She danced a huge repertory that included just about every one of the company's leading parts, and she originated the principal roles in some of George Balanchine's greatest works: Divertimento #15, Agon, Liebeslieder Waltzes, Stars and Stripes, Episodes, Brahms-Schoenberg Quartet, and many more.

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       Coming up this month, from October 19th to 22nd, Gaynor Minden will again sponsor the International Association for Dance Medicine and Science Annual Conference, as we have for nearly 15 years. Carlota Benoit, Sales Director and Kiley Stoker will fly to West Palm Beach, FL for the event which is expected to draw hundreds of dance medicine experts from all over the world. "IADMS promotes medical, scientific, and educational activities aimed at enhancing the treatment and training of dancers with the ultimate goal of improving dancers' health, well-being, and performance." If you're in the area we strongly encourage you to stop by the West Palm Beach Marriott Inn on October 22nd for the Teachers Day which focuses on the physical and psychological well being of teachers of all ages. Please visit www.iadms.org for more information on the conference.

       Jennifer Cadden has just graduated from Philadelphia's prestigious University of the Arts with a BFA in Ballet Performance, honored with awards for Best Ballet Performance and Best Overall Dancer. Impressive accomplishments for any dancer—and a stunning achievement for one who was told, seven years ago, that she might never walk again.

       Jennifer suffered a catastrophic foot injury while dancing the Dawn solo during a performance of Coppélia at Ballet Theatre of Scranton. She underwent numerous surgeries, involving pins and screws, to repair a snapped ligament and dislocated bones; she had to be off her foot for nine long months. Her surgeon thought it unlikely she would ever dance again; he wasn't even sure she would be able to walk.

       Undaunted by a grim prognosis and determined to dance, Jennifer worked hard, recovered, and went on to become a beautiful dancer. And she's a successful dancer too: Jennifer will be taking her Gaynor Mindens on the road with her at her new job with the Broadway 1st National Tour of the Twyla Tharp/Billy Joel hit, Movin’ Out.

       It was with great sadness that I learned of Melissa Hayden's death. She was an unforgettable performer—such power and brilliance. I saw her dance several times. I also had the privilege of working with her last winter and I'll treasure the experience the rest of my life. She endorsed our pointe shoes and agreed to appear in our ads so I flew down to North Carolina School of the Arts, where she taught, for the photo shoot. I was somewhat intimidated at the thought of giving direction to this legendary ballerina but she was fantastically obliging. Moreover she gave 1,000 watts of her radiance to every single shot. She was glamorous; she was humorous; she was indefatigable—and she was 82. At the end of the session, having never complained or betrayed the slightest bit of discomfort or impatience, she was limping, I noticed, and moving at a snail's pace. The shoot must have been a huge effort for her but she never let on. Our sympathy goes out to her family, her colleagues, and her students.

Cordially,
Eliza