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To order call: 800.637. 9240 / 212.929.0087 / visit www.dancer. com / email: [email protected]

Founder, Eliza Minden.

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Pointe Shoes–A Visionary Malcontent......................................................................................................3The Glamorous History of Ballet Tradition (Not what you might think) ...........................................410 Ergonomic Secrets...................................................................................................................................5

“Any Famous Dancers Wear Those Shoes?” (Photo of Gillian Murphy + 20 others) .........................6“Any Important Teachers Recommend Them?” (Yes indeed)..............................................................102,951 Custom Sizes: Fitting Explained....................................................................................................12The Code Explained ..................................................................................................................................14

Pointe Shoe Accessories–(Photo of Alina Cojocaru).....................................................................15Is Pain the Necessary Price of Greatness? Totally Toes Fitting Kit ....................................................16Save Skin, Dishearten Corns: Toe Wraps ...............................................................................................17One Size Does Not Fit All: Adjustable Toe Separators ........................................................................17Imagine Life Without Them: Ribbons, Elastics, Invisible Elastic.......................................................18Transparent “Imperial” Elastic..................................................................................................................19Gorgeous Arches: Vamp Elastic ...............................................................................................................19We Did It For You: Suede Tips................................................................................................................20More Gripping, Less Griping: Heel Grippers ........................................................................................20Aristocratic Sockliners ...............................................................................................................................20

Leotards–(Photo of Maria Bystrova) .........................................................................................................21Leotards: Dressy .........................................................................................................................................22Leotards: Dance Dresses (Photo of Erica Cornejo) ...............................................................................23Leotards: So-called “Basic” .......................................................................................................................24

Silks–(Photo of Maria Riccetto) ....................................................................................................................25Silks–Shorts.................................................................................................................................................26Silks–Wrap Sweater...................................................................................................................................26Silks–Dancing Pants ..................................................................................................................................27Silks–Long Sweater ...................................................................................................................................27

Tights–Convertible, Footless, Wool Blend ................................................................................................28Paws for Dancers–(Photo of Tara Birtwhistle) ......................................................................................30

Training Aids, Unusual Extras–(Photo of Zenaida Yanowsky) .............................................31NYCB Therapists Teach You 13 Things: The Dancer’s Dozen .........................................................32From the Master: David Howard DVDs................................................................................................32The Best Dance Bag: Original Oval Backpack ......................................................................................33Free Stuff: Posters, etc................................................................................................................................34The Ballet Companion by Eliza Gaynor Minden ...................................................................................35

Frequently Asked Questions.........................................................................................................36Scientists Prove It ..................................................................................................................................38Contact Us ...................................................................................................................................................39

Table of Contents

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Yes, invented by a dancer.A dancer who got fed up with soretoes and did something about it.

(“There’s a difference between necessary painand irrelevant pain.”)

A visionary malcontent. Believes pointe shoesmust be tactfully silent, especially duringmoments of wrenching emotional intensity.Did something about that.

NO MORE “clomp…clump.”A real person, outraged that struggling

Pointe Shoes

dancers and non-profit dance companiesspend hard-earned dollars on paste shoes thatwear out in as little as 1⁄2 an hour.

Inventing revolutionary pointe shoes tookEliza Minden eight years of painstakingR&D. But it made possible a leap into thetechnology of the next century, i.e. elas-tomerics; materials usually found in spacecapsules, race cars, underwater explorationequipment and other extreme forms of going“out on a limb”—materials intended to helpyou to survive and to triumph.

es, revolutionary.Y


It’s the 17th century. It’s France.You’ve just been invited to the Courtof Louis XIV to see the latest royal

craze—everyone’s talking about it—something called “ballet.”

Do you expect a hushed audience in atheatre with a stage?

Do you expect tutus, tiaras, tour jetés,and toe shoes?

Not tonight, not for centuries.What we think of as “traditional” is, in

fact, historically recent. That ethereal, anti-gravitationalsylph and that sparkling ballerina with legs of steel andastounding pointes, these are products of slow evolution.

At Louis’ court, women baked under towering wigsand headdresses, and would have preferred death tobeing seen in a mere tiara. A “proper” ballet skirt was six feet in diameter. (You’d have been arrested forwearing a tutu.)

How unladylike to even contemplate acabriole; any vigorous dancing was doneexclusively by men. It would be seventyyears before a woman performed(publicly) an entrechat quatre.

It would be one hundred andseventy before she rose—just for one unspeakably thrillingmoment—on full pointe.

