Pointe Shoe Fitter Reacts to DIY Ballet Customizations

find someone who makes you as happy as these pointe shoe hacks do for josephine lol
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Produced, Filmed & Edited by: Jazley Faith @jazzleyfaith @jazleyfaithphoto

[@ThePointeShop]

Hi friends! Producer here. Just want to apologize for the audio scratchiness in the video. I tried a new microphone and had some compatibility issues with leveling. Going back to what I know works to avoid this for future filming - thank you for bearing with us!

[@autumnh0028]

You know any friends that make pointe shoes can you ask them how they feel about when they're pointe shoes get broken down when they see the dancers breaking down there the point shoes so they can wear them

[@icarusbinns3156]

I was wondering what was up with the sound. I am glad it’s not s developing ear infection (which I am very prone to)

[@nunyabusiness2945]

But … no bobby pin?

[@charliemeijvogel]

you´re allmost at 500 videos!!! 💗💗💗

[@tillycow2300]

Hi 😊

[@havilahleal]

Translation of the video in Portuguese: This is a tip that I use for my pointe shoe, for some reason when I go on demi poite the shoe comes out of my foot like in this moment. Now I'm going to show you how to correct that, besides the normal elastic you're going to have to sew an extra thin one. I cut a small piece, burned the edges and sewed a loop on the heel. So when I put the shoe on, every time I wrap the satin ribbon I put through the loop, that way my shoe is secure and it won't come out of my foot. I had to put some tape on my heel because it bothered me a little bit, but that depends on the sensitivity of each foot, hope it helps!

[@ChrisSunHwa]

Thank you so much for the translation!

[@bobbeenykoleleach6296]

I'm not a dancer....like at all. But I love watching Josephine geek out on everything.

[@Yourmom24034]

Fr

[@lisacepluch1152]

It lets me pretend I'm a ballerina and getting tips on my pointe shoes

[@niseplank4527]

Josephine is an adorable dopamine hit.

[@karensexauer6138]

I know, right?

[@lyndabethcave3835]

Costumer here! I totally use the plier hack when I'm hand-sewing through thick fabric like coutil (corset fabric), using pliers to pull the needle through is SUCH a finger-saver.

[@SimpleDesertRose]

As someone who sews regularly, I can say that often times it is way easier to use a smaller sharp to push through thick fabrics. They tend to fit between the threads of the fabric. Also I highly recommend a thimble for your finger. Goes on your middle finger to help push the needle through without damaging your fingers or needle. Piles can damage needed and cause them to break. All ballerinas should be given some very basic sewing classes.

[@ItsJustLisa]

You beat me to it. Keeping a needle strawberry to give them a quick bur removal helps too so that the needles stay sharp.

[@clarisaxpianist]

The plier trick honestly is nearly exactly how physicians put stitches in, though we use dedicated needle drivers and pick-ups with curved needles

[@SimpleDesertRose]

@@clarisaxpianist they are also not being pulled through thick material and a different alloy than your average sewing needle. Mist sewing needles are very cheap and break easily.

[@aleshakant]

Also as a dancer it’s probably not best to possibly have broken needle fragments on the floor from using pliers. Broken a couple needles and never again. Also don’t use your teeth

[@ChrisSunHwa]

Use round-nose jewelry pliers, not regular pliers. A thimble can't always push a needle all the way through some very thick/strong fabrics, especially multiple layers.

[@kyaneous]

I'm autistic and recently fell down The Pointe Shop KZbin rabbit hole. I can now add ballet to the list of things I know just enough about to sound like I know things. Also, I love watching Jo's reactions.

[@lisamoirav9973]

Not a dancer but a seamstress. It might be helpful to add a thimble to your sewing kits. We use them to protect our fingers and give added support when pushing a needle through fabric. It might help in case the satin is tough. The plier hack is also really good. I would advise against pushing the needle end down on a hard surface to get it through. This might cause the needle to break and damage the fabric. Maybe this helps someone:)

[@virginiatruett7115]

Totally agree. My daughter just started point training this year and I know how to sew (thanks mom!). They told us to use crisscross elastic and the satin ribbons. I used small-med straight upholstery needle with a mercerized cotton threat. I used a Japanese leather thimble to get the needle through... so much easier! It worked fantastically! The teacher was happy with the pointe shoes and my daughter felt good in them. I've used pliers for curved needles when repairing tough stuff but didn't need them for pointe shoes.

