How to Sew Pointe Shoe Ribbons and Elastic

This clip gives simple instructions on how to place your ribbons.  If you sew your ribbons in the correct place, you really shouldn't need elastic.

Notice how she folds the back of the shoe over to find the right place:  many people make the mistake of folding it right up to the edge of the sole.

Some people suggest using dental floss rather than ordinary thread to sew the ribbons on. I've never found that necessary and it sounds too fiddly to me - I'd rather stick to my Bunheads pointe shoe sewing kit

Here's another clip for those who use elastic as well as ribbons on their pointe shoes:

You'll notice a subtle difference in where the ribbons are sewn. I'm curious about this! I've noticed that British dancers rarely feel the need to have an elastic loop at the heel, whereas American dancers do it all the time.

• Is it because American sew the ribbons further forward?
• Is it because the preferred brand of pointe shoe in Britain comes slightly higher on the heel?
• Is it because Americans have been taught a different way to fit their shoes, so they wear their shoes smaller?
• Is it just habit?