Tying your Pointe Shoes: A Guide

You asked for it so here it is! Our step by step guide for how to correctly and safely tie your pointe shoes.

Please note; there is more than one 'correct' way to tie up your pointe shoe ribbons, small variations in the method will come down to individual preference, or that of your school or teacher's (some prefer the outside ribbon to overlap for instance, whilst some prefer the inside to). If in doubt, just check with your teacher if there is a preferred method at your school. However, for the purposes of correct ribbon tying technique... this tutorial is a perfect guide for anyone who is a little unsure of the best way to go about tying their shoes!

1: Tie the drawstring firmly and tuck it into the top of the shoe

2: Take the outer ribbon and bring it inwards across the front of the ankle

3: Then draw the same ribbon behind the back of the ankle to wrap around to it's starting position

4: Cross it once more in front to the inside of your leg and keep ahold of the ribbon

5: With your other hand, pick up the inside ribbon and draw it across the top of the foot to the outside of the ankle

6: Repeat the process from the first ribbon, by wrapping the 2nd piece around the back of the ankle

7: Make sure to bring this side ABOVE the other ribbon, before drawing it around to the front and over to the outside ankle again

8: Finally, bring the two pieces together at the inside of the ankle, above the heel

9: Tie the ribbons firmly, making sure the double knot sits comfortably against the leg

10: Check the remaining length of the ribbon ends

11: If there's more than 5cm it's a good idea to shorten the ribbon for ease of tucking

12: After you have trimmed the ribbon make sure to seal the ends with a lighter, to prevent the ribbon running

13: Make sure the knot is positioned at the side of the ankle, resting comfortably

14: And finally, tuck the ribbon up and underneath the layers, so it sits against the leg

15: ...and there you go

Voila!

Read Next:

The Perfect Dance Diet

Pointe Shoes: The Perfect Fit

So You Want to be Flexible...