And it would be 250 years beforeVirginia Zucchi declared, “I refuse to dress like my

grandmother,” as she defied the costume police at theImperial Theatre of St. Petersburg to wear what wewould call a tutu.

Toe shoes??? Didn’t happen until the 1890’s. Instead,enterprising ballerinas added darning to the sides andsoles of their vulnerable soft satin slippers. Multiplepirouettes, sustained balances on pointe: nonexistentuntil the rebellious Zucchi, her colleague Legnani andother daring Italian ballerinas started to wear slipperswith reinforced toe boxes.

Presto: Odile turns 32 fouettés.Swan Lake becomes a hit.Princess Aurora serenelypromenades in attitudewith four, consecutive,“look Ma, no hands!”balances. The beginning ofthe modern ballerina. And apassionate modern audience.

Cobblers were suddenlyoverrun with ambitious dancers desperate fornewfangled reinforced slippers. They obliged using thebest materials at hand: leather, paste, burlap, paper.State–of–the–art one hundred years ago.

That, however, was the end of serious toe-shoeinnovation for the next ninety years—until 1993,practically yesterday. That’s why today’s “traditional”paste shoes quickly end up as landfill…and why GaynorMinden’s revolutionary pointe shoes are now worn bydancers in over 200 companies throughout the world.

“Ballet Tradition”Not what you might think.

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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 heelgrippers, 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 strongtechnique. (The ally of artistry.)

4. Ultra-thin cellular urethane foamstrategically placed to absorbimpact, suppress noise. (Heavenly silence.)

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

5. Low profile box. Already shapedthe way your foot is shaped.Extremely flattering and especiallykind 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. Standardoptions, 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 satinwith sweat-wicking lining.

(You are a ballerina, after all.)

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

balances, both flat and on pointe.(Flawless penchés and a triumphant “Rose Adagio.”)

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“As a professional dancer I’ve come to realize that what makes this artform truly magical is something beyond technique. Gaynor Mindensgive me the added confidence to reach this next level. I know my shoeswill be soundless, and fit perfectly. I go onstage ready to completelyenjoy the movement and the moment.”

—Gillian Murphy

“Excellent in the female lead...Ms. Murphy used her incredibletechnique as a root to find the freedom within the ripplingarchitecture of Tchaikovsky’s Concerto No. 2...Her naturallyregal demeanor allowed the ballet to bloom like a flower.”

—Gia Kourlas, The New York Times(review of Balanchine’s Ballet Imperial), 6/3/05

“The crown of the Balanchine experience, and of the entireseason, was the performance of Gillian Murphy in Theme andVariations. This ballet is Balanchine’s homage to The SleepingBeauty, and as in Petipa’s great work, the leading dancers arecompletely exposed—nothing can be fudged or hidden. Ms.Murphy has nothing to hide and in this masterpiece she hasfound a signature role: regal yet youthful and fresh, undauntedby the formidable technical challenges, slim yet womanly, withthe glowing confidence that marks a true ballerina, she triumphedeasily over all difficulties.”

—Robert Gottlieb, New York Observer, 11/13/00

“I have never seen such feet before: strong as a truncheon, sensitiveas a finger.”

—Joan Acocella, The New Yorker, 7/1/02

Gillian Murphy – Principal Dancer at American Ballet Theatre

has worn revolutionarypointe shoes since she was 15.

To order call: 800.637. 9240 / 212.929.0087 or visit www.dancer.com

Gaynor Minden Artists

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Right: Erica Cornejo,Principal, Boston Ballet

1993 “Who?”

1994 “Minden What?”

1998 Progress! They’d recognize our name. (Even if they did misspell it.)

2000 “But it’s only for students.”

2003 “They’re strictly for professionals.”

2006 They got it! Meet a few more of our customers, some of the best dancers in the world, no exaggeration. Many started out in Gaynor Minden as students, at their teachers’ recommendation.

