it’s amazing what goes into making something...

Catalog Fall 2007/W

inter 2008 G

aynor Minden

Artists

it’s amazing what goes into

making something effortless.

2 To order call: 800 .637. 9240 / 212 .929.0087 / visit www.dancer. com / email: [email protected]

Dear Dancers,

In 1985, about ten years after this photo was taken, I set out to make a better pointe shoe. Unnecessary pain, shoes lasting only one performance, dainty sylphs clomping like horses—it just made no sense. Every other kind of athlete enjoys superb equipment made with up-to-the-minute technology. Why should we dancers settle for less?

Today, tens of thousands of dancers have voted with their feet and chosen Gaynor Minden. Some are among the finest dancers on the planet, no exaggeration. From Boston to Béjart, from A.B.T. to the Bolshoi, from the Royal to the Mariinsky, you’ll find Gaynor Mindens. Equally gratifying: great teachers are recommending them to the next generation. We’re honored and delighted to present some of these outstanding artists here in our catalog.

Cordially,

Eliza Gaynor Minden

p.s. Read about the lives of these dancers and meet more GM Artists on our web site.

“That’s me, Eliza Gaynor, age 15, wondering if sore toes really make you dance better.”

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I was impressed when I first tried Gaynor Minden shoes. Now ballet shoes are not just beautiful, but also very comfortable. And the most important thing is that comfort lasts for a long time. My feet are grateful for the shoes and my audience is happy with my dancing.

With Gaynor Minden I feel I can do anything.

— Yekaterina ShipulinaPrincipal Dancer, Bolshoi Ballet

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As a professional dancer I’ve come to realize that what makes this art form truly magical is something beyond technique. Gaynor Mindens give me the added confidence to reach this next level. I know my shoes will be soundless, and fit perfectly. I go onstage ready to completely enjoy the movement and the moment.

— Gillian Murphy

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Pointe Shoes

$75.99

New Suede Outer Sole. Color: Between an Abyssinian cat and a gingersnap cookie. Gold lettering.

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I love how they make jumping so light, so effortless, and so quiet, and how they make balancing so easy (which I especially appreciate for the Rose Adagio).

I adore them!

— Yevgenia ObraztsovaSoloist, Mariinksy (Kirov) Ballet

Genia, seen here as Juliet, has been wearing Gaynor Minden pointe shoes since 2006.

Left:

There are no better shoes than Gaynor Minden to dance Romantic roles! Gaynor Mindens are so light and quiet that it makes dancing smoothly, and giving the impression of gliding across the stage, easy.

— Olesia NovikovaSoloist, Mariinksy (Kirov) Ballet

Olesia, seen here as Giselle has been wearing Gaynor Minden pointe shoes since 2006.

Right:

To order call: 800 .637. 9240 / 212 .929.0087 / visit www.dancer. com / email: [email protected]

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1. Anti-shock Poron® 4000 linings. American Podiatric Medical Assn. Seal of Acceptance. (Joyous jumping.)

3. Slender, high-tech accessories. Slim, dynamic foam and gel liners,

cushy stretch toe tape, secure heel grippers, adjustable toe spacers. (Forget lamb’s wool and bulky pads; think comfort with discretion.)

2. Elastomeric construction. Proven ergonomically correct to promote proper alignment and strong technique. (The ally of artistry.)

4. Ultra-thin cellular urethane foam strategically placed to absorb impact, suppress noise. (Heavenly silence.)

10 Ergonomic Secrets[patented for all the world to see]

5. Low profile box. Already shaped the way your foot is shaped. Extremely flattering and especially kind to low-arched insteps.

(Sleek and elegant.)

6. 2,951 sizes. 5 flexibilities of shank, 3 shapes of box, 4 types of heel,

2 vamps + lengths + widths. Standard options, readily available, no more

suffering in special order limbo. (A stock shoe you can custom fit.)

7. Drawstring side closure. Cleverly disappears under the arch.

(No more sore spot on top of foot.)

8. Injection molded shanks. Gaynor Mindens last 5 times longer

than traditional paste shoes. Won’t break down. Don’t need breaking in.

(Extra money for leotards.)

9. Classic lustrous peachy-pink satin with sweat-wicking lining.

(You are a ballerina, after all.)

10. Pleatless panel yields 38% greater useable platform. Secure, wobble-free

balances, both flat and on pointe. (Flawless penchés and a triumphant

“Rose Adagio.”)


Better Alignment.

Even highly trained dancers are better aligned in Gaynor Minden, according to a study at the Exercise Science Department at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. Proper alignment is crucial for ballet technique, for correct muscular development and for protecting the joints from injury. Forces to the ankle during vigorous dancing can reach 10 times body weight, misalignment can transmit these potentially injurious forces to the medial/lateral ankle structures. Kinematic analysis of the dancers’ ankles showed that sickling is reduced and subjects stand straighter in Gaynor Mindens than in traditional shoes.

