TABLE OF CONTENTS

• Introduction
• A Brief History of the Pointe Shoe
• To the Ballet Student and Parent
• Shoe Selection
• Correct Fit
• Preparing New Pointe Shoes
  • Sewing the Ribbons
  • Sewing the Elastic
  • Tying the Ribbons
• Breaking in the Shoe
• First Experience on Pointe
• Shoe Life
• Wear and Tear on the Feet
  • Uneven Toe Length
  • Blisters
  • Callouses and Corns
  • Ingrown and Bruised Toenails
  • Bunions
  • Tendinitis
  • Strains and Sprains
• Modifications for the Advanced Student
  • Inserting Elastic in the Ribbons
  • Cutting the Shank
  • Shaving the Outer Shank
  • Getting Rid of the Noise
  • Softening the Boxes
  • Hardening the Too-Soft Shoe
  • Darning the Shoe
  • "Pancake-ing" the Shoes
• Questions and Answers
• Glossary