Right: Veronika Part,Soloist, AmericanBallet Theatre;Principal, KirovBallet

Below: Laura Hidalgo, DutchNational Ballet

Above: Alina Cojocaru, Principal, The Royal Ballet

Right: Vanessa Palmer,Soloist and AssistantBallet Mistress, TheRoyal Ballet

the story ofGaynor Minden

Above: Irina Kolesnikova, Prima Ballerina,Konstantin Tachkin’s St. Petersburg Ballet Theatre


ArtistsMore Gaynor Minden

Above: Nicholle Rochelle, Principal, NorthCarolina Dance Theatre

Right: Kristi Boone, Corps deBallet, American Ballet Theatre

Above: Jenny Jagerhorn, Artist,Finnish National Ballet

Right: Karin Ellis-Wentz,Corps de Ballet, AmericanBallet Theatre

Above: Zenaida Yanowsky, Principal, The Royal Ballet

Left: Tatiana Tkachenko, Soloist, Kirov Ballet

Right: Luisa Diaz,Principal, Béjart BalletLausanne

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Above: Zhong-Jing Fang, Corps de Ballet, AmericanBallet Theatre

Above: Tara Birtwhistle, Principal, RoyalWinnipeg Ballet

Above: Kelley Potter, Corps deBallet, Boston Ballet

Right: Maria Riccetto, Soloist,American Ballet Theatre

Above: Sarawanee Tanatanit,Corps de Ballet, AmericanBallet Theatre

Below: Maria Bystrova, Corps deBallet, American Ballet Theatre

Above: Yana Serebriakova, Coryphee,Kirov Ballet


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

“Gaynor Mindens strengthen the feet and elongate the legmuscles. 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

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

Recommending Gaynor Minden pointe shoes since 1995.

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

I strongly recommend this shoe—alongwith good training—as a perfect way to beintroduced to the wonderful world ofpointe work!

It’s the shoe of the new generation.”

Kathryn Sullivan, April 2006

“I highly recommend the Gaynor Minden pointe shoe for trainingof young dancers—it is not only the professional who enjoys itsbenefits. It supports the foot in such a way that the dancer is betterable to feel and attain correct alignment on pointe.

The shoe is superb for students!”

Mignon Furman, May 2006

Mignon Furman, distinguished, award-winning balletteacher. Creator of the Performance Awards Program. FoundingDirector of the American Academy of Ballet.

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#2 #3 #4

1. Fit Overall Length:Select Size.4 through 12½

Gaynor Minden’s sizing runs about ½ to 1 full size up from American street shoe size. Our size 8, forexample, will probably fit a street shoe size 7. Do not fit tight. Our specially lined satin does not stretch outnearly as much as conventionally-lined satin does. A small, ¼” pinch at the highest part of the heel, up bythe drawstring casing, is correct.

3. Fit Midfoot:Select Width.Narrow, Medium, or Wide

2. Fit Forefoot:Select Box.#2, #3, or #4

To ensure proper support and to prevent bruised toenails, do not fitGaynor Mindens too wide.

4 4.5 5 5.5 6 6.5 7 7.5 8 8.5 9 9.5 10 10.5 11 11.5 12 12.5Nar. na 2 2 2 2/3 2/3 2/3/4 2/3/4 2/3/4 2/3/4 2/3/4 2/3/4 2/3/4 2/3/4 3/4 3/4 4 4Med. 2 2 2/3 2/3 2/3/4 2/3/4 3/4 3/4 3/4 3/4 3/4 3/4 3/4 4 4 4 4 4Wide na 2 2/3 2/3 3/4 3/4 3/4 3/4 4 4 4 4 4 4 na na na na

Narrow & Tapered WideMedium

NARROW

MEDIUM

WIDE

Same box, different widths.

Stock Availability Chart. Check the chart below to be sure thecombination of length, box, and width that you have selected isavailable. For example, a size 9 with a #4 box is available in narrow,medium, and wide, but the size 9 with a #2 box is available only in

the narrow. Availability is based on our knowledge, after years offitting these shoes, of what fits properly and what sells well. It is therare dancer who is truly in between box sizes. In that case try thelarger box and use a Dynamic Box Liner (see the Totally Toes Kit).

1⁄4”pinch at drawstring casing

2,951 Custom Sizes—

Here’s How it Works:

For a pointe shoe to look, feel, and function just right it must be fitted just right. Achieving that precise,professional, customized fit in a traditional pointe

shoe often requires a “Special Make-Up,” with traditionaldelays, traditional expenses, and traditional hassles.

Gaynor Minden has revolutionized pointe shoe fitting, too.

You fit by selecting six crucial specifications: Length, BoxShape, Width, Shank Stiffness, Vamp Height, HeelConfiguration. It’s the equivalent of your own Special Make-Up in a stock shoe.

(But if you really want that Special Order we can do it.)

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6. Fit Back of Foot:Select Heel.