[@lyndafjellman3315]

Every costumer knows that pliers are an important part of any sewing kit. They will save your fingers. And sail-makers use a "sewing palm" for the same reason. Also you might try glover's needles for really thick or heavy materials. They are intended for sewing leather, but will work on fabric. They have a sharp wedge point that cuts thru the fabric instead of sliding between the fibers. Most fabric stores have them in a little multi-size three pack.

[@arquiteta.monica]

Brazilian here, what she said in the video is pretty much what Josephine said, nothing to add. And yes, it's a ponte shoe from Só Dança, we use SD a lot, since its a Brazilian brand.

[@mayalaukaran7935]

The elastic loop is how we were taught to sew our pointe shoes from the very beginning. I feel like it’s been so long since I’ve seen someone do it that I was starting to wonder if no one did it anymore!

[@crazycatlady6226]

I’m always learning so much in these vids and I’m not even a dancer lol

[@dreicher]

I use my quilting hemostats to get the needles through touch areas. So much easier.

[@virginiatruett7115]

As a retired nurse.... Hemostats are awesome! Between hemostats, pliers and upholstery needles, I can fix anything!

[@bronwynwinnie]

10 seconds in and Josephine already being traumatized.

[@JennaGetsCreative]

An old school metal thimble for your thumb also helps push needles through the tougher materials. My grandma gave me one and it wins every sewing battle. Plastic thimbles? Not a chance, the eye end of the needle will eventually dig holes in those.

[@kayladegaray9144]

I’ve worn Gaynors for years and I use a small sharp needle with upholstery thread. Never had any issues with sewing them since I moved away from the big needle. I also use thread magic on my thread and that keeps it from getting knotted as I pull it through the satin.

[@SeabassFishbrains]

Okay, on the tape thing, I literally used to wear ace ankle supports over my point shoes while breaking them in (or if they were really dead), gave me lots of support and made my arches look fantastic.

[@NanaGuedesI]

It was portuguese, yes. Here's what I could catch: This is tip n° 9 for this pointe shoe If for some reason when you do a half-point the shoe comes off your foot like this I have a tip for you besides the usual elastic you'll have to sew a little elastic band it's really thin and hard to find I burned the sides a little to improvise you'll have to do this loop, besides the usual elastic it'll only work with the ribbon the satin ribbon will go through it at each wrap around, put the ribbon through the loop and this is the trick it stays attached and the shoe doesn't slip off you foot it worked amazing for me but I had to put a band aid here because it bothered me a little but it depends on the sensitivity of each foot I hope you liked it and see you in the next one Hope it helps.

[@luluvi8998]

I'm laughing so hard at your reaction to the tape XD it's pretty common for irish dancers btw ;)

[@TheBusyJane]

Like ballet dancers in Ireland or people doing irish dancing? Why?

[@ChronicGoblinQueen]

​@@TheBusyJanepeople doing Irish dancing

[@msguineapigsrus]

I wore Gaynors for years (switched from Grishkos). Loved it cuz I no longer pricked myself sewing ribbons on. My mom would sew the ribbons on my gaynors for me with her sewing machine. The main issue with gaynors is that the lining is fused to the satin. In traditional shoes those are two separate layers, so you can only go through just the inside lining material for much of the stitching.

[@annasahlstrom6109]

I sewed my Gaynor's with no pliers, just my long nails and hand strength. It was an accomplishment!

[@AbstractlyDelen]

I would LOVE to watch “pointe shoe fitter and pointe shoe maker react to ballet dancer’s customizing their pointe shoes” and seeing the reaction of the maker

[@Hermione.Granger]

“i JuSt DiD tHaT aNd Ur UnDoInG iT” 😂😂

[@gilded_lady]

Am I the only one having audio issues with this ep too?

[@quillvi]

their audio is always messed up lol

[@kohakuaiko]

Sounds like large room echoing

[@rbk9671]

Gets cut off

[@tarah2345]

Scratchy and echo

[@dees3179]

They’ve answered in the pinned comment now apologising.

[@cass_p]

If it's difficult to sew through the satin, I think an upholsterer's thimble would be a great addition to your shoe prep kit. The pliers hack does work, but I'd use that sparingly if possible. It weakes the needle and makes it prone to snapping, which isn't really safe.

