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Pointes to ponder: tips, tricks & trade secrets.

Article Excerpt
Dancing on pointe is difficult, but preparing your pointe shoes doesn't need to be. When you have questions, just ask the pros. The' know the tricks for preventing slips, sewing elastic, and extending a shoe's life. Here seven dancers share their pointe shoe secrets, tips, and annoyances. Use their hard-earned knowledge and prepping your pointes will be a pleasure.

What are some tips far sewing elastic? I criss-cross two pieces one inch-wide. One end is at my heel, the other at my arch. You can get tendonitis if your ribbon is too tight, so I sew a good solid inch of elastic into the body of each ribbon to make it give. I can plie better and have more flexibility in my ankle.--Crystal Brothers, Ballet Memphis

Any tricks for preparing your ribbons? I use crochet thread to sew on my ribbons with three big stitches. Before I go onstage I sew a couple of stitches in the knot of the ribbon to tack the ends. I do a big "X." I have to make sure it's perfect because I'm in it for the show. It's always the very last thing I do.--Megan Fairchild, principal, New York City Ballet

What kind of padding do you use for your toes? I've tried everything: pads with jelly, lambswool, even a brown paper bag. What works best for me are...

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