Modifications

=Modifications That Can Be Made To The Pointe Shoe =
 * Inserting elastic into the ribbons:** When dancers have a smaller demi-plie than normal the ribbons on pointe shoes make it even smaller. If you put elastic where the ribbons touch the bank of the ankle bone it can help the dancers plie become bigger and easier to do.
 * Cutting the inner shank:** This helps make the shank more flexible so you have an easier time doing some steps. You can take a utility knife and gently cut across layers near the heal.
 * Shaving the outter shank:** When you have pointe shoes with a thick outter shank it is hard to balance on them. You can use a utility knife to carefully shave it so its thinner and easier to balance.
 * Getting rid of some of the noise:** You can get rid of some of the pointe shoes noise by beating it with a hammer or other hard object.
 * Softening the toe box:** This can help aid breaking in the shoe. You can either use rubbing alcohol or water. Rubbing alcohol is used most often because it works quicker. Dab a cotton ball in either the rubbing alcohol or the water. Then apply it accross the point of the shoe where it should bend in demi-pointe.
 * Hardening to soft shoes:** You can make a temporary change to the pointe shoes in hardening them. You take liquid floor wax and apply it to the tip pleats and box of the shoe with an old toothbrush. Apply only on the outside of the shoe at the places that need to be hardened. Stuff the shoe with newspaper and put the ribbons in the inside. Bake in the oven for three minutes at 250 degrees then leave them in overnight[[image:http://www.fancifootworks.com/images/graphics/psop1.jpg caption="Pointe Shoe Covers: You can wear these to help extend the life of a pointe shoe. They make it harder for the bottoms to wear out as easily."]]

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