[@llamalover02]

As someone who has sewn Gaynors... yeah pliers are nearly non-optional. I accidentally pulled the drawstring out of mine once. Restringing it took shoe surgery and frustration tears.

[@niloofarsafary]

even though I love the tiktok reactions' chaos, I love it when she is genuinely so happy and excited in these hacks videos=)

[@Minimeowzilla]

OMG gotta try the hack @2:25! How about I use non stretchy loop with stretchy ribbons??

[@ChrisSunHwa]

Worth a try. I guess you could use a small piece of ribbon to make the non-stretchy loop.

[@CorvidsCoreSys]

not me panicking because the likes kept going up and that never happens when i watch a video then realizing its very new lmao

[@kaiitlyncgreen]

for difficult materials to sew through i always use a thera band!

[@anabia202]

Girl!!! Love you videos!! I got so happy that u explained the portuguese video, tyyy T-T

[@diannemartell9409]

You can buy needle grips that help you pull the needle through the fabric.

[@brett9595]

The heel of my pointe shoes always slips off THANK GOD for these hacks 🙌🙌🙌

[@baikey6772]

The gaynor minden one, if you use a theraband it helps grip the needle and get it through the satin. Also helpful for darning

[@justaduck3615]

Haha, you can really tell Josephine loves her job.

[@TatyanaLucero]

love your ear rings

[@YourGranIsBigMad]

"Dont duct tape your pointe shoes." *One second later.* "Actually, that looks pretty secure... Are we onto something?" 😂

[@TsukiyoTenshi]

I wonder...what would Josephine think of ballet-based anime? Like Princess Tutu or Dance Dance Danseur?

[@moon_chan4299]

about the translation: this is the 9th tip of pointe shoe here for some reason, on the moment to do the half point the pointe shoe gets off your feet like on this moment now that i'm going to show i have 1 tip for you besides the normal elastic you will have to sew 1 small elastic it's very thin and super hard to find so i cutted 1 'burned' a little the sides to give an improvised you have to make the loop beyond the normal elastic because it will only go in with the ribbon the ribbon that will pass through it at that moment so, at every turn the satin ribbon will go through, and that's the trick it gets stuck, and then the shoe doesn't come off your foot It worked really well when I did it but I had to put a plaster on this spot because it bothered me a little but that depends on the sensitivity of each foot. That's it :) And you are right.,it is portuguese.

[@deliliah56]

Sewing Gaynor Minden works for me only with finger protection out of silicon. Gamechanger 😉

[@watermelon-hs5fe]

When they were talking about Rodleyn it is really for fiddle bows

[@miss_clarity]

I just sewed my shoes and I am exhausted now

[@musicluver7125]

The thinner needle for the thick satin on certain pointe shoes makes sense -- it's the same for thick materials such as wool. You do actually want a thinner, sharper needle for sewing thicker material

[@tricky-actant]

Yeah, the Europe stretch cured my hill problem. Super comfortable point shoes, that fill almost illegally comfortable for point shoes

[@Loweene_Ancalimon]

As someone who sews, though I haven't sewn ribbons on in point shoes in close to a decade, I have some tips about sewing on ribbons ! . Use. Thinner. Needles. There is a common misconception that thicker needles are needed to sew through thicker fabrics, but quite the contrary. You're going to need to use a lot more force to push a thick needle through a tightly woven, thick fabric. Using good needles, not all needles are created equal. Go for the best needles you can afford, look for needles made in Europe or in Japan (Bohin, Clover... John James used to be made in England, not anymore, but their needles are still good). Stray away from big cheap packs of needles, they're usually not good at all. Lastly, use the right type of needle. I'd recommend getting what are called "sharps", or "betweens". Sharps are longer than betweens, so experiment a bit around to find what needle length suits your hands, your shoes and your sewing style. Bohin has a pack of sharps with 3-9 size needles, I recommend starting out with a pack like this to see what number (thickness) works best for you. Higher number means smaller needle. THIN darning needles can also be a good option, but go for very thin ones. They'll have a slightly larger eye than sharps or betweens. If you struggle with your needle when in theory those needles work for you, take a new needle. Needles count as disposable in the sewing world, they eventually go blunt, even if you can't see it. . Then, protect your hands ! Use a thimble, they go on the middle finger of your dominant hand. It takes a bit to get used to working with a thimble, but it's well worth it. It should fit well, the tip of your finger should touch the tip of the thimble, and it should be tight enough you can wave your hand around without it flying off. A good alternative to a thimble is a needle puller. It's a little 3-in1 plastic tool used in your dominant hand, with a pad to push the needle through, and a metal needle gripper that'll act like pliers. It also has a thread cutter. Bohin makes them, too, but a whole bunch of brands make them and they're all virtually identical. Pliers are dangerous, in my opinion, they'll case you to bend or break your needle, and no one wants half a needle to fly into their eyes. . If I were to put together a nice, durable pointe shoe sewing kit, here's what I'd use : . - Small scissors, precise tip, big enough to cut ribbon or elastic.13cm Fiskar sewing scissors. - two packs of Bohin needles, sharps n°3/9 and darning n°1/11. Find what you like best, and then get a pack of that type/size. - a well-fitting thimble. Metal, leather, open top (called tailor's thimble) - a needle puller - pins/safety pins. Pinning your ribbons and elastic in place allows you to try the shoes out before sewing, and to make sure they're exactly where you want them. - your favourite ribbon, elastic and thread. . Now, I'm not saying this is the only way to sew on ribbons, of course you should find what works the best for you ! But I think this is a good starting point. Happy sewing !