“Regular,” “High,” or “Sleek”

5. Fit Top of Foot:Select Vamp.

“Regular” or “Deep”

Nar. na na na na 2 2 2/3 2/3 2/3 2/3 2/3 2/3 3 3 3 na na naMed. na na na na 3 3/4 3/4 3/4 3/4 3/4 3/4 3/4 4 4 4 na na naWide na na na na 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 na na na na

4 4.5 5 5.5 6 6.5 7 7.5 8 8.5 9 9.5 10 10.5 11 11.5 12 12.5

Reg or HighHeel

SleekHeel

Sleekfit Availability Chart. Sleekfit is for narrow heels. We make our Sleekfits on special lasts. If you have chosen a Sleekfit please checkthe chart below to be sure it is available in the length, box, and width you selected.

Please note Sleek Heel comes only with Sleek Vamp

High Heel

Sleek andRegular Heel

Deep and Sleek VampRegular Vamp

4. Assess Support Needs:Select Shank.

“Hard” through “Pianissimo”BRAND NEW = “HARD”

SLIGHTLY WORN = “EXTRAFLEX”

BROKEN IN = “SUPPLE”

WEARING OUT = “FEATHERFLEX”

ALMOST “DEAD” = “PIANISSIMO”

Color: Gaynor Mindens are a beautiful European Pink. White is available by special order.

MED

MED

SLEEK

Remember—the stiffness won’t diminish over time! All Gaynor Minden shanks and boxes are made from elasto -meric polymer. Unlike conventional paper-based shanks andboxes, Gaynor Mindens will not deteriorate, break-in, or evensoften. Be sure to choose a shank that not only provides ade -quate support but also provides adequate flexibility. The boxat right shows how our different shanks correspond to thestiffnesses of conventional pointe shoes.

CONVENTIONAL GAYNOR MINDEN


#–###–##The first digit indicates the Box. 2, 3, or 4

# – ###– ##The middle three digits describe the Shank. Of these, it is the first one that specifies flexibility. (The others are for productionpurposes.)

5## = Hard1## = Extraflex (Medium/Hard)2## = Supple (Medium)4## = Featherflex (Flexible)7## = Pianissimo (Very Flexible)

#– ###– ##The fifth digit describes the Vamp.

1 = Regular Vamp2 = Deep Vamp (+¼”)3 = Sleek Vamp (+¼”), comes automatically with Sleek Heel

#– ###– ##The last digit describes the Heel.

0 = Low Heel (–1⁄4”) (available by special order only)1 = Regular Heel2 = High Heel (+3⁄8”)3 = Sleek Heel

Example: 3–121–21 = #3 Box–Extraflex Shank–Deep Vamp–Regular Heel.

The Code Explained.

We use a six-digit code to specify the box, shank, vamp,and heel of our pointe shoes. Length and width arespecified with the traditional number and letter, e.g.

8m (medium) or 5w (wide).

The code appears on our hang tags and inside each shoe. You may find it convenient to use the code when ordering, but we willgladly accept plain English, too. Please see previous page for detailedexplanation of our fitting system.

“I fell in love with GM shoesimmediately because the shoes arevery comfortable and pliable and Idon't need to spend hours to makethem fit. And even after severalgrueling hours without takingthem off, I always feel comfortand support. After using them forawhile, I understood that GMshoes can last much longer thanthe shoes I used to wear; not justone or two rehearsals.”

Veronika PartSoloist, American Ballet Theatre;

Principal, Kirov Ballet

“Gaynor Mindens are extremelypopular in our area. I think thedemand is so great because theyenhance the line of the foot andare truly more comfortable thanany other pointe shoe. Parents and students alike appreciate thedurability of the Gaynor Minden.”

Leslie Roy-Heck, Owner Saratoga Dance, Saratoga Springs, NY;

former Soloist, New York City Ballet

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Pointe Shoe Accessories

The Royal Ballet’s Principal Dancer Alina Cojocaru, seen here in rehearsal for Manon, has beenwearing Gaynor Minden pointe shoes since 2002.

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

—Alina Cojocaru, 2005


* 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. Abreakthrough (it’s actually patented) in pointe shoe fit and comfort.

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

• Longer 2nd toe (a.k.a. Morton’s Foot)? Cool Blue GelCrescents 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 thatcrucial ½-inch of your body. Made of real *Poron®.

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

Totally Toes Fitting Kit. Contains one pair each Cool BlueGel Crescents, Cool Blue Gel Ovals, “Mushroom” Micro-pads,Dynamic Box Liners and clear, illustrated instructions.

Is Pain the Necessary Price of Greatness?