Independent Scientific Research(…as if dancing in them isn’t enough.)

Freed

Capezio

Grishko

Gaynor Minden

8,868

24,592

71,817 248,646

Simulated relevé cycles before shoe failure

Much Better Durability.

A study at The Orthopaedic Biomechanics Laboratory of Union Memorial Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland, published in the American Journal of Sports Medicine, evaluated the durability of various brands of pointe shoes using a machine that simulates relevé. Gaynor Minden was still going strong after 248,000 relevé cycles. The others didn’t come close.

Worthen, L et al., “Biomechanical Issues in Ballet: Alignment at the Ankle in Pointe Shoes,” Performing Artists Medicine Association, proceedings of Annual Meeting, 1997.

Ng, G. et al., “F-Scan Evaluation of a Revolutionary Pointe Shoe Design,” Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine 14th Annual Scientific Seminar, 1999.

Cunningham, B.W. et al., “A Comparative Mechanical Analysis of the Pointe Shoe Toe Box,” American Journal of Sports Medicine 26(4):555-561, 1998.

Superior Motion Control, Weight Distribution, and Stability.

Researchers from the Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine also studied issues of stability and alignment, in this case using a pedabaragraph. Gaynor Minden again proved superior to other shoes and was shown to have a 38% greater useable platform area.

CoRRECt

foRCE foRCE

InCoRRECtInCoRRECt

A 115-lb. dancer who sickles only 2°, as shown above, may transfer 40 lbs. to the lateral ankle, the site most vulnerable to sprain. While dancing, these forces may increase to 10 times her body weight.

Greater Impact Absorption.

In addition, the Temple University team assessed shock absorption, using advanced F-Scan technology, which enabled them to detect actual pressures to specific areas of the foot during dancing. Again, Gaynor Minden proved superior. All subjects in the Temple University studies were professional dancers.

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A ballerina of unforgettable brilliance, power, and artistry. Principal Dancer at New York City Ballet for over 20 years, Melissa Hayden originated some of Balanchine’s greatest leading roles, and commanded a huge repertory with that fusion of technique and passion that turns a dancer into a legend. She joined North Carolina School of the Arts’ Senior Faculty in 1983 and started recommending Gaynor Minden pointe shoes in 1995.

Gaynor Mindens strengthen the feet and elongate the leg muscles. They facilitate articulate footwork, good balance, and correct technique. Gaynor Mindens shape to the foot, allowing it to become an extension of the leg in a long, continuous line. I recommend them to everyone I teach. They are a must for my students.

— Melissa HaydenJanuary 2006

Melissa Hayden1923-2006

And Respected Teachers, Too “ “


Kathryn Sullivan, master teacher of ballet and pointe. Published author of articles and videos on pointe technique. Respected faculty member at Barnard College and New York University. Teaching pointe at Steps on Broadway since 1991.

Recommending Gaynor Minden pointe shoes since 1995.

Gaynor Mindens are excellent for the beginning pointe student. They enable the dancer to build her own strength in the foot, without overly relying on the shoe. They encourage the correct position of the toes, and provide just enough resistance for a smooth roll-up and roll-down.

I strongly recommend this shoe—along with good training—as a perfect way to be introduced to the wonderful world of pointe work!

It’s the shoe of the new generation.

— Kathryn Sullivan April 2006

I highly recommend the Gaynor Minden pointe shoe for training of young dancers—it is not only the professional who enjoys its benefits. It supports the foot in such a way that the dancer is better able to feel and attain correct alignment on pointe.

The shoe is superb for students!

— Mignon Furman May 2006

Mignon Furman, distinguished, award-winning ballet teacher. Creator of the Performance Awards Program. Founding Director of the American Academy of Ballet.

Recommending Gaynor Minden pointe shoes since 1996.

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Tights

Meticulous manufacturing and advanced textile technology.

Gaynor Minden weaves tights with only the finest, genuine microfiber throughout (70 filaments per thread) because only real micro-fiber produces a truly soft, luxurious “hand.”

Our 3d stretch provides the utmost freedom of movement, for strength and flexibility to match your own.

Crotch gusset.Sizes S, M, L.

Who knew your legs had such shape? Elegant, defined, sexy.


Net reinforced convertible opening. Pink (yes it’s the right pink).

$10.25

ConvERtIBLE MICRofIBER

footLESS MICRofIBER

Black.

$9.99

WooL/MICRofIBER BLEnD

Warmth without bulk.The alternative to those thick, baggy, old-

fashioned legwarmers (especially the ones that need to be pulled up after every exercise).

Slimming, sleek, and amazingly light wool/ microfiber tights.

Imported from Italy. Black.

