Recycling Royal Ballet Shoes into Art

Rachel O'Connell, an artist from Devon, has found an innovative way to recycle pointe shoes from the Royal Ballet and Opera. These shoes, often used for just one day due to the demands of professional dancing, are being transformed into beautiful pieces of jewelry.

O'Connell's process involves stripping the leather from the used shoes and applying a traditional art technique called marbling. This method creates unique, swirling patterns on the leather, which is then crafted into earrings, bracelets, and other accessories.

The Royal Ballet goes through approximately 6,000 pairs of pointe shoes annually. By partnering with O'Connell, they're taking a step towards sustainability in the arts. This creative recycling not only reduces waste but also gives these once-prized dance tools a second life as wearable art.