Today I decided to make a list of Pointe Shoe Supplies that you may come across needing while working with pointe shoes. Previously, I wrote an article regarding the different types of brands of pointe shoes, so today I thought that I would make one specifically for once you get your first pair of pointe shoes. Getting your first pair of pointe shoes is always an exciting time that every dancer remembers as it is such a pivotal time in a dancer's career and sets them up for amazing years ahead. Which is why I decided to dedicate today's article specifically to pointe shoes, since I remember getting my first pair of pointe shoes and being a bit confused as to what I needed to wear with my pointe shoes, etc.
1. Gel Pads/ Lambs Wool-(Optional However Used 90% of the Time)
This item is used majority of the time as it makes your pointe shoe fit better, as well as make your pointe shoe more comfortable especially in the beginning stages of your training. I would highly recommend trying on all of your potential pointe shoes with whichever options you prefer (lamb's wool/gel pads) as the fit of your pointe shoe will change due to the amount of space it takes up in your shoe. I've used both lambs wool and gel pads but I personally prefer Gel Pads. The brand I use are Ouch Pouches and I use the beige fabric ones, as I've heard that the silicon ones make your feet sweat more or take up more space in your shoe. Also you can wash the fabric Ouch Pouches to ensure more uses. I would definitely recommend having at least 2 pairs of Ouch Pouches on hand, as its always a good idea to keep a spare around. Also, if you lose one you have another one. As for the lamb's wool you can buy a bunch of it at once and use it as needed, as little or as much as you need to form a cushion around your toes in the front and back with focus on the tips of your toes and sides of your feet. As you use lamb's wool you will need to buy more, as with all things they eventually become less effective as a cushion. As for how much to use, its really up to you, its basically until it feels comfortable in your shoe while also protecting your toes. On the contrary side of both of these options, depending on your shoe you may not need either of these options as I know that some shoes come with better padding inside such as the Gaynor Mindens, as they are made of flexible polymers/elastomeric. Another pointe shoe that has fairly good padding are the Mirella-Whisper pointe shoes, which contribute to why they are super quiet. There are also some dancers who prefer not to wear lambs wool or gel pads or padding at all and wear just their pointe shoes which are great too, but personally I prefer the padding especially on long days of pointe. Overall, its really up to your personal preferences and the only way to really know how you like to prepare your pointe shoes is to experiment over time. I know that for me personally it took awhile until I finally found my favourite preparation method, which was at least my third or fourth pair.
2. Toe Spacers/ Toe Tips-(Optional If Needed)
This item is fairly optional and depends on the structure of your feet. I tend to use toe spacers to make sure that I don't get a bunion on the outside of big toe joint. Also to ensure I have even spacing between all of my toes when pressed inside of a pointe shoe. As for toe tips I personally have never used them but I heard they are helpful for those who need a bit more cushioning on their toes such as their pinky toe or second to last toe due to the rubbing inside of the shoe. As there are different types of feet shapes and some shapes are easier to fit into pointe shoes than others but there is always a way to compensate for each type and make it comfortable. As they always say, if there's a will there's a way. At the bottom of this article I'll attach a link to a picture of the different foot shapes, so that you can see what foot shape you have and how you want to prepare your pointe shoes :)
3. Ribbons, Lighter/Matchsticks/Nail Polish/Fray Check, Needle & Thread- (Essential)
These items are definitely extremely important and without it, it would be very difficult to dance without especially for the aesthetics of ballet using ribbons for their pointe shoes. There are generally two different widths of ribbons. I use the wide ribbon for pointe shoes and use the thinner ribbon for flat ballet shoes if doing a graded exam. However, now you can use regular ballet shoes with elastics, so it's not as necessary anymore. Although, you can also use the thinner ribbon for demi-pointes/pre pointes. For reference: Demi-pointes/ pre pointes are generally used for a majority of the work in the Vocational RAD grades such as Intermediate, Advanced Foundation, Advanced 1, and Advanced 2. However, the option is up to you and may vary from teacher to teacher. There are also different shades of ribbons and depending on the pointe shoe you pick, I'd go with the one that matches the colour of your pointe shoes. however, if you can't decide go for the light pink one, as white can look a bit stark against your pink tights and a darker pink stands out against your tights. Its a bit of a guessing game but if you buy Capezios/ Blochs generally light pink is the way to go. There are also different types of ribbons such as plain ribbon vs. stretchy ribbon. I generally use plain ribbon but I'm going to give the stretchy ribbon a try for my next pair of pointe shoes and I'll let you know how they go. Both have their pros and cons, as I've heard that the stretchy ribbon is good for high arches or for mobility when dancing but you need to pull your ribbons tighter when you tie them so that they don't become too loose when you dance. As for keeping your ribbons from fraying at the ends make sure to use either a lighter/ matchstick/ nail polish/ fray check. The way I like to prepare my ribbons is by using a lighter or matchstick and slowly and carefully with adult supervision at a close distance to the ribbon melt the ends until they are a glossy pink. Then quickly blow out the match/ turn off the lighter and blow cold air on the ribbon to make sure it's not on fire. Caution: make sure to always have parental guidance and let them know what you're doing beforehand if you're under 18 years old. Also do it in a space that has nothing flammable with water/fire extinguisher close by. As for the other options, you can also cut your pointe shoe ribbons at your desired length and cut the ends into a V-shape. Another option is to cut your ribbons and then use a dab of nail polish along the very edge of your ribbons. The other option is to use fray check which cuts the ribbons at a precise location, make sure to have adult supervision if you are under the age of 18. As for the needle and thread these are needed when sewing your pointe shoes and I recommend stitching it so that you can't see the thread on the outside of your pointe shoes. Especially for exams and performances, however, for your day-to-day practices if you are tired of it you can sew straight through. Although I always find that way to be more difficult as it's tougher getting through the next layer. I usually use dental floss for a thread as its super strong and doesn't show up as it's white. You can also use a light pink/white thread, just make sure the thread is strong and will stay in place when you dance.
