All pointe teachers have their personal preferences for the way they like things done. We have opinions on everything from where to place elastic on pointe shoes to what types of shoes and pads to use. As you take classes with different teachers, be open to their suggestions and keep trying different things until you find what works best for you.
That said, here are my preferences:
- Use Ouch Pouch pads rather than thick gel pads or other types of padding inside your shoes.
- Sew one strap of elastic across the top of your foot unless you have very narrow heels. If they slip off your heels even though they fit well every other way, then refer to the post "Sewing Elastic on Your Shoes". The reason I like one strap across the top of your foot is because it snugs the shoe up slightly to your arch and if your ribbons loosen on stage, you can still dance. You'll be really embarrassed but at least your shoes will stay on your feet! Tip: It is always a good idea to take a few stitches through your ribbon at the knot so the knot doesn't come untied when you're performing.
- Paint the platform of your pointe shoes with clear nail polish. When you first dance in your shoes, there is very little resistance between the platform of your shoe and the floor. The clear polish acts as a rosin of sorts. (It soaks into the satin and makes it last longer too.) Try different types of polish. Base coat polish is usually thicker and better than top coat polish. Although our studio always has a rosin box available, we have been asked to perform places that don't allow rosin on their stage floor and this truly does help!
- Try Russian Pointe pointe shoes. I like them. I like the way they look and the way they wear. Not everyone has a foot suited to a Russian shoe but if you find a model that fits your foot well, give them a try!
- Use regular ribbon or ribbon with an insert of elastic - not the elastic ribbon. To me, it feels more stable. I don't like the stretchiness of the solid elastic ribbon.
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