"Pretty Yellow Pointes-FREE WALLPAPER" By Rev. Barbara Sexton Dear Ones Healing Ministry

This FREE BALLET WALLPAPER is for your personal, non-commercial use.  COLLECT THEM ALL!  A link-back to www.DearOnesHealingMinistry.blogspot.com would be appreciated.  Love, Rev. Barb

"BARB'S DYE PROCESS FOR POINTES (BLACK) & ALL SATIN SHOES--Easy Do-It-Yourself Instructions" By Rev. Barbara Sexton Dear Ones Healing Ministry

 

These black pointes are Bloch 'Aspirations' with Bloch 'Elastorib' ribbons.

These 'babies' in action!

 

ABOVE:  What you'll need for the job.  Painter's tape is available everywhere.  Get Kiwi black leather shoe dye easily online. 

BEFORE YOU START ANYTHING: Be sure to line your work area with heavy double layered 'garbage bags' to protect your surfaces.  I suggest using white paper towels (instead of newspapers, for instance) for mopping up spills, etc., in order to avoid ink transfer from newsprint onto your 'pretty pointes', inside or outside.

To begin, assemble the following:

1)  a large garbage bag

2)  paper towels

3)  scissors

4)  painter's tape

5)  Kiwi brand black shoe dye

6)  70% isopropyl alcohol  (rubbing alcohol) to wipe up 'spills' and remove dye from hands

7)  nitrile (purple or blue) gloves (preferred) or vinyl gloves to protect hands

8)  protective eyewear (glasses or goggles) to protect against accidental eye splash

9)  one pair pointe shoes (with ribbons attached or with ribbons to be dyed separately and to be sewn on later).  You may also wish to 'skip' dyeing any ribbon and simply purchase 7/8" black ribbon for use on your newly dyed black pointes.  Please note that I recommend that you NOT sew elastics on before dyeing, if possible, since the elastics will be one more thing you will have to be careful with come dyeing time!  If you are dyeing a pair of shoes with elastics already attached, tuck them in carefully and stuff lots of paper towels on top to protect them from 'errant dye'.  You want your elastics to match your tights, not your pointe shoes!

ABOVE:  Bloch 'Aspirations' dyed pink-to-black here (without elastics)

BARB'S DYE PROCESS FOR POINTES 

(& ALL SATIN SHOES)

The first step is to cover the soles of the pointe shoes with 'blue' painter's tape (two rows approximately 8" long).  See photo below.  I used 'Scotch 3M' brand here.  Gently press the tape against the soles so that the 'outline' of the sole is visible 'through the tape'.  Then, with a sharp implement, carefully 'cut away' the excess tape, so that the sole edges are 'clean'.  I used a single scissor blade to do this, but you can also use an 'Exacto' knife if you can wield it with care.  WHATEVER YOU USE, BE SURE NOT TO ACCIDENTALLY CUT or SCORE THE SATIN WHEN YOU CUT AWAY THE BLUE TAPE!

ABOVE: This is what your 'protected' soles should look like before you apply the black shoe dye to your pointes.  Expending the extra effort to create clean lines will assure that your end result has a 'professional look'.  Of course, the sole, itself, can easily be dyed black, also, if desired.  Fortunately with this method, there is no dye-transfer or 'rub-off' during use when the newly-dyed black pointes are allowed to dry thoroughly for approximately 48 hours after the last coat of dye is applied.

If ribbons are attached to your shoes 'tuck them in' and stuff your pointe shoe with 4 or 5 clean paper towels.  Using Kiwi Brand Black leather dye, start 'daubbing' the dye with the bottle-applicator.  Start at the rear of the shoe and work your way 'around', being careful to apply a good even layer WITHOUT saturating the shoe.  It's better to use two even coats than one 'heavy' one.