Here is the link to the different foot shapes: remedialballerina.blogspot.com
4. Toe Tape/ Athletic Tape & Scissors-(Optional Use as Needed)
This item is fairly optional and depends on how often you dance in pointe shoes. I tend to only use toe tape for whenever I get blisters but that doesn't happen too often but if you dance a lot the chances are you're going to need to use it a lot more. As for athletic tape, it's great for if you need ankle support such as injury/sprain/ankle pain but if your ankle is injured I would tend to recommend not dancing on it and letting it heal but if you have no other option than definitely use athletic tape. The scissors are important for both of these items as well as for your ribbons in measuring out the lengths, so I'd prioritize it as an essential.
5. Hairspray- (Optional for Performance Purposes)
This item is mainly used in ballet exams or performances to ensure that your ribbons don't come out and distract you during your performance. As well as making sure that they stay in place. I would say that this item is fairly optional and to use only for special occasions. However, make sure not to use too much otherwise your ribbons may become too stiff and become very difficult to come off and you may have to cut off your ribbons in order to get off your pointe shoes. Just use a little spray enough to secure its place and you're good to go.
6. Elastics- (Optional-Depending on your Arches/Shoe/Ankle)
This item is optional and really depends on how high your arches are, what kinds of shoes you have, how weak/strong your ankle is, and/or you have thin ankles in proportion to the front of your foot. There are also two different types: thick vs thin. I've used both and I personally like to use the thick elastic, as I have thin ankles in proportion to the front of my foot. However, one of the downsides of elastics is that it prevents moment in your metatarsal, which is important to develop strength in for your pointe work. The thin elastic is good if you need only a bit of support due to the weak/thin ankles. As for those who have high arches-lucky you!- generally in the beginning of your training your teacher may recommend that you sew thick elastics across your arch/ ankle/very top of your foot depending on how tall the box of your shoe is.
7. Rosin/ Pointe Shoe Ruffer/ Moleskin- (Optional-Use on Slippery Surfaces)
These items are important to keep in your dance bag especially for performances, as you never know what kind of surface you may have to dance on, especially if the floor is too slippery. However, I do know that there are some dance teachers who don't like having their students using rosin as it makes the floor sticky but you'll often find a box of it on the ground that people may step in before going on stage at a competition/performance. As for the pointe shoe suffer, this is used for the back of your pointe shoe to create a grip for the floor. As for the moleskin, I used to use it for surfaces that were slippery as well. My only complaint is that if you dance at a different studio/stage it may get more/less slippery than you're used to. You'll also need to replace it over time through use. However, it will keep the bottom or your pointe shoes from fraying, which is a major plus!
8. Jet Glue- (Optional for High Performance Aspects)
Jet glue is generally used when you need to strengthen your shoe when you need to prolong the lifespan of your shoes. You can get it at your local dance store or hardware store, but I'd tend to prefer using the ones from the dance shop. The only downside of jet glue is that it really is only a short term solution and will last maybe a 1-3 performances at most more than you usually would. You'll also need to make sure to let the glue dry before you use them again.
9. Box Liners/ Heel Cushions-(Optional Use for Fit)
These items are used to add comfort and to provide a better fit for your pointe shoes. I've used both before but I find that I'd rather find a better pointe shoe than to add the accessories if I can. The box liners are generally used in the front of your pointe shoes inside of it when one foot is slightly smaller than the other/ if you have thin feet in proportion to the shoe. As for heel cushions these are used when your pointe shoes keep falling off your heel due to thin heels in proportion to the front of your foot or because your pointe shoes are slightly too long in length by a little bit.
10. Bandaids- (Optional But Keep in Dance bag)
I tend to like to have these around as you never know when you need them and are a great addition to your bag if you get a blister/bunion/bleed/your pointe shoes are too tight.
Overall, pointe shoes are a wonderful time in a dancer's life and throughout it you may have a love-hate relationship with it sometimes but I thought I'd at least help some of you out there with understanding the ins and outs of the basics of pointe shoe supplies before you buy your first pair. I hope that this article was helpful to you and have a great day. Happy Dancing! :)
Here's an article on how to sew your ribbons onto your pointe shoes: bloch.com.au
Here's an article on how to tie your ribbons: wikihow.com