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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, butstill…) between your big toe and your second toe? And is thatsecond toe by any chance on thelong side?

Too bad. That’s the idealarrangement for a non-hereditarybunion and its unpleasant littlecompanions, the hammertoe and the soft corn.

You may know that a toe separator may help preventthese sad developments. But perhaps you were put offbecause they felt bulky or awkward.

That’s why we developed the adjustable toeseparator.

You customize it. You decide what length and—thisis the crucial part—what width suits your own anatomy.

It’s simple—just peel,snip, then tape in place.

Toe Separators.Instructions included.

“The shape of my legs has changed, themuscles have elongated and become lessbulky, as a result of having to be ‘up onmy leg’ in Gaynor Minden.”

Vanessa Palmer Soloist and Assistant Ballet Mistress,

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 forone pair of shoes, or by the bolt:50 meters (right).

Over “there,” theballerinas appear to bedancing in shoes securedonly by satin ribbon, andthey also appear to have notthe slightest worry abouttheir shoes slipping off.

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

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

¾” Pale Peach Elastic.15” long, ample for onepair of shoes, or by thebolt: 72 yards.

Imagine life without them.

Secret European Elastic.

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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”…thepunishments, once, for those born withgorgeous arches.

The delay and expense of a remedialspecial-order vamp isnow unnecessary. Juststitch Vamp Elastic inthe throat of your shoe and you’ll getthe same kind of extra support that adeeper vamp would provide—with no compromise of demi-pointeflexibility, either.

Vamp Elastic. Instructions included.

Stop feeling sorry for dancers born with

gorgeous arches.

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

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

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

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

Transparent Elastic. Color: none. Length: 30”; enough fortwo pairs of shoes.

Transparent “Imperial” Elastic.

“Gaynor Minden pointe shoes are the wave of thefuture. The old paste shoes are going to go the wayof vinyl records.”

David Howard Internationally Renowned Ballet Teacher and Coach


The extraordinarily useful Gaynor Minden Heel Gripperactually 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 shoebeautifully smooth, sleek, and free of lines andwrinkles. No Botox required.

(Especially helpful for dancers with narrow heels.)Heel Grippers.

More gripping. Less griping.

Suede Tips already built in. Peachy pink suede tomatch 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 thesidewalk.

By Special Order.

We did it for you.

For narrow, fine-boned feet (thekind that grew up with nanniesand Shetland ponies.)

Gaynor Minden recommendsthese particular Sockliners as a

very effective and straightforwardmethod for reducing excess material

at heel and sides of shoe. Full Sockliner.

Aristocratic Sockliners.

“I am so glad to have discovered Gaynor Minden.I dance in them with extra confidence and joy.”

Yana SerebriakovaCoryphée, Kirov Ballet

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Leotards

Gaynor Minden leotards. Each original.Each worth having. All painstakinglydesigned to cover the butt without ridingup. Leotards built to make a dancer feelself-assured, long-legged, maybe slightlydaring, maybe actually relaxed, maybebeautiful.

All in sizes S, M, L.Check pricelist for latest color and

fabric availability.

Your extensions are divine, your turns seamless.You are centered, confident, and lovely.

Make sure they notice.

Maria Bystrova, Corps de Ballet, American Ballet Theatre, hasbeen wearing Gaynor Minden pointe shoes since 2002.


LACE. Vintage haute couture. Schiaparelli,Coco Chanel, Dior. Dancers have exquisitenecks and collarbones. This shows them off.Slightly belled cap sleeve. Pretty enough towear out to dinner. Shelf-bra.

HALTER. How dazzlingly low can we cutthe back and still make it work? Took us ayear and half to get it right. The better forthose to see from the other side of the studio.Nice detail: self material ties in back, youadjust the neckline.

STRAPS. The ‘40’s and ‘50’s. The age of realHollywood glamour. When the night sky lit upwith sweeping searchlights, and a movie starwas a confident woman in bright red lipstickwith an unshakable sense of style. The backlineis as dramatic as the neckline. Shelf-bra.

LA BELLE EPOCH. High-neck lace leotardinspired by the art and gaiety of “La BelleEpoch”—the days of the Moulin Rouge, Monet’sWater Lilies, and, incidentally, the first pointe shoe.Soft, pretty stretch lace. Eight buttons down theback (purely decorative, extremely fetching). Shelfbra. Back zipper.

qGALA. A dressy leotard. And why not?If ballet class isn’t a formal occasionthen what is? Pleated “cummer bund”top. Adjustable spaghetti straps (fet-tuccini actually, more comfortable).Shelf bra. Cotton/Lyrca. Detail

PANEL SKIRT DRESS. Pure, clean lines. Timeless, yet totally modern.