 Apply a first coat of dye (left shoe) and then after allowing to surface-dry briefly (an hour or so), apply a second coat of dye.  Touch up any areas that need it and allow the pointes to surface dry again.  Once you are satisfied with the overall coverage, carefully pull out the 'strings' (drawstring ends) and color them, as well. (BELOW)

Again inspect your shoes and set them upon some (standing upright) plastic cups to maximize air circulation.  Your final 'step' is to 'untuck' and dye the ribbons, one at a time, starting with the area closest to the shoe and working out to the ends.  It is easiest to dye the ribbons in the cup of your hand, as one would apply 'hair highlights'.  Be sure to give the ribbon at least two coats of dye or as much as is needed for the color to be absorbed uniformly.  Wipe up all drips/slight pooling of dye and let the ribbons rest on plastic (not paper) for the final drying.  (Paper will tend to 'wick away' some dye during the drying period which will result in 'uneven' coloring...So set your pointes on plastic.)

When your shoes are totally (or almost) dry, carefully peel away the painter's tape.  Be sure to remove ALL of the tape.  DO NOT "TRY OUT" your pointes UNTIL THEY ARE PERFECTLY DRY!

ABOVE:  This is what your 'clean pointe shoe soles' should look like after you peel away the protective blue painter's tape.  Any minor specks of black dye that may have leaked through may be removed by buffing them away with a nail file.  You can also use a course 'eraser' on the sole to remove any stray black marks, if desired.

As for the random 'dye mistakes' which may manifest on the INNER lining of your shoes, a simple 'cover-up' with buff colored 'Wite-Out' should do the job to conceal these little slips.  The 'Wite-Out' will not affect anything negatively and will help create a neater-looking final job.

 

ABOVE:  Voila!  A couple of 'dye mistakes' are gone!

 

Here is the final product.  NOTE:  As I mentioned, this particular dyeing method is good for satin pointe shoes and for all satin shoes in general...purses, too.  This dye is apparently highly water-resistant and does not stain tights or scuff floors.  I am in the process of 'testing out' and 'abusing' my black-dyed Blochs here...and, thus far, the only 'wear' I can detect is the normal 'wear and tear' all point shoes receive during wear.  Logically, if I see a need to 'touch-up' the platform areas or perhaps the 'over-worked ribbons', then I'll do it, remembering to let my pointes dry thoroughly before dancing in them again!

I can't say how many 'pairs' may be dyed with a single bottle of Kiwi dye, but I would 'guess' at least two or maybe two-and-a-half pairs, figuring two coats per shoe.  Be sure to always keep some extra dye on hand to use for 'touch ups' before a special class or a performance.

I hope you have great success with this dyeing method and dance extremely well!  Stay tuned for articles on other dye methods ('Rit', other shoe dyes, Sharpie, etc.), coming soon.
God Bless You!
Rev. Barb
Rev. Barbara Sexton
"The Biblical Biochemist-Where Science Meets the Cross"
www.DearOnesHealingMinistry.blogspot.com

 A pretty good job with these inexpensive 'Bloch's' dyed from pink-to-black!

ABOVE:  More shots of me modeling my 'handiwork'.  I think with high-resolution photographs, I could have 'neatened up' the sole edge a bit more (with some dye and a paint-brush) in the picture above.  From a distance, of course, this is not a problem, but 'purists' can keep this in mind when 'absolute perfectionism' is called for.
QUESTIONS/COMMENTS:  BarbaraKSexton@aol.com

"Blue Ballet Pointe Shoes & Roses-FREE WALLPAPER" By Rev. Barbara Sexton Dear Ones Healing Ministry

Free Ballet Wallpaper for you.

A linkback to http://www.DearOnesHealingMinistry.blogspot.com would be appreciated.

"Pointe Shoe Hi Tech: How To Use Achilles Tendon-Sparing BLOCK 'ELASTORIB' Ribbon" By Rev. Barbara Sexton Dear Ones Healing Ministry

ABOVE:  Bloch Sonatas with TMT technology (TMT30L) with Bloch 'Elastorib' ribbons--So comfortable even through a bout of Achilles tendinitis (with 4" diam circular 'bruise' over the area!-OW!!!)  Those Elastoribs are a Godsend!  The initial positioning and fitting is a bit tricky, but with practice they are easily fitted and sewn on.