$17.99

Tights Sizing Chart SIze BeSt FIt

Large 5’6” (165 cm) & up

Medium 5’2”– 5’5” (155 – 165 cm)

Small 5’1” (155 cm) & under

If In douBT, SeLeCT The LARGeR SIze.

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Leotards

Gaynor Minden pointe shoes give my feet the support and shape that I never found in any other shoe. They withstand my rigorous rehearsals and challenging performances. Rather than worrying if my shoes are getting too soft, I can fully enjoy the movement and emotion of the ballet I’m performing.

— Kristi BooneSoloist, American Ballet Theatre

Gaynor Minden Leotards.

Each original. Each worth having. All painstakingly designed to make a dancer feel long-legged, confident, and maybe slightly daring. Maybe actually relaxed. Maybe beautiful.

Dressy and Basic styles. Most in Tactel®.

Kristi has been wearing Gaynor Minden pointe shoes since 1999.

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LA BELLE EPoCh. High-neck lace leotard inspired by the art and gaiety of “La Belle Epoch”—the days of the Moulin Rouge, Monet’s Water Lilies, and, incidentally, the first pointe shoe. Soft, pretty stretch lace. Eight buttons down the back (purely decorative, extremely fetching). Shelf bra. Back zipper. Tactel/Lycra in Black. Cotton/Elasthane in White.

$26.99

LACE. Vintage haute couture. Schiaparelli, Coco Chanel, Dior. Dancers have exquisite necks and collarbones. This shows them off. Slightly belled cap sleeve. Pretty enough to wear out to dinner. Shelf-bra. Tactel/Lycra in black. Cotton/Elasthane in White.

$26.99

hALtER. How dazzlingly low can we cut the back and still make it work? Took us a year and half to get it right. The better for those to see from the other side of the studio. Nice detail: self material ties in back, you adjust the neckline. Tactel/Lycra. Color: Black.

$26.99

StRAPS. The ‘40’s and ‘50’s. The age of real Hollywood glamour. When the night sky lit up with sweeping searchlights, and a movie star was a confident woman in bright red lipstick with an unshakable sense of style. The backline is as dramatic as the neckline. Shelf-bra. Tactel/Lycra. Colors: Black, Navy Blue, Burgundy.

$26.99

Leotard Sizing ChartSMAll MeDIuM lArGe

Bust 32” – 34” 34” – 36” 36” – 38”Waist 23” – 26” 25” – 28” 28” – 34”hips 33” – 36” 36” – 39” 39” – 44”Weight 95 – 126LBS. 115 – 145LBS 135 – 165LBS

height 4’10” – 5’6” 5’4” – 5’8” 5’6” – 5’11”

Ballet has always been hard, but Gaynor Mindens make it easier. I’ve worn them for seven years already.

I love them.

They don’t make any noise when I jump and I can use the same pair many times because they last longer.

— erica Cornejo, 2006 Principal dancer, Boston Ballet

PAnEL SkIRt DRESS. Pure, clean lines. Timeless, yet totally modern. Cotton/Elasthane. Polyester skirt. Color: White.

$26.99

SWEEthEARt DRESS. Demure, lady-like, possibly saucy, indisputably flattering. Cotton/Elasthane. Polyester skirt. Color: Black.

$26.99

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CAP SLEEvE. Sweet, flattering V-neckline with a sophisticated back. Colors: Black, Navy Blue, Burgundy.

SkInny StRAP v-nECk. A classic you can customize. Adjustable straps and adjust-able front gathers. Stunning open back. Colors: Black, Navy Blue, Burgundy.

oPEn-BACk MoCk tURtLE. Sleek, athletic front and a knock-out tear drop back. Elegant covered button. 1”diameter. Color: Black.

Back Button Closure

v-nECk tAnk. Crisp V- lines front and back. Discreet gathers where straps meet torso define the shape. Colors: Black, Navy Blue, Burgundy.

Classic never Goes out of Style.look again. They’re deceptively simple. Each of our so-called “Basics” is

a classic design, but none is plain. Notice the details—a back, a button, a gather, the perfectly cut legline. Basics with panache—the way the Mariinsky does barre.

90% Tactel (the really good stuff) and 10% Lycra. As light and rich as whipped cream. Feel it to believe it.

The humdrum-free everyday leotard. Machine washable. Shelf-bra. Fade resistant.

$25.99

$25.99

$25.99

$25.99

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ordering.


We revolutionized pointe shoes. We invented a fitting system that lets you customize a stock shoe. Now we’ve transformed pointe shoe shopping too—from grueling adagio into brisk allegro. Online, uptempo, and downright effortless.

• Buy from our warehouse and get the discount price.

• Fit fast online or send tracings through the mail—whatever works for you.

• Be advised by Gaynor Minden’s very own experts. Our Fitterinas are all

dancers and Certified Fitters.

