Melissa Hayden (1923 – 2006)

“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.”

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.

Marina Leonova

“Gaynor Minden pointe shoes are high quality, professional ballet footwear, ideally suited for beginners as well as for experienced dancers.

“In these shoes, it is possible to achieve a truly perfect fit, thus minimizing injuries and general discomfort. The shoes are stable, perfectly balanced, and create a beautiful line of the foot.”

For twenty years, Marina Leonova was a leading ballerina with the Kremlin Palace and Bolshoi Ballet companies. At the Moscow State Academy of Choreography, which is the school of the Bolshoi Ballet, she has been a Professor on the Faculty of Classical Dance, a Vice-President on Creative Work, a President of the Academy, and – since 1996 – Director. She is a recipient of the prestigious National Artist of Russia award.

Yuri Fateev

“We come across fantastic technological advances everywhere. I am so happy to watch them finding their way to the art of ballet!

“Gaynor Minden pointe shoes make feet look elegant, conceal their imperfections, and protect them effectively. They stand out for their flexibility; a dancer can easily make soft roll-ups and downs without ‘springing’ onto pointe. This is an effective way to develop foot strength and technique. The design of different Gaynor Minden models helps to achieve maximum responsiveness and comfort. As a teacher, it is so much easier to gain a result with dancers wearing Gaynor Minden!

“Gaynor Minden shoes last much longer than other brands. They are very quiet, and they facilitate smooth, soundless movements of the corps de ballet, which is very important for ‘big scenes.’

“Gaynor Minden pointe shoes make feet sing!”

After a distinguished career as a star of the Kirov Ballet, Yuri Fateev is now one of the company’s leading teachers and répétiteurs. He is the ballet master and in charge of the company’s Balanchine repertory – as well as other works. Internationally in demand, he has taught, coached, and staged ballets all over the world.

Mignon Furman

“I highly recommend the Gaynor Minden pointe shoe for the 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.”

Mignon Furman, distinguished, award-winning ballet teacher. She is the creator of the Performance Awards Program, and the Founding Director of the American Academy of Ballet. She has been recommending Gaynor Minden pointe shoes since 1996.

Kathryn Sullivan

“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, master teacher of ballet and pointe. She is a published author of articles and videos on pointe technique, and a respected faculty member at Barnard College and New York University. She has been teaching pointe at Steps on Broadway since 1991, and started recommending Gaynor Minden pointe shoes in 1995.

Victoria Mazzarelli

“So much is expected of dancers today, and the Gaynor Minden pointe shoe is an excellent tool for their training at all levels. As a former professional dancer and now a teacher, I have found that Gaynor Minden pointe shoes are supple, encouraging a beautiful rolling-through of the feet, and at the same time durable — perfect for building strength. They mold wonderfully to the foot, promoting a lovely line.”

The sole Gold Medalist in the 1984 New York International Ballet Competition, Victoria Mazzarelli went on to further acclaim during her twenty year career as a leading dancer at the Basel, Frankfurt, and Zurich Ballets. She is now a teacher, choreographer, and Associate Artistic Director at Nutmeg Conservatory for the Arts. Her former students dance at major companies throughout the world.