THIS IS PART OF A SERIES DESCRIBING THE PREPARATION OF TMT BLOCH POINTE SHOES COMBINED WITH BLOCH ELASTORIB ('ACHILLES TENDON-SPARING') RIBBONS

Advantages:

--Elastoribs are very ankle-friendly, comfortable.

--TMT Technology Blochs can be broken in very quickly by activating the heat-sensitive 'paste' in them, molding them to the dancer's feet and subsequently 'setting them' in the refrigerator!

--Sounds 'funny', but it works GREAT! 

 ABOVE: Four separate elastoribs (two per shoe) per pack--enough for one pair of pointe shoes

It is important that the young ballerina strictly follow the instructions of her dance Mistress/Instructor according to the rules and regs of the particular dance academy.  However, here are some recommendations for you if you are left to your own devices:

MY RECOMMENDED STEPS FOR SEWING ON ELASTORIBS:

1) Take two of the four pieces of Elastorib and place them under one foot in your shoe as if they were one.  Be sure they are under your arch.  HINT: Pin the two pieces under your foot together to make 'once continuous piece' if this helps you place the Elastoribs under your arch more easily.

Remember that the elastic part of the Elastorib must fit evenly over the back of your foot, over the Achilles tendon area.

 

Also, be aware that, unlike with 'regular ribbons', with 'elastoribs' the OUTER ribbon is wrapped around the ankle FIRST.

2)  Using safety pins, PIN the ribbons to the shoe (horizontally) just under the drawstring line.  Make sure the ribbon is angled in your shoe so that the net effect is to have your pointe shoe fully 'drawn up ' under your arch once the ribbon is snugged.   Also make sure that the 'free end' of the ribbon is sufficiently long to wrap around your ankle the required number of times. 

3)  Once you your Elastorib is 'positioned', use a pencil to 'mark-off' where you want to cut off the ribbon excess inside the shoe.  You'll probably want to leave (from the top edge of the shoe drawstring area) approximately 1 1/2" (one and a half inches) excess.  I divide this 1 1/2" into 3/8 sections (pencil lines), so that my final result is even, flat, neat and non-irritating to the foot.

 4)  AGAIN Re-check that the elastic on these ribbons sets upon your Achilles tendon and that there is enough ribbon on the other ends to wrap around your ankle sufficiently.

3)  If you are satisfied with things, mark vertical pencil lines on the lining of your shoe on both sides of your now-properly positioned Elastoribs.  Then unpin them from your shoe and seal the raw ends of the Elastoribs as you usually would.  I use 'Sally Hansen' acrylic clear nail polish (in the round blue bottle), but you may wish to use the old 'flame' seal method.  Just don't use BOTH of these methods concurrently for obvious reasons, as nail polish is FLAMMABLE.

4)  While the nail polish is still 'wet', fold the excess ribbon cut end 'once' up 3/8" and then, again, another 3/8" and hold or secure with a bobby pin for a few seconds while you ready your needle for sewing.

5)  Re-pin your prepared ribbon end back into place, again making sure that your ribbons are angled (or even straight) in your shoe so that the net effect is to have them fully drawn up under your arches once the ribbon is snugged.

 

ABOVE: Same Bloch Sonata TMT30L's (which are cheap, fun to 'break in' with heat from a hairdryer and turn out to be surprisingly comfortable and reasonably long-lasting) 'setting' in the fridge for about five minutes to 'set' the thermoplastic I had molded to my ('peasant' aka 'Giselle') feet.  Sew elastics and ribbons, including Elastoribs, on before heat-setting these pointes.

