In the Spotlight:

Gaynor Minden

The revolutionary pointe shoe has been causing quite a stir since its debut a few years back. This pointe shoe promises to last longer, be quieter, and be far more gentle on a dancers feet with its revolutionary design. Unlike most pointe shoes, Gaynor Minden pointes are not made of traditional burlap, paste, and leather board. They are made of thin cellular urethane, gel liners, anti-shock linings, and elastomentric construction to ensure proper alignment. What that means is this high-tech shoe has a cushy inside made for comfort. No more breaking in the shoes, either. They're ready to dance right off the shelf! Sound like a dream come true? Well, not everyone thinks so. The controversy is at an all time high. Here are some of the main issues and different takes on those issues. 

Will Gaynor Mindens Help or Hurt Beginners? 

From those that say yes:

Gaynor Mindens are especially good for beginners because these shoes promote prober alignment and position of the feet and ankles. Thusly, they minimize bad habits that can lead to injury. Finally, Gaynor Mindens are comfortable and make the transition from flat slippers to pointe shoes. Many students get discouraged by the pain of traditional paste shoes and having a more comfortable shoes may encourage more girls to continue with their dancing passion. 

From those that say no:

Pointe beginners must develop strength in their ankles to be able to perform more complicated steps en pointe later on in training. Part of this strength comes from breaking in pointe shoes, working through a hard shank and banding a new box. Also, it would be very hard for a beginning pointe student to know what kind of box or shank she needs; choosing the right shoe would be difficult then. 

Are Gaynor Mindens "Cheater" Shoes? 

From those that say yes:

Many dancers consider blisters and bruised toenails are a right of passage. Although Gaynor Mindens don't completely guard against them, but they do minimize them. Also, the unbending plastic shank could offer too much support, letting a dancer sink into her shoes. 

From those that say no:

Many dancers have found that they have to work harder in Gaynor Mindens, and that it strengthens their feet an ankles. Injuries, even small ones such as blisters, are a poor indicator of hard work. 

Do they look too different? 

From those that say yes:

You can definitely pick a Gaynor Minden wearer out of the corps de ballet, and for a professional company, that's not a good thing! Unlike other pointes they have no pleats and a distinct cone-like shape. They also have a more bright pink than most shoes. 

From those that say no:

If you look hard enough, you can see that these shoes are different. But is that so bad? Pointe shoes have changed and evolved over the years, and these shoes are just taking a giant leap forward in that direction. Anna Pavlolva was deemed a 'cheater' for being one of the first to harden her box and flatten her platform. Change is good, and it's here to stay!

For any more questions, be sure to check out the GM website, www.dancer.com !