 EN POINTE
RAISE THE BARRE
 PAS DE DEUX
BASIC, BETTER, BEST
MG....TTYL
PAS DE DEUX
LEOTARD FOR BODY TYPE
BEYOND BASICS |
Basic, Better, Best.
A Wrap-Up On Elastics & Ribbons
Most retailers simply offer dancers a set of ribbon and elastics to go with their new pointe shoes. Most dancers do not understand the different types of ribbon and elastic available in the market place. Merde not only offers great items at a great price, but we also want to make sure our customers understand why they need a particular item, and how to use it properly.
Elastic
Basic. In the basic category are the “knit” elastics found in discount department stores and sewing supply stores. Knit elastics are great for lots of things, but they don’t belong on pointe shoes because they do not have a tight weave. The basic elastics are lightweight and have the most inexpensive method of construction of the three types of elastic. Two positive points about knit elastic are that they do not narrow when stretched and are readily available—they can even be purchased at the local dollar store.
 Better. Better elastics are the “braided” elastics. Braided elastics are lightweight, slightly ribbed, and have good gripping power. Braided elastic is the middle price point for elastics because they are made with a combination of rubber and polyester. The price is a positive, but the downside is in the construction method: the polyester and rubber composition breaks down when sewn through. When the needle pierces the rubber, it causes the rubber to lose its stretch and recovery properties. Braided elastic is easily recognizable because it is a thin elastic, and the only type that narrows when stretched. Examples of braided elastics are the elastics that Freed and Capezio offer. Many dancers like this type of elastic based on its gripping power.
 Best. The best elastics are the woven elastics. Woven elastic is made from dense interlocking threads that produce a premium product. The best elastics are identified by the crosswise and parallel ribs that create a windowpane effect. Woven elastic does not narrow when stretched and can be easily stitched through without affecting the integrity of the elastic. Woven elastic also resists curling and is the softest elastic made. An example of the woven elastics is the elastic offered by Bloch. Many dancers like this type of elastic because it feels nice next to the skin, and it does not stretch out as much as the other types.
Ribbon
Satin ribbon is a smooth, luxurious, woven fabric in which finer, more numerous warp threads “float” on top of coarser, weft threads so that the weft is almost completely hidden beneath the rich warp. This creates a smooth, shiny finish to satin ribbon. Satin is available in two varieties.
Single Face. The first variety is what we call “single face” satin because it is glossy on just one side. Bloch, Capezio, & Bunheads are examples of a single face satin.
Double Face. The second type of satin is called “double face” satin and it is glossy on both sides. Double face satin is available from Russian Pointe and Freed.
Both single face and double face satin are of high enough quality that either one can be used for pointe shoes; it really just comes down to what the dancer likes best. Some dancers prefer the buttery feel of double-sided satin next to their skin while others like the grip and staying power of the single-sided satin.
Ribbon-Elastic Pairing. Still other dancers need the comfort provided by Flexer ribbons or Elastoribbons. Bunheads offers Flexers, a single-sided satin ribbon with braided elastic sewn in the achilles area. Bloch offers Elastoribbons, a single-sided satin ribbon with woven elastic sewn in the achilles area.
Be careful not to use the stiff, low thread count ribbon found at sewing supply stores on pointe shoes. For performances, it is customary for ribbons and elastics to match the tight color, and it is sometimes necessary to dye the elastics to achieve the correct color match.
Visit www.merdegirl.com for detailed instructions on the correct method for sewing ribbons and elastics into pointe shoes.
PRINTNEXT |