A How To: Dyeing Your Pointe Shoes to Match Your Skin Color

It's not uncommon  for dance schools and companies to ask dancers to pancake or dye their pointe shoes to match their skin color.

I remember years ago, when I spent my first summer intensive program at the Dance Theatre of Harlem, in our preparation guide it said we had to wear tights and pointe shoes that matched our skin color. In my case, that's a dark chocolate brown not sold by any leading dancewear companies.

Coming from a dance studio where the black and white dancers all wore pink tight and pink shoes I was a bit baffled. But would eventually learn the tricks of the trade.

Apparently the pink tights and pink pointe shoes we've come to know as a staple of ballet were traditionally designed to match the skin tone of white dancers. Many  brown and black and even white dancers today,  dye their shoes to match their exact skin color or very close to it.

The main reason: Cleaner lines on stage.
 

Here are your options:

Spray Paint

Make sure you spray paint your shoes in a well ventilated space, preferably outside. You might want to test spray an old pair of shoes just to make sure it's the right shade--the color may vary from the color you see on the packaging.

Also be mindful, some spray paint may leave your shoe feeling a little stiff and ribbons slightly crunchy to the touch.

Fabric paint

With a paint brush, just brush on the color to your shoes and let it dry. When it dries retouch where necessary.

Makeup Foundation

This was always my preferred method, though you can skimp on the expensive stuff and buy your foundation from the drug store. Normally a pack and a half will do. If you have leftovers save it for touch ups later on.

Creamier foundations tend to adhere better, but I've seen dancers also use the liquid water base stuff too. Just grab a sponge and apply.

If you're dyeing canvas ballet slippers you could use use the same methods above, except I've found using foundation doesn't work all that great.

If you have your own tricks or suggestion feel free to add them in the comments section.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Comments

[Joni Junka]

I always have shoe trouble.

http://funds2orgs.com/

[home remedies]

I've seen dancers also use the liquid water base stuff too. Just grab a sponge and apply.

[shiekh shoes]

There are a couple of ways to do this. If it is just a small scuff, you can use shoe polish in a matching color to fill it in. If you want to dye the whole shoe, you'll need leather dye and applicators.

[Michele Thornton]

How do you dye tights?

[revitol]

our preparation guide it said we had to wear tights and pointe shoes that matched our skin color.

[meladerm]

that's a dark chocolate brown not sold by any leading dancewear companies.