• Access our uncensored selection of every Gaynor Minden product and

every pointe shoe fitting option—all 2,951.

It breaks with tradition to buy your pointe shoes this way. We invite you to try it.

teachers: Please contact us for information about becoming a Certified fitting Advisor and about our teacher Rewards Program. We contribute part of what you spend to support deserving dancers. It’s our way of helping teachers help their students. 800 .637. 9240.

Pointe Shoe Shopping—A Brisk Allegro

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Great dancers, and other exotic royalty, have always

preferred silk.Rajahs, Sultanas, Doges of Venice, Moghul Princes

(and even their elephants), the Emperors of China and all two hundred Imperial concubines, wore nothing less, and nothing more, than pure silk.

Margot Fonteyn specified silk tights, Taglioni had silk slippers, and Balanchine would accept no substitute for the gowns in Vienna Waltzes.

Because nothing, absolutely nothing, moves and feels like Silk.

You, too, should dance in silk. Presenting sumptuous, silken Studio Wear.

Blended with just enough spandex and cotton to make it stretchy, and—in case Her Serene Highness ever has to do her own laundry—machine washable.

Maria has been wearing Gaynor Minden pointe shoes since 1998.

Just sew and go.

— Maria riccettoSoloist, American Ballet Theatre

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Silk Shorts.Not bike shorts. Not bloomers.Years ago they might have been called

“hot pants.”Our sleek, slimming silk-blend transforms readily

into a “boy short.”And that can be very sexy.Don’t say we didn’t warn you.Shorts.Silk Blend. Machine washable.Sizes: S, M, L.Color: Black. Imported.

Silky Wrap Sweater.

$34.95

$19.95


An elegant improvement on the classic.Extra-long sleeves for staying warm during extra-long balances. Smart-looking self-tie goes side or back, up to you.Wrap Sweater.

Silk Blend. Machine washable. Sizes: S, M, L. Color: Black.

Imported.

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Long Silky Sweater.Attention Teachers, Coaches, Ballet Mistresses, Directors:

When you’re dancing, and when you’re not.

Silk: delicately thin but plenty warm. Our Long Silky Sweater keeps the

chill off without swaddling you beyond recognition.

Cut long, with extra-long sleeves you can roll up to meet special challenges.

Flattering scoop neck. Side vents so it always hangs

perfectly, whether in bharadvajasana or six o’clock penché.

Silk Blend. Machine washable.Size: S, M, L. Color: Black. Imported.

Notice how elegantly our Long Silky Sweater pairs with our Dancing Pants?

That’s no accident.

For years teachers have asked us to design something for them.

Here it is. Something to keep you warm, something that lets you demonstrate full-out, something not just dignified, but a little bit distinguished too.

ultimately I choose Gaynor Minden because I like their soft, quiet landings onstage, and how they let me feel my foot working against the floor—even with the hard shank that my flexible feet require. And they are comfortable, even after a long day of rehearsing my feet feel great.

— Veronika PartSoloist, American Ballet Theatre;

Principal, Kirov Ballet

$34.95

$36.95

Silk-blend Dancing Pants. Boot-cut gives legs extra dazzle

when you’re really moving, and extra sleekness when you’re standing still.

Fetching low-slung V-shaped waistline.

Silk Blend. Machine washable.Sizes: S, M, L. Color: Black.Imported.

Veronika has been wearing Gaynor Minden pointe shoes since 2004.

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that’s right. these items are free with any purchase while supplies last. help yourself, but don’t overdo it.

Gillian’s Penché. Wow.

ZJ ABT’s Zhong-Jing Fang in an amazing cambré (en pointe).

La Sylphide The Royal Ballet’s Alina Cojocaru does a supernatural jeté.

Irina Kolesnikova Prima Ballerina of Konstantin Tatchkin’s St. Petersburg Ballet, in Swan Lake.

Erica’s Jeté Erica Cornejo of the Boston Ballet in a neoclassical moment.

Tatiana in Don Q Tatiana Tkachenko of the Mariinsky (Kirov) Ballet.

Jenny’s Arabesque Jenny Jagerhorn, star of the Finnish National Ballet.

Zenaida Soars The Royal Ballet’s Principal Dancer Zenaida Yanowsky as Odette.

PostersBreathtaking images for your studio, dressing room, or home. 12” x 18”.

Gillian’s Penché

american ballet theatre’s Z H O N G - J I N G F A N G HAS BEEN WEARING

Gaynor Minden POINTE SHOES SINCE 2002.

ZJ La Sylphide

Irina Kolesnikova

boston ballet’s principal dancer ERICA CORNEJO has been wearing

Gaynor Minden pointe shoes since 1999.

