Ballet Dictionary: Ribbons
Photo by Mark Sumaylo • Text by Abigail Oliveiro
What: Ribbons
Ballet ribbons are used to secure ballet shoes or pointe shoes to the foot, tied in a criss cross over the instep. The ribbons on pointe shoes are thicker in width than ones used on ballet flats. Ribbons used for pointe shoes are approximately one inch wide and long enough to be tied in the proper way around the ballerina’s foot. Most pointe shoe ribbons are made of nylon or polyester satin with a shiny or matte finish. Besides these regular ribbons, there are also variations that come with an elastic attached mid ribbon and also in the form of a stretch ribbon for extra comfort, support, or aesthetic purposes. As pointe work has evolved, elastics have also been added to help hold the shoe more securely to the foot. They generally come in different shades of pink (depending on the brand), to match the colour of pointe shoes and tights seamlessly. They can also be painted to match the dancer’s attire appropriately.
Dancer: Celine Astrologo, Ballet Manila 2
