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How to Keep the Traction on Your Ballet Shoes

The traction on the bottom of your ballet or pointe shoes is what keeps you stationary on the dance floor. When the traction wears off you can easily slip and fall, which becomes a safety hazard for yourself and the other dancers next to you. As such, it is important for ballet dancers to take the appropriate measures to keep the traction on the ballet shoes in high quality condition and to know when it is time to trade in worn shoes for a new pair.

Things You'll Need

  • Rosin powder
  • Empty shoebox
  • Medium-grit sandpaper
  • Fork
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Instructions

    • 1

      Pour 1-inch of rosin into an empty shoebox. Rosin is a powder that is often used in various industries for creating friction, which is how it helps to maintain traction on ballet shoes.

    • 2

      Put on your ballet shoes when you are ready to wear them.

    • 3

      Step the bottom of one ballet shoe into the shoebox of rosin. Move your foot around slightly to make sure the sole of the shoe is covered in the rosin. Lift your foot up and tap the side of the shoe against the side of the shoebox to knock off the excess rosin. Place your second foot into the box. Repeat the same movement and remove it from the shoebox. When you proceed to dance in your shoes, the rosin will cause the soles to have increased traction.

    • 4

      Rub the bottom of the shoes with medium-grit sandpaper. The sandpaper causes the soles of the shoes to become scratchier and increase traction.

    • 5

      Leave your shoes off. Scrape the bottom of the ballet shoes with a fork, making straight lines in the soles. The fork will leave traction on the shoes.

Ballet

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