Laura did not know that pointe shoes are all personalized, and it’s the dancer herself who has to finish them! She had to hand sew elastic and ribbons on to the shoes.
Thankfully there were go-by photos available for reference, and I could give a few general tips on anchoring thread, etc.
The effort was worth it, though, and she came back from her first lesson just beaming and brimming with excitement.
I did not know that either, Laura. I like the fact that along with all those strengthening exercises you have been doing to prepare your feet and leg muscles for en pointe, you also need to to put some work into preparing your shoes so they will properly support you. Happy dancing!