[@lindahooper6551]

Using a glover or leather needle also makes it easier. They have a beveled sharpened point.

[@AceyOC]

DON'T HATE ON THE DUCT TAPE!!! STORRRYYY TIIIMMMEE! Once when I was visiting my Amma(Grandma) in a small town in Wisconsin, her truck broke down(big surprise it was her grandpa's lol!) It caught on fire in the middle of an old country road and my Amma being herself, poured her coffee on the part in flames AND DUCT TAPED IT. Anyways long story short, we were fine but I have always been in awe of her when it comes to her magic Duct tape powers

[@ChrisSunHwa]

🤣

[@FoxyJane1348]

LOL! I danced in duct taped shoes before. When you're broke...

[@chilanya]

i had one pair of Gaynors and it took me way too long to sew them. went straight back to Blochs after that (also for a better fit)

[@lizzaangelis3308]

Lol knew she had a pair of pliers lol Should have seen me hand sewing leather. It is almost surgery. Leather, scalpel, (count fingers after cutting…. all ten there? Good) fork/anvil doohickey and hammer. Start pounding. Needle thread/cord pliers poke and pull and repeat.

[@LuvMyCardiKids]

If you watch the gaynors closely she not only uses the pliers to pull the needle she uses the side of the pliers to push the needle through first.

[@naomispostcards]

okay so for the duct tape: at my old studio everyone’s pointe shoes died really quickly and we would put duct tape around like the top of the box, it gave more support where the shoes died (everyone was supposed to wear bloch heritage so they died low on the shank and in the box/wings) and stopped us from sinking in the shoes. the tape that she did in the video was a little different but i have definitely used duct tape on my pointe shoes before. honestly it doesn’t really damage them but sometimes there is residue if you leave the tape on for a while. i don’t usually see it though so nice to know that studio wasn’t the only place that does it!

[@chelisue]

I think when duct tape comes out the pointe shoe is pretty much already toast. How much harm can it truly do.

[@Emerald.She-Ra]

I miss the original Gaynor Mindens - the platform was more spongy. When my first pair eventually couldn't be used anymore, I hated the "improved" ones.😢

[@ChrisSunHwa]

The new ones also don't have the lovely delicate peach satin. They're just... so dull-looking.

[@allydonut1978]

First! I love all ur videos! I am a dancer and these are great!

[@star_stzrx]

2:27 Finalmente o Brasil apareceu

[@JGreen-le8xx]

Josephine❤❤❤❤❤❤❤😄

[@simonchabane4309]

It's so cool girl

[@pkmagic]

Also, if you push the needle into a bar of soap, it will slide much more easily.

[@shayni99]

What's going on with the sound? Josephine sounds 'fuzzy'.

[@MushroomIsHere]

I have a question. I just sew my pointe shoes over a month ago, and everything was going well the string was tight on, but suddenly the string just gave up and it was hanging on by a thread. Is there a possible reason to why this happened? Also btw I love your videos! It really helps me a lot!

[@KKDC1]

As a 11 year old pointe shoe dancer I believe I have the smallest shoes at size 13 in kids😭

[@sophiahohol]

Ur amazing!!!!!