Erica’s Jeté Tatiana in Don Q Jenny’s Arabesque Zenaida Soars

Eat Right Odile Adjusts Her Ribbons

Ballerina Legs

Erica’s Attitude Tatiana ZJ

Gillian’s Penché

Anastasia’s Billowing Jeté

Refrigerator MagnetsWhen was the last time your fridge

inspired you? Size: 1-7⁄8” x 3-3⁄8 ”.

free Stuff.

Training Aids & Unusual Extrasfor dancers who have

an as yet unconfessed thing about leopard.

Your feet will purr.Extra-long, extra-cuddly, extra-

cozy, extra-fleecy, extra leopard-like warmups.

We call them “paws.” No explanation needed.

High-tech stretch fleece loosens up dancers’ feet, ankles, and toes so much faster than possible with regular legwarmers or ordinary socks.

Start looking forward to warmer and more exciting tendus on those inevitable cold mornings ahead of you.

Available 2 ways: sexy leopard or panther black.

Each with a witty paw print on the sole.

For better traction. (Leopards and panthers never slip up.)

Paws. Size: Medium.

$22.50

from my heart, I’m really happy with these shoes.

— Anastasia Matvienko Principal dancer, Kiev Ballet

Anastasia, who is also on our cover, has been wearing Gaynor Mindens since 2006, and is seen here at The Stars of The 21ST Century Gala with Denis Matvienko, Principal Dancer, Bolshoi Ballet.

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A superb reference book—all the information today’s students need but can’t get just by taking class—every dancer’s library should have it.

— Angel Corella, Principal Dancer, American Ballet Theatre

• Over 150 stunning photographs of ballet stars Maria Riccetto and Benjamin Millepied demonstrating perfect execution of positions and steps

• Practical advice for getting started such as selecting a school, getting the most out of class, and studio etiquette

• Explanations of ballet fundamentals and major training systems

• An illustrated guide through ballet class—warm-up, barre, center floor

• Guidelines for safe, healthy dancing through a sensible diet, injury prevention, and cross training with yoga and Pilates

• Descriptions of Must-See ballets and glossaries of dance, music, and theater terms

• Lavishly illustrated sidebars on ballet history

• Tips on everything from styling a ballet bun to stage make-up to performing the perfect pirouette

A new Classic for today’s Dancer.

The Ballet Companion by Eliza Gaynor Minden. 333 pages.Published by Simon and Schuster, Inc.

$24.99 (autographed!)

• Don’t move your front heel before you turn.

• Push off with both legs but keep your weight forward.

• Relevé strongly and quickly. Pull up from the back of the leg right under your buttocks to get on your supporting leg.

• Use your spot. Free the head and relax the upper body.

• Good turns come from your work throughout the barre and center, especially from pliés, relevés, and petit allegro.

• You know both a good and a bad turn immediately, and in a bad turn, you know to cut your losses. A good turn feels easy.

• Don’t sacrifice form. There’s no point to lots of turns without form. In fact, everyone just wants them to stop.

• There’s a smaller turning surface when turning on pointe but not much difference in placement. You feel higher off the ground.

• You gain mastery through repetition, but not of your mistakes. Make sure to practice correctly.

The Ballet CompanionExcerpt from

Pirouette tips from a Pro—Gillian Murphy“Turning is a gift, though it requires a certain dynamic and a certain fearlessness.”

Copyright © 2005 Eliza Gaynor Minden. Excerpted with permission.

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Quick access to shoes in their own private, ventilated compartment.

Thoughtfully designed with clever pockets in considerate places.

Surprisingly spacious. Dimensions: 17¾” x 12¼”.Color: Black.You’ll feel ready for Balanchine or Starbucks®.Dancer’s Backpack.

Dancer’s Backpack.

Another zipper flip-top to main compartment; no more rummaging.

handy small zip pocket right where you need it for keys, change, class card, etc.

elegant satin-finish nylon is actually tough, water-resistant, and slides perfectly under an airplane seat.

Padded shoulder straps for total comfort. Adjustable length so it’s right for you.

Literature pocket for magazines, notebooks, fan mail.

zipper flip-top for instant accessibility.

Large ventilating mesh compartment.

Generous high Security outer pocket has both zipper and Velcro® flap.

$29.99

Gaynor Minden pointe shoes help me dance my best—I love them.

— tatiana tkachenkoSoloist, Mariinsky (Kirov) Ballet

Tatiana has been wearing Gaynor Minden pointe shoes since 2005.

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Quit stalling.You could be next.David Howard, America’s foremost ballet teacher,

has created two exciting do-at-home ballet class videos, now re-edited and expanded to include The History of Toe Dancing and Pointe Technique, lavishly illustrated with rare photographs and footage, presented by Eliza Minden, designer of the revolutionary Gaynor Minden Pointe Shoe. (Along with valuable advice on pointe-shoe fitting and tips on strengthening the feet.)