SWEETHEART DRESS. Demure, lady-like,possibly saucy, indisputably flattering.

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

I love them.

They don’t make any noise when Ijump and I can use the same pair manytimes because they last longer.”

Erica Cornejo, 2006 Principal Dancer, Boston Ballet


CAP SLEEVE. Sweet, flattering V-necklinewith a sophisticated back.

SKINNY STRAP V-NECK. A classic youcan customize. Adjustable straps and adjust -able front gathers. Stunning open back.

OPEN-BACK MOCK TURTLE. Sleek,athletic front and a knock-out tear drop back. Elegantcovered button. 1”diameter.

V-NECK TANK. Crisp V- lines front andback. Discreet gathers where straps meettorso define the shape.

Classic Never Goes Out of Style.

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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. Like watchingthe Kirov do barre.

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

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

Back Button Closure

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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 alltwo hundred Imperial concubines, wore nothing less, andnothing more, than pure silk.

Margot Fonteyn specified silk tights, Taglioni had silkslippers, and Balanchine would accept no substitute for thegowns in Vienna Waltzes.

Because nothing, absolutely nothing, moves and feelslike Silk.

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

Blended with just enough spandex and cotton to make itstretchy, and—in case Her Serene Highness ever has to doher own laundry—machine washable.

Maria Riccetto, Soloist at American Ballet Theatre, has beenwearing Gaynor Minden pointe shoes since 1998.

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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. Machinewashable.

Sizes: S, M, L.Color: Black.

Imported.

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.


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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 orsix o’clock penché.

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

Long Silky Sweater.

Attention Teachers, Coaches, Ballet Mistresses, Directors:

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

Silk-blend Dancing Pants. Boot-cut gives legs extra dazzle when you’re

really moving, and extra sleekness when you’restanding still.

Fetching low-slung V-shaped waistline.Silk Blend. Machine washable.Sizes: P, S, M, L. Color: Black.Imported.

Have you noticedhow elegantly our LongSilky Sweater pairs withour Dancing Pants?

That’s no accident.For years teachers have

asked us to design somethingfor them.

Here it is. Something tokeep you warm, something thatlets you demonstrate full-out,something not just dignified,but a little bit distinguished too.

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Meticulous manufacturing and advanced textile technology. Gaynor Minden weaves tights with only the finest, genuine microfiber throughout (70 filamentsper thread) because only real microfiber produces a truly soft, luxurious “hand.” And our 3d stretchprovides the utmost freedom of movement—forstrength and flexibility to match your own. Crotchgusset. Sizes: S, M, L.

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

See price list for size chart.

Tights

29To order call: 800.637. 9240 / 212.929.0087 / visit www.dancer. com / email: [email protected]

Convertible MicrofiberNet reinforced convertible

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

Footless MicrofiberBlack.

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

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

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

Imported from Italy. Black.

Wool/Microfiber Blend

� �

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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 muchfaster than possible with regularlegwarmers or ordinary socks.

Start looking forward to warmer andmore exciting tendus on those inevitablecold mornings ahead of you.

Available 2 ways: sexy leopard or panther black.

Each with a witty paw print onthe sole.

For better traction. (Leopardsand panthers never slip up.)

Paws. Size: Medium.

For dancers who have an as yet unconfessed thing

about leopard.


“I have been wearing Gaynor Mindens for almost three years; I amthrilled with the results. Amazing as it sounds, they have changed howI dance and have certainly lessened the pain I had in my feet andankles. A godsend!”

Tara Birtwhistle, left, 2006Principal Dancer, Royal Winnipeg Ballet

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Training Aids & Unusual Extras

The Royal Ballet’s Principal Dancer Zenaida Yanowsky, seen here as Odette in Swan Lake, has been wearing Gaynor Minden pointeshoes since 2003.


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 includeThe History of Toe Dancing and Pointe Technique, lavishly illustrated with rarephotographs and footage, presented by Eliza Minden, designer of therevolutionary Gaynor Minden Pointe Shoe. (Along with valuable advice onpointe-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 withthe same man who taught Baryshnikov,

Makarova, Gelsey Kirkland,Paloma Herrera, etc.

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 youincrease your strength…and your flexibility.

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

The Dancer’s Dozen.

