Talk

Flip

Find advice on the best extra curricular activities in secondary schools and primary schools here.

Extra-curricular activities

Pointe shoe help please!

10 replies

seeker · 12/09/2009 07:55

I've been sewing ribbons in soft shoes for 8 years now by folding down the heel then sewing the ribbon slantwise along the fold. Is it the same with pointe shoes? I've looked on Youtube and some do, but most seem to sew them so that they are a right angles to the shoe. HELP! I can't ask her teacher because she needs them for Monday! And does she automatically need elastics or are they just if they slip? HELP again!

OP posts:

Report

seeker · 12/09/2009 09:25

hopeful bump

OP posts:

Report

mycatunderstandsme · 12/09/2009 10:22

My DD recently started on pointe and yes-you sew the ribbons on at a slant.The lady in the shop told me to double them over at the end and sew them on really well as there is much more strain on them than in soft ballet shoes.

None of the girls at my DD's school have elastic. Also I had to darn the toes which was a very laborious process but some dance schools use little stick on patches so you would be better off asking the teacher!

Another thing that we found was that my DD needed gel pouches inside her shoes otherwise it is too painful but your DD probably needs to try them without 1st and see what the other girls in her class use. I think all dance schools are different!

HTH

Report

seeker · 12/09/2009 10:45

Thank you! It's a minefield, isn't it?

OP posts:

Report

mycatunderstandsme · 12/09/2009 11:14

It certainly is!

Report

seeker · 12/09/2009 15:50

So it's only Americans that sew them on at right angles to the shoe! I wonder if they have different feet!

OP posts:

Report

LadyGlencoraPalliser · 16/09/2009 10:59

Seeker, what grade is your DD? When does this pointe business start?

Report

ShrinkingViolet · 16/09/2009 11:41

just checked DD1s pointe shoes, and I'd sewed her ribbons on at right angles as advised by the woman in the dance shop (I took pins in with me and got her to place the ribbons, so I would get it right)

DD1s class started on pointe when they were about Grade 5/6 (IDTA) standard, but had been doing a LOT of demi-pointe work before that. Her teacher doesn't let them go on pointe till they are at least 13 or so, and have strong non-wobbly ankles.

Report

LadyGlencoraPalliser · 16/09/2009 12:28

Thanks SV. DD is 12 and working towards G4 ISTD. I suppose if she carries on she will be looking at pointe work in a year or two but her ankles aren't the strongest, so I worry about it.

Report

heronsfly · 16/09/2009 12:40

I have to sew elastic onto my dds pointe shoes as well as ribbons
It is a horrible job,as they have to be sewn right round the inside of the shoe.
But I do pay one of the older girls £3.00 a shoe to have them beautifully darned.
She is grade 6 rad,but the pointe work is done during a inter foundation class.