David howard DvDs I and II. Take a Master Class with David Howard, Intermediate Class I and II. Two 90-minute DVDs.

take a master class with the same man who taught Baryshnikov, Makarova, Gelsey kirkland,

Paloma herrera, etc.

the physical therapists at nyC Ballet know your body better than you do.

They can teach you a thing or 2. Actually, 13 things.

13 dancer-specific exercises, using Resistabands (special giant-sized elastic straps) that intelligently help you increase your strength…and your flexibility.

2 bands of different resistances, and a nifty, flip-card, illustrated instruction booklet come in a pouch designed to fit perfectly in your dance bag. (Don’t have one? See our Dancer’s Backpack).

the Dancer’s Dozen.

$14.99

$17.99 ea.

The shape of my legs has changed, the muscles have elongated and become less bulky, as a result of having to be ‘up on my leg’ in Gaynor Minden.

— Vanessa Palmer Soloist and Assistant Ballet Mistress,

The Royal Ballet

Gaynor Minden pointe shoes are the wave of the future. The old paste shoes are going to go the way of vinyl records.

— David Howard Internationally Renowned Ballet

Teacher and Coach

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Pointe Shoe Accessories

In Gaynor Mindens I am free to take my dancing to my highest possible level, because I never worry about consistency, durability, comfort, or quietness. I cannot imagine going back to a traditional pointe shoe.

— Alina CojocaruPrincipal Dancer, The royal Ballet

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Double-faced. Soft. And pale peach.

Almost good enough to eat.

Custom-dyed to match your Gaynor Mindens.

Imported English Ribbon. Nylon. 2½ yards, ample for one pair of shoes, or by the bolt: 50 meters (right).

Imagine life without them.

Over “there,” the ballerinas appear to be dancing in shoes secured only by satin ribbon, and they also appear to have not the slightest worry about their shoes slipping off.

The “secret,” of course, is Invisible Elastic, s-t-r-e-t-c-h-y, lace-like material that virtually disappears next to tights. Works for technique slippers, too.

Imported European “Invisible” Elastic. Ample (30” long) for two pairs of shoes.

Secret European Elastic.

$2.65

Individual $3.35

Bolt $52.50

Pale Peach Elastic– ¾” .

15” long, ample for one pair of shoes, or by the bolt: 72 yards.

Individual $1.50

Bolt $39.99

Since the day I tried Gaynor Mindens— after trying almost every other pointe shoe on the market—I have worn no others.

— luisa Diaz Principal dancer, Béjart Ballet

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* Real Rogers Corp. Poron® has the American Podiatric Medical Association Seal of Acceptance.

Wanting comfort doesn’t make you a bad person.Gaynor Minden’s Totally Toes Fitting Kit makes you feel

like you’ve been reborn with custom-made ballerina feet. A breakthrough (it’s actually patented) in pointe shoe fit and comfort.

No comparison to lamb’s wool, bulky toe pads, make-up sponges, or any of those other antiquated desperation measures.

• Longer 2nd toe (a.k.a. Morton’s Foot)? Cool Blue Gel Crescents redistribute the weight off of that poor, vulnerable toe.

• Big toe taking all the abuse? Cool Blue Gel ovals. Instant relief. And a certain comforting “give.”

• Sensitive big toe nails? Try ingenious “Mushroom” Micro-pads. Their only job in life is to protect that crucial

½-inch of your body. Made of real *Poron®.

Is Pain the necessary Price of Greatness?

• Sliding down into the box? Stop the pain and chafe right now. Poron®* Dynamic Box Liners hold your foot up and out of the box on pointe (actually you have to hold yourself up, but these will help keep you there). Then, the moment you’re down, they compress so you can truly spread your foot. That’s the “dynamic” part. Amazingly effective. Puts the joy back in jumping.

totally toes fitting kit. Contains one pair each Cool Blue Gel Crescents, Cool Blue Gel Ovals, “Mushroom” Micro-pads, Dynamic Box Liners and clear, illustrated instructions.

$5.99


And while you’re at it, make bunions feel unwelcome.No, this doesn’t require experimental treatment at some hush-hush clinic

in Switzerland.All you need is Gaynor Minden’s

elastic microfoam toe tape.

It protects and cushions.It allows complete freedom of

movement.It peels off without leaving sticky

residue.This is the same soft, light, stretchy,

and resilient tape surgeons use.Now it’s available to you.toe Wrap™. 5½ yards per roll.

Save skin, dishearten corns.

Adjustable toe Separator.(because one size does not fit all)

Got a big space (smaller than the Grand Canyon, but still…) between your big toe and your second toe? And is that second toe by any chance on the long side?

Too bad. That’s the ideal arrangement for a non-hereditary bunion and its unpleasant little companions, the hammertoe and the soft corn.

You may know that a toe separator may help prevent these sad developments. But perhaps you were put off because they felt bulky or awkward.

That’s why we developed the adjustable toe separator.