The physical therapists at NYC Ballet know your body better than you do.

33

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

Thoughtfully designed with clever pockets inconsiderate places.

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

Dancer’s Backpack.

Another zipper flip-top to maincompartment; no more rummaging.

Handy small zip pocketright where you need itfor keys, change, classcard, etc.

Elegant satin-finishnylon is actually tough,water-resistant, andslides perfectly under anairplane seat.

Padded shoulder straps fortotal comfort. Adjustablelength so it’s right for you.

Literature pocket formagazines, notebooks,fan mail.

Zipper flip-top for instantaccessibility.

Large ventilating mesh compartment.

Generous HighSecurity outer pocket has both zipper and Velcro® flap.

�


The image on this poster is the result of a gruelingday of photography in which Gillian Murphy had toachieve that spectacular bourrée into arabesque, onexactly the same mark, at an instant not of herchoosing, over and over and over again. And that was after we’d done the jumping shots.

We hope her stamina, perseverance, andprofessionalism will inspire you. She is a PrincipalDancer at American Ballet Theatre. Caption: “Dancecaptures the dancer and then the dancer captures theaudience.” Size: 37”x 24”.

Free Stuff.

Zhong-Jing Fang

Gillian Murphy ArabesqueZenaida Yanowsky Grand Jeté. The Royal Ballet’sextraordinary Principal Dancer soars across stage asOdette in Swan Lake.

Gillian Murphy Penché. Wow.

Irina Kolesnikova in “Swan Lake.” Prima Ballerina ofKonstantin Tachkin’s St. Petersburg Ballet Theatre inSwan Lake.

Tara Birtwhistle, Principal Dancer, Royal WinnipegBallet in Raymonda.

Alina Cojocaru Tying Her Ribbons. Alina Cojocaru is anative of Romania, and instead of accepting a fee fordoing our ads she had us send free shoes to the dancers at the national ballet company there.

Jenny Jagerhorn. Star of Finnish National Ballet.

Above posters: 12”x 18”.

“It’s amazing what goes into making something effortless.”

Zenaida Yanowsky Grand Jeté.

Gillian Murphy Penché. Irina Kolesnikovain “Swan Lake.”

Tara Birtwhistlein “Raymonda.”

Alina Cojocaru Tying Her Ribbons.

Jenny Jagerhorn, star ofFinnish National Ballet.

Refrigerator Magnets

Irina Kolesnikova Odile adjusts her shoes.

�

That’s right, these are free while supplies last. Breathtaking images—the perfect size for your store. Great give-aways for your customers.

35

“A superb reference book—all the information today’s students need but can’tget just by taking class—every dancer’s library should have it.”

—Angel Corella, Principal Dancer, American Ballet Theatre

“Everyone involved with or interested in ballet should read this book.Comprehensively researched and packed with valuable information, The Ballet Companion is a treasure-trove for ballet enthusiasts.”

—Kirk Peterson, Former Principal Dancer, American Ballet Theatre;Artistic Director, American Ballet Theatre Studio Company

“This is the very book I would have loved to have discovered when I first started to study ballet.”

—Allegra Kent, former Principal Dancer,New York City Ballet and author of Once A Dancer

• Over 150 stunning photographs of ballet stars Maria Riccettoand Benjamin Millepied demonstrating perfect execution ofpositions 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 trainingsystems

• 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-upto performing the perfect pirouette

A New Classic for Today’s Dancer.

The Ballet Companion by Eliza Gaynor Minden. 333 pages.

Eliza Minden, Author

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1. Are Gaynor Mindens suitable for beginners?

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

Gaynor Minden is especially beneficial for beginners because itselastomeric box promotes proper alignment and correct technique.The box minimizes “sickling” and “winging,” bad habits that canstress the ankle and lead to injury. The box actually makes it hardto roll up incorrectly because the elastomeric never wears down tocreate an uneven surface as paste boxes do. The student uses anddevelops the correct muscles to achieve full-pointe and once theredoes 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 discouragingthat 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 andserious 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 youare 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 brandsbecause 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 withresilient elastomerics in the supportive parts of the shoe: the shankand the box. Most other pointe shoes have a paste and cardboardconstruction for those elements, as they have since the 19th century.You can break such a shank in your hands; you cannot break orweaken a Gaynor Minden no matter how much you bend it—goahead and try!

