How to Sew Ribbon to Demi-Pointe Ballet Shoes

Demi-pointe shoes are a specialized training shoe for classical ballet, a step in between soft slippers, or flat ballet shoes, and going on full pointe. Pointe shoes allow the dancer to balance on the end of her shoe so it appears she is standing on the tips of her toes. Demi-pointe shoes train the dancer to move, balance and articulate her feet in shoes similar to a full pointe shoe but without the supporting shank under the sole. The ribbons used for these shoes not only hold the shoes securely onto her feet and ankles while dancing, but add an elegant, classical look to the line of the dancer’s leg. If you have put the effort and commitment into studying ballet consistently and your ballet teacher agrees that you are ready for a demi-pointe shoe, you will need to sew those ribbons on yourself. The method for sewing ribbons on demi- and full-pointe shoes is the same. Ribbons can be purchased with the shoes or separately.

Things You'll Need

• Demi-pointe shoes
• 2 pointe shoe ribbons, 1 inch (2.5 cm) wide, 1 ¼ yard (1.25 meter) long each
• Needle
• Thread

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Instructions

1. A Three-Step Sewing Process

   • 1

     Fold the heel of the shoe down so it touches the inside of the sole of the shoe.

   • 2

     Place the ribbon along this line, keeping the remaining ends of the ribbon at equal lengths.

   • 3

     With a needle and thread the same color as the shoe, sew the ribbon to the edge of the shoe. Do not use a sewing machine.