You customize it. You decide what length and—this is the crucial part—what width suits

your own anatomy. It’s simple—just peel, snip, then tape in place.toe Separators. Instructions included.

$6.75

$4.50

I am thrilled with the results. Amazing as it sounds, they have changed how I dance and have certainly lessened the pain I had in my feet and ankles. A godsend!

—tara BirtwhistlePrincipal dancer,

Royal Winnipeg Ballet

Tara has been wearing Gaynor Minden pointe shoes since 2002.

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Sympathy no longer needed.Problem solved.Gaynor Minden’s ingeniously simple

Vamp Elastic eliminates the curse of “going over too far” or “popping out”…the punishments, once, for those born with gorgeous arches.

The delay and expense of a remedial special-order vamp is now unnecessary. Just stitch

Vamp Elastic in the throat of your shoe and you’ll get the same kind of extra support that a deeper vamp would provide—with no compromise of demi-pointe flexibility, either.

vamp Elastic. Instructions included.

Stop feeling sorry for dancers born with

gorgeous arches.

$3.75

transparent “Imperial” Elastic.

Fairy tales inspire great ballets. And now a great ballet accessory: Transparent “Imperial” Elastic.

“Imperial,” in honor of the Emperor who had a suit of clothes so fine that no one could see it.

Stretchy elastic, 7⁄8 ”wide, that’s as clear as Scotch tape. Utterly transparent so that your shoes seem to stay on all by themselves.

You don’t need to see it to believe it; our elastic really does exist and you really will dance... happily...ever...after.

transparent Elastic. Color: none. Length: 30”; enough for two pairs of shoes.

$2.65

Before each perfomance as I slip into my gorgeous Gaynor Minden shoes I’m given the comfort of knowing that my chosen pointe shoe will support my every move with flexibility and responsiveness...a beautifully made shoe that never lets me down.

—Irina KolesnikovaPrima Ballerina of Konstantin Tachkin’s

St. Petersburg Ballet Theatre

Irina has been wearing Gaynor Minden pointe shoes since 2002.

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Suede tips already built in. Peachy pink suede to match the satin.

No more cutting, gluing, waiting. Darning? Forget about it.

Now you can preserve your shoes, and your aesthetics. And your time.

All-terrain-tips for even longer living shoes.

But we’d still rather that you not practice fouettés on the sidewalk.

By Special Order. $10.00 additional

We did it for you.

The extraordinarily useful Gaynor Minden Heel Gripper actually keeps your shoes on your heels.

The textured surface really holds your foot.

The peel-and-stick backing keeps gripper locked in place. And, by filling in the extra space around your heel, it makes the

back of the shoe beautifully smooth, sleek, and free of lines and wrinkles. No Botox required.

(Especially helpful for dancers with narrow heels.)

heel Grippers.

More gripping. Less griping.

For narrow, fine-boned feet (the kind that grew up with nannies and Shetland ponies.)

Gaynor Minden recommends these particular Sockliners as a very effective and straightforward method for reducing excess material at heel and sides of shoe.

full Sockliner.

Aristocratic Sockliners.

$2.99

$2.25

With Gaynor Mindens, it’s easy for me to just think ‘dance!’

— zhong-Jing FangCorps de Ballet,

American Ballet Theatre

ZJ has been wearing Gaynor Minden pointe shoes since 2002.

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1. Are Gaynor Mindens suitable for beginners?

Definitely. What’s important is that the shoe fit very well and that the stiffness be appropriate for the dancer’s strength and size.

Gaynor Minden is especially beneficial for beginners because its elastomeric box promotes proper alignment and correct technique. The box minimizes “sickling” and “winging,” bad habits that can stress the ankle and lead to injury. The box actually makes it hard to roll up incorrectly because the elastomeric never wears down to create an uneven surface as paste boxes do. The student uses and develops the correct muscles to achieve full-pointe and once there does not need to over-clench to maintain balance.

Finally, Gaynor Mindens are lined with soft, cushy materials. They are comfortable. Painful pointe shoes can be so discouraging that many girls stop enjoying ballet class and give it up altogether. Yes, ballet is demanding and sometimes painful, but a great deal of the discomfort associated with pointework is preventable.

Never fit with room to grow! A shoe that is too big, or too wide, cannot provide proper support. It could lead to severe pain and serious injury.

2. Won’t an unbreakable shank “do the work for me” and let my muscles grow weak?

An overly stiff shank of any brand could do this. If you feel you are not being made to pull up out of the shoe, try a softer shank. Remember, Gaynor Mindens do not break in, so be sure to select a shank that is sufficiently pliable. Ask about Supple, FeatherFlex, and Pianissimo shanks.

3. Why are Gaynor Mindens more expensive?

Actually, Gaynor Mindens cost less to use than other brands because they last an average of 3 to 5 times longer. And longer still if you protect the tips.