6)  The uppermost and middle lines of sewing are running stitches (like a line of dashes).  In other words, running stitches should be used above and below the 'drawstring area'.  The bottommost lines (on the inner shoe lining) and on the 'fold line' of the Elastoribs (and any other ribbons) should be 'whip-stitched'.  Whip-stitching is also called the 'overhand stitch'.  All sewing should be as 'continuous' as possible and thread knots should be 'buried' under ribbon folds/edges so that will not irritate the dancer's bare foot.

7)  Once you're done sewing, put on your pointes, tie them and cut off any excess free ribbon on the Elastoribs.  Be sure to leave enough ribbon length to be 'tucked in'.  You don't want distracting and unprofessional 'piggy tails' on your ankle!  Also, don't forget to 'seal' the free ends of the Elastoribs using either nail polish or by flame.

ABOVE:  Take a look at how I sew my ribbons on. (Click to enlarge)  There are many different ways to sew them on as well as different 'elastics/ribbons' combinations.  Sew elastics on first. Over time, each dancer finds a method she likes best.  If any dancers-budding, intermediate, advanced or otherwise...Or if any 'ballet moms or dads' have any questions about what I've written here (or anything else ballet-related), just email me at BarbaraKSexton@aol.com.  You can also just comment right here, of course, if you prefer.

Thank you so much for reading this--I sure hope it helps.  Stay tuned for future pieces on pointe shoe safety, great healing regimens for dance injuries and all sorts of 'helpful hints' for those who are enchanted by that amazing, astounding thing of beauty known as 'BALLET'!

God Bless You All!

Rev. Barb

"The Biblical Biochemist-Where Science Meets the Cross"

www.DearOnesHealingMinistry.blogspot.com

"Ribbonless Pointe Shoes Dyeing Experiment" By Rev. Barbara Sexton Dear Ones Healing Ministry

These Sansha Futura 111's have laces instead of ribbons.  Note that they come from the manufacturer with elastics pre-sewn on one side.  I haven't sewn the other side of the elastics yet, but will before I attempt my white pointe shoe dyeing 'experiment'.  I purchased these particular shoes from Back Bay Dancewear
LINK:  http://www.backbaydancewear.com/catalog_i846139.html?catId=36493

Above:  Bunhead's 'Stich Kit' (left on box)

LINK:  http://www.discountdance.com/dancewear/style_BH350.html?&pid=865&Shop=Style&&skey=stitch%20kit&search=true&SID=312719991
Obviously, I will need to use white thread of some kind to sew the elastics on these.  However, I only have 'Stitch Kits' with pink, lightly waxed thread, (ABOVE) so I will probably use double or triple stranded white 'dental floss' instead.  When dental floss is used to sew ribbons and elastics, it is customary to use waxed floss.  However, considering that this project involves dyeing the shoes, I will likely choose 'unwaxed' white dental floss, which will more readily take up dye than the waxed version will.  In any case, I'll check this all out before I sew and decide what to use based on what 'dyes' best.

photo above courtesy:  www.BackBayDancewear.com

All other photos are mine and you may freely use them.  COLLECT THEM ALL!
Sansha Futura 111's are available from the manufacturer in peach pink, white, red, dark blue (ABOVE) and in black.  They are available up to women's size 14 (sizes 12-14 are special order), but men with small feet might be able to get away with wide women's 12-14's.  I suggest you contact an authorized dealer like www.BackBayDancewear.com or www.DiscountDance.com  (Discount Dance Supply) if you are interested in these 'sneaker-like' pointe shoes.

If you choose to use these photos publicly and/or online or to distribute them in a bulletin or something, a link-back to this website would be greatly appreciated: 

Linkback:  www.DearOnesHealingMinistry.blogspot.com

Click on images to enlarge.  Right-click on image to 'save'.

ABOVE:  Sansha Futura 111's--good for a 'casual look' for females and a viable option for male dancers?
Have fun with dance!
Blessings,
Rev. Barbara Sexton
"The Biblical Biochemist-Where Science Meets the Cross"
www.DearOnesHealingMinistry.blogspot.com