to the elastics, which I situate very close to the back seam. This offers more support, encourages proper alignment, and can aid in keeping the heel in the shoe.
Check out our Dancing Feet Essential Dance Digital Guide for detailed pictures, measurements, and how-to sewing information.
Sew your ribbons on a slight angle towards the front of the shoe and away from the back elastic.
Looped Ribbons
Looping your ribbons is when you sew both ends of one long ribbon into the shoe, allowing it to be wrapped instead of tied.
There are several things to consider when deciding if looped ribbons are right for you:
| Pros |
|
-Saves time -Ribbons won't come undone on stage -Clean lines (no knot to tuck in at the ankle) |
| Cons |
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-Not adjustable Ankles swell and change size with factors like temperature, hormones, and time of day. -Not as supportive Tight ribbons help to stabilize the ankle en pointe. Because the loop cannot be adjusted, there will be times when it is too loose to act as anything more than a "strap." |
I always encourage beginners to cut their ribbons into two pieces. This provides optimal support. Plus, learning to tie your pointe shoes is such a milestone.
Measuring Your Ribbons
Read further in our Dancing Feet Essential Dance Digital Guide for step-by-step pictures and specific measurements to copy.
Keep Your Ribbons From Fraying
Overall
Ribbons are an important support system in your pointe shoes. Selecting the right kind and sewing them in the best place sets you up for success. Thinking through these details helps you make the strongest, most individualized decisions about you shoes. And you know we're all about individualizing dance training here at Hayden Creech Coaching.
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