How? Patented Gaynor Minden is the only pointe shoe with resilient elastomerics in the supportive parts of the shoe: the shank and the box. Most other pointe shoes have a paste and cardboard construction for those elements, as they have since the 19th century. You can break such a shank in your hands; you cannot break or weaken a Gaynor Minden no matter how much you bend it—go ahead and try!

Elastomerics are more costly than cardboard and paste. Also, Gaynor Minden is the only pointe shoe with high performance impact-absorbing foam built right into the shoe. Not cheap latex, this is the same urethane cushioning found in the very finest athletic shoes.

Finally, Gaynor Mindens are handmade in the United States. If you examine the stitching and workmanship we think you will agree that our quality and consistency are unequalled. It is more expensive to manufacture in America, but the result is a superior product.

4. Why is shock absorption important?

Many dancers’ woes, whether mild aches or serious stress fractures, are caused by the traumatic impact of jumping on hard surfaces. Many dance floors are not resilient. Some are even made

frequently Asked Questions.


from wood or linoleum laid directly on concrete. And most theatres in the world were built for opera and drama, not dance. Our cushions are made from real Rogers Corp. Poron 4000™ which carries the American Podiatric Medical Association’s Seal of Acceptance.

5. If a dancer breaks shanks easily, should she wear Gaynor Minden’s hard Shank?

Not necessarily. Most dancers who use a hard shank in traditional paste shoes do so because traditional shanks break down so rapidly. Our shanks are unbreakable, they never soften or weaken. Our ExtraFlex provides plenty of support for most dancers, enabling them to enjoy the benefits of a light, flexible shoe without compromising supportiveness. Our Hard shank is extremely stiff, appropriate only for dancers with very high insteps, or who require extra support for some other reason.

6. My teacher wants a really tight fit, why must Gaynor Mindens have ¼” pinch at the top of the heel when on pointe?

Because Gaynor Minden will not change over time the way traditional shoes will. The tight fit of a traditional shoe anticipates stretching out and “mushing in.” Our satin is backed with a moisture wicking lining, so it does not stretch the way other satin does. Do not fit Gaynor Minden as tight as a traditional shoe.

7. Why do I need these extra cushions?

Every foot is different; not all are perfectly suited for pointework. In the past such dancers were told to suffer patiently until their feet toughened up. Now, thanks to advances in technology, there are much better solutions. Gaynor Minden’s system uses ultra-thin gel and urethane foams to customize the fit and maximize comfort without compromising either floor feel or snugness.

8. What is the right age to begin pointework?

Most students should not begin before age 10 or 12. Dancers must train for several years in soft slippers, rising only to half-toe (demi-pointe) before attempting to use pointe shoes. They must learn to “pull up” out of the shoe, never allowing their full weight to sink into it, and always maintaining the correct alignment of spine, hips, knees, and ankles. A dancer who attempts pointework before she has developed sufficient strength and technique and before her bones have fully formed could seriously injure herself. Everyone develops differently, this is a decision to be made by parents and qualified teachers.

I’m so glad to have discovered Gaynor Minden. I dance in them with confidence and joy.

— Yana SerebriakovaCoryphée, The Mariinsky Ballet

Yana has been wearing Gaynor Minden pointe shoes since 2005.

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Contact Us

Photos: All are by Eduardo Patino, NYC except: Eliza Minden photo by Edwin Gaynor, Alina Cojocaru by Johan Persson; Mignon Furman, Tatiana Tkachenko, and Yana Serebriakova by Costas, Luisa Diaz by William DuPont, Melissa Hayden and Cortney Connor by Rick McCullough; Irina Kolesnikova by Nina Alovert; Tara Birtwhistle by Bruce Monk; Vanessa Palmer by C. MacMillan; Yekaterina Shipulina by Alexandra; Anastasia Matvienko and Denis Matvienko by Gene Schiavone; Alina Somova, Yevgenia Obraztsova, and Olesia Novikova by Neff. Product photos by Paul B. Goode. Photo of Kathryn Sullivan taken at Steps Broadway. Students courtesy of The School at Steps. Front cover dancer: Anastasia Matvienko. Back cover dancer: Yekaterina Shipulina.Copyright © 2007Printed in U.S.A.

new york headquarters Fax 212 .929 .4907Phone 800 . 637 .9240 212 .929 .0087

European office Fax 44 01273 429 420Phone 44 01273 429 429

Email: [email protected] • Internet: www.dancer.com

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It’s easier to point, easier to balance and turn, easier to jump—and I love the sleek, arched look they give my foot—I won’t dance in anything else now.”

— Alina SomovaSoloist, Mariinksy (Kirov) Ballet

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140 West 16th StreetNew York, New York 10011

Australian officeFax/Phone 02 9869 4722

140 West 16th StreetNew York, New York 10011

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