Learning tie dance shoes is one of the first thing a dancer learns. Having dance shoes tied securely and snugly protects the dancer's feet and ankles from injury while practicing or performing. The most complicated shoes to tie are ballet pointe shoes. Knowing do so correctly is vital to the dancer's well-being, as improperly tied pointe shoes could result in serious injuries. While other shoes are simpler to tie, equal attention should be paid during the dancer's pre-show/rehearsal ritual to ensure good technique.
Instructions
Tying Pointe Shoes for Ballet
1. Fold lambs wool or a double sheet of paper toweling over your toes. This protects your toes from injury inside the pointe shoe.
2. Slide your foot into the pointe shoe, under the elastic. Pull the shoe heel on so it feels comfortable.
3. Pull the ribbon on the arch side (inside) of your foot up tightly so it supports the arch of the foot. Cross it over the top of the foot, and bring it around the ankle.
4. Pull up on the ribbon, and bring it around your ankle again. Tuck the excess ribbon underneath the ribbon around your ankle.
5. Pull up on the ribbon on the outside of the ankle so it is tight but not uncomfortable. Bring the ribbon across the foot to the arch side of the shoe, and wrap it around the ankle.
6. Wrap the ribbon again around your ankle, and pull up slightly. Tuck it under the ribbon on the arch side, and tie it into a knot with the arch-side ribbon. Flex your foot into point to make sure the ribbons are secure, neat and not loose. Similarly, the ribbons shouldn't be so tight they cut off circulation.
7. Repeat Steps 1 through 6 with the other shoe. You will then be ready to rise en pointe to test out your tie-job. Adjust the ribbons as necessary so they are secure, comfortable and providing support to your arch and ankles.
Lacing and Tying Dance Shoes With Standard Laces
8. Thread the laces through the bottom eyelets of the shoe like you would a sneaker or other shoe with laces. Criss-cross the laces loosely until they get to the top eyelets.
9. Slide the foot into the shoe. Starting at the bottom of the shoe, pull up on the laces so they are tight but not uncomfortable. Do this lace by lace until you reach the top of the shoe.
10. Pull the outside laces tight. Tie into a bow, and then double knot the bow for security. Tuck any significant portions of extra lace into the front of the shoes on top of the shoe tongue.
11. Repeat Steps 1 through 3 with the other shoe. You are then ready to stand up and rise en releve or perform a shuffle step to test your tie-job. Adjust the laces as necessary for your comfort before beginning to dance.