[@sparrow1407]

I just got a pair of nikolays are they good shoes

[@minecraftingmom]

It was duck tape, it was used to waterproof containers. Even though we now tend to call it duct tape, it's awful for ducts

[@charlie2.048]

I've never seen duct tape on point shoes before but as a figure skater I have absolutely duct taped the ankles of dead boots.

[@wickeddance93]

I’m also a skater and was about to say the same thing 😂 we always tape our boots before a comp!

[@carringtonpilon1310]

3 minutes ago? 20th like?! Today is going pretty well so far! 😊

[@amandas2986]

My dance teacher NEVER let me darn my pointe shoes. Any ideas why?

[@mr.bananaslay]

can someone help me because when I wear my point shoes the ribbons loosen up and as a result the heel comes off and I don't know what to do in those situasions

[@Iago.Alves1]

YEAHHHHHH 🇧🇷😻👏

[@familyupgrade]

Do anyone use the palm-owl? Like the one we use on sail-sewing? Check it out! Very safe and hard. /Catta, not a ballerina

[@Aleyna_poo]

Hey!

[@marialopes4990]

OMG IM SO EARLY YAYYYYY

[@pandana6492]

Josephine is tramatized 😭

[@Cookie7041]

Interesting..

[@lynndragon2536]

smaller needles actually go through thick fabric better (as a sewist I know this)

[@-stoopysticker-4263]

Asmr be like:

[@CaitlynGo]

Josephine:I’m afraid that’s going to damage the pointe shoe (duct tape) Me: I’m afraid that would damage the skin taking the tape off! The dancer was wearing it without tights, but I think it would be impossible to get the tape off tights

[@katiedoggett8518]

I really really want pointe shoes but I am not old enough and my studio that I go to isn’t professional 😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢(because I live in Nebraska 😂😂)

[@sune8140]

Hi I’m early and I dance with pointe shoes pls notice

[@northangerallie1921]

So I’m completely not a dancer at all, so forgive my ignorance, but why can’t you machine sew the ribbons and elastic on?

[@karenschmid6041]

Rosin on your heel sounds PAINFUL

[@Camilas_Lifestyle]

It’s really not it just feels like fine crumbs and if your wea ring tights you don’t feel it at all

[@SillyWillyNia]

I wanna do ballet but money.

[@Briellerichmondoffical]

THIRD!! love ur vids!!

[@ishouldbedoinglaundrykrist3995]

Josephine, I know you’re obsessed with pointe shoes, but are you also obsessed with other shoes?

[@SobrietyandSolace]

Try kinesiology tape rather than duct tape

[@kschindle1]

❤ ballet daner is broke😂

[@antiqueiter8135]

The sound is a bit off

[@UnicornRoseDust]

sewing my gaynor minden makes me unhappy

[@TatyanaLucero]

🩰

[@debbiesmith3003]

probably gonna get hate but i sew my point shoes with a sewing machine

[@cs4887]

The amount of sewing involved makes me kind of glad I never went for ballet 😒

[@ltlredhen4177]

I Danced en pointe for 5 years and I cringe watching some of these. I can't understand ripping them apart, I understand the elastic. Frick sakes y'all, my Instructor made sure we knew the store to go to that would fit us properly so we wouldn't have heel slips n stuff. Wtf has happened in the last 25 years???

[@sarahh___12kk]

6th

[@sarihyo]

first

[@trytolovethedark9077]

Some of these videos give ptsd lol

[@linnealanderdahl4310]

No!!! NEVER use duct tape!!!!! use gaf tape :3

[@kat.ily111]

Thimbles people. Please.

[@ceciliacalvin263]

When are you going to fitting videos? I’m about to leave your channel. I’m sick of the reaction videos. It’s not what I signed up for.

[@mayochupenjoyer]

watching this while recovering from an injury and not being strong enough to go on pointe hurts in a different way 🥲

[@2Hearts3]

Ballerinas are pro seamstresses! Wow! 🏆🩰🧵and when all else fails-- DUCT TAPE!!! 🥰

[@2Hearts3]

(Who knew that what's good for the old recliner is also good for your pointe shoes?! 🥴

[@oopadur]

Imagine if ballerina didn’t use the “pointe shoe 🩰 hack” I’ve got a challenge for ya?! if they could dance in their pointe shoe 🩰 for one day! How long will they last before they cave in & start using the “pointe shoe 🩰 hack” Maybe this could be a challenge for TikTok, Instagram, & Etc. let me know thanks 😊