zaro

How to Pancake Pointe Shoes with Foundation?

Published in Pointe Shoe Customization 4 mins read

Pancaking pointe shoes with foundation is a common technique used by dancers to customize their shoes to match their skin tone, creating a seamless line from leg to foot. This process helps the shoes blend in, making the dancer's legs appear longer and enhancing aesthetic lines on stage.

Why Pancake Pointe Shoes?

The primary reason to pancake pointe shoes is to achieve a harmonious visual effect. Most pointe shoes come in a standard "ballet pink" satin. For dancers with varying skin tones, this pink can stand out, creating a visual break. By applying foundation that matches their complexion, dancers can make their shoes less noticeable, allowing the focus to remain on their artistry and movement. This also ensures a polished, professional look for performances and auditions.

Materials You'll Need

To effectively pancake your pointe shoes, gather the following items:

Material Description
Liquid Foundation Choose a liquid foundation that closely matches your skin tone.
Sponge or Brush A makeup sponge, dense foundation brush, or small paintbrush for application.
Gloves (Optional) To keep your hands clean during the process.
Newspaper or Paper Towels To protect your work surface from spills.
Hair Dryer (Optional) For faster drying, especially between coats.

Step-by-Step Guide to Pancaking Pointe Shoes

Follow these steps to customize your pointe shoes with foundation:

  1. Prepare Your Workspace: Lay down newspaper or paper towels on a flat surface to protect it from any foundation spills. Ensure you have good lighting.
  2. Clean Your Shoes (Optional but Recommended): If your shoes are new, a quick wipe down is usually sufficient. For used shoes, gently remove any surface dirt or dust.
  3. Apply Foundation Evenly:
    • Pour a small amount of liquid foundation onto a palette or directly onto your sponge/brush.
    • Begin applying the foundation to the satin upper of the pointe shoe. Work in small sections, using gentle, even strokes.
    • Focus on covering the entire satin surface, including the box, vamp, and sides. Some dancers also extend the foundation to the fabric of the shank and the ribbons/elastic for a completely uniform look.
    • Apply the foundation sparingly at first, building up layers gradually. This prevents oversaturation and ensures the foundation adheres properly without flaking or cracking. You'll notice the color developing into a beautiful, even tone, such as a rich brown color, as you apply.
  4. Blend and Smooth: Use your sponge or brush to blend the foundation seamlessly, avoiding streaks or heavy patches. The goal is an even, natural finish that mimics your skin.
  5. Allow to Dry Completely: This is a crucial step. Let the shoes air dry thoroughly. Depending on the humidity and the amount of foundation applied, this can take several hours. You can use a hair dryer on a cool setting to speed up the process, holding it at a distance to avoid overheating or damaging the satin.
  6. Apply Additional Coats (If Needed): Once the first coat is completely dry, assess the color. If it's not dark enough or not perfectly even, apply a second thin coat, following the same drying process. Repeat until you achieve your desired depth of color and coverage.
  7. Final Touches: Once dry, your shoes are ready! This process can be a fun and collaborative activity, even something you can do as a family.

Tips for Best Results

  • Test First: Before applying foundation to the entire shoe, test a small, inconspicuous area (like the very edge of the platform) to ensure the color matches and the foundation adheres well.
  • Don't Over-Saturate: Applying too much foundation can make the satin stiff, prone to cracking, and may even prolong drying time, potentially leading to mildew. Less is more when building layers.
  • Match Lighting: Try to match the foundation color to your skin tone under the same lighting conditions you'll be performing in, as lighting can significantly alter how colors appear.
  • Consider Shoe Longevity: Pancaking will slightly alter the feel of the satin. While it doesn't significantly impact the shoe's structural integrity if done correctly, over-applying can stiffen the fabric.