Elastomerics are more costly than cardboard and paste. Also,Gaynor Minden is the only pointe shoe with high performanceimpact-absorbing foam built right into the shoe. Not cheap latex,this is the same urethane cushioning found in the very finestathletic 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 ismore expensive to manufacture in America, but the result is asuperior product.

Frequently Asked Questions.

37To order call: 800.637. 9240 / 212.929.0087 / visit www.dancer. com / email: [email protected]

4. Why is shock absorption important?

Many dancers’ woes, whether mild aches or serious stressfractures, are caused by the traumatic impact of jumping on hardsurfaces. Many dance floors are not resilient. Some are even madefrom wood or linoleum laid directly on concrete. And mosttheatres 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 GaynorMinden’s Hard Shank?

Not necessarily. Most dancers who use a hard shank intraditional paste shoes do so because traditional shanks break downso rapidly. Our shanks are unbreakable, they never soften orweaken. Our ExtraFlex provides plenty of support for mostdancers, enabling them to enjoy the benefits of a light, flexible shoewithout compromising supportiveness. Our Hard shank isextremely 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 Mindenshave 1⁄4“ pinch at the top of the heel when on pointe?

Because Gaynor Minden will not change over time the waytraditional shoes will. The tight fit of a traditional shoe anticipatesstretching out and “mushing in.” Our satin is backed with amoisture wicking lining, so it does not stretch the way other satindoes. 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 forpointework. In the past such dancers were told to suffer patientlyuntil their feet toughened up. Now, thanks to advances intechnology, 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 feelor snugness.

8. What is the right age to begin pointework?

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

“Within three weeks of switching to Gaynor Mindens the shape of an eleven year old student’s legs visiblyimproved. Because Gaynor Mindens align the dancer correctly over her toes and do not allow rollingout, my student’s musculature changed to becomeproperly shaped and balanced. I now start my beginnersin Gaynor Mindens and recommend them to all my students.”

Jody Jaron, DirectorSchool of the Garden State Ballet

Artistic Director, School of the Garden State Ballet Youth Co.

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

Tatiana TkachenkoSoloist, Kirov Ballet

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Better Alignment.

Even highlytrained dancers arebetter aligned inGaynor Minden,according to a studyat the ExerciseScience Departmentat the University ofMassachusetts,Amherst. Properalignment is crucialfor ballet technique,for correct musculardevelopment and for protecting the joints from injury. Forces to the ankleduring vigorous dancing can reach 10 times body weight,misalignment can transmit these potentially injurious forces tothe medial/lateral ankle structures. Kinematic analysis of thedancers’ ankles showed that sickling is reduced and subjectsstand 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 inthe American Journal of Sports Medicine, evaluated the durabilityof various brands of pointe shoes using a machine that simulatesrelevé. Gaynor Minden was still going strong after 248,000 relevécycles. The others didn’t come close.

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

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

Cunningham, B.W. et al., “A Comparative Mechanical Analysis of the PointeShoe 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 PodiatricMedicine also studied issues ofstability and alignment, in this caseusing a pedabaragraph. GaynorMinden again proved superior toother shoes and was shown to have a 38% greater useable platform area.

Greater Impact Absorption.In addition, the Temple

University team assessed shockabsorption, using advanced F-Scantechnology, which enabled them todetect actual pressures to specificareas of the foot during dancing. Again, Gaynor Minden provedsuperior. All subjects in the Temple University studies wereprofessional dancers.

Correct IncorrectIncorrect

A 115-lb. dancer who sickles only 2°, asshown above, may transfer 40 lbs. to thelateral ankle, the site most vulnerable tosprain. While dancing, these forces mayincrease to 10 times her body weight.

38

Contact Us

Copyright © 2007Printed in U.S.A.Photos: All are by Eduardo Patino except: Founder photo by Edwin Gaynor; Zenaida Yanowsky and 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; Nicholle Rochelle by Leslie E.Spatt; Jenny Jagerhorn by Jonas Lundqvist; Vanessa Palmer by C. MacMillan.All product photos by Paul B. Goode.Photos of Zhong-Jing Fang and Kathryn Sullivan taken at Steps on Broadway.Students courtesy of The School at Steps.

European OfficeFax 44 01273 429 420

Phone 44 01273 429 429

Australian OfficeFax/Phone 02 9869 4722

New York HeadquartersFax 212 .929.4907

Phone 800 . 637.9240212 .929.0087

140 West 16th StreetNew York, New York 10011

Email [email protected] www.dancer.com

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Gaynor Minden, inc.140 West 16th StreetNew York, New York 10011

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Gaynor Minden