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When Gaynor Minden started in 1993 we had a few dozen customers. Today tens of thousands of dancers have voted with their feet and honored us by choosing our pointe shoes. Some are among the finest dancers on the planet, no exaggeration. Some of these ballerinas have agreed to become Gaynor Minden Icons and appear here, in our advertisements, and on our social media. These dancers have worn Gaynor Mindens for years, and they wear them exclusively. We provide an honorarium for the use of their images, but we never pay dancers to wear our shoes. It’s their choice.
Chinara Alizade
Principal Dancer
Polish National Ballet
“After successfully graduating from ballet school, I was invited to join the Bolshoi Theatre of Russia, and I began my journey as a professional ballerina. A year later, I was introduced to Gaynor Minden pointe shoes. I was 19 at the time, in 2006, and it was a perfect match! This love for these pointe shoes has lasted for many years. Throughout my entire ballet career, I have danced in Gaynor Minden pointe shoes, and I am very happy about it!”
Chinara has worn Gaynor Minden Pointe Shoes since 2006.
Photo by Marta Wódz, courtesy of Teatr Wielki – Polish National Opera
Chinara has worn Gaynor Minden Pointe Shoes since 2006.
Photo by Marta Wódz, courtesy of Teatr Wielki – Polish National Opera
Cristina Baez
Principal
Ballet Clásico Moderno Municipal de Asunción
“Gaynor Minden accompanied me from the beginning of this career until today, thanks to the comfort and durability, I did not need to choose another pair of pointe shoes from another brand than Gaynor Minden. They are my all time choice! They helped me to continue working and growing as a dancer and artist, giving me beautiful lines and being my best partner day after day. Thank you Gaynor Minden, my favorite brand.”
Cristina has worn Gaynor Minden pointe shoes since 2008.
Photo: M. Ayala
Cristina has worn Gaynor Minden pointe shoes since 2008.
Photo: M. Ayala
Erica Cornejo
Former Principal Dancer
Boston Ballet
“Ballet has always been hard but Gaynor Minden makes it easier. 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 has worn Gaynor Minden pointe shoes since 1999.
Photo: S. Varga
Erica has worn Gaynor Minden pointe shoes since 1999.
Photo: S. Varga
Alina Cojocaru
Former Principal Dancer
The Royal Ballet
“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 has worn Gaynor Minden pointe shoes since 2001.
Photo: J. Persson
Alina has worn Gaynor Minden pointe shoes since 2001.
Photo: J. Persson
Filipa de Castro
Principal Dancer
National Ballet of Portugal
“It began with a suggestion from a friend of mine, also Gaynor Minden Artist. We danced together in a gala and I was complaining about how shoes can change just from bringing them on a plane. She told me that with Gaynor Minden I wouldn’t have those issues, so I decided to try them. It took a bit of time to find the right ones, but since I’ve gotten used to working with them I’ve become a totally different ballerina. I have a feeling of trusting my pointe shoes completely while I’m dancing, not being afraid that they might break in the middle of a pas de deux. And they are so light, that jumping is heaven and they look great on my feet. I feel that I improved to a higher level with them!”
Filipa has worn Gaynor Minden pointe shoes since 2014.
Photo: V. Silveira
Filipa has worn Gaynor Minden pointe shoes since 2014.
Photo: V. Silveira
Ao Dingwen
Principal Dancer
Liaoning Ballet of China
“From corps de ballet to principal and then to honored artist of the nation, I have never stopped chasing for better performance. Non-slippery, light, shock-absorbing, comfortable and durable are keys for me on stage. I have a very high standard in choosing pointe shoes, that’s why Gaynor Minden can really satisfy me for those factors and is my most intimate companion in my career development.”
Ao has worn Gaynor Minden pointe shoes since 2016.
Ao has worn Gaynor Minden pointe shoes since 2016.
Jurgita Dronina
Artistic Director
Lithuanian National Ballet
“With Gaynor Mindens, my shoes just feel like an extension of myself. It’s almost like I don’t even have a shoe on. They react to my every movement, giving my feet a very delicious quality; it’s harmony from head to toe.”
Jurgita has worn Gaynor Minden pointe shoes since 2005.
Photo: S. Endinian
Jurgita has worn Gaynor Minden pointe shoes since 2005.
Photo: S. Endinian
Lili Felmery
Principal Dancer
Hungarian National Ballet
“The reason why I began wearing Gaynor Minden pointe shoes was that I would have liked to ensure the best quality for my feet. These are the most beautiful, convenient and perfect pointe shoes I can imagine!”
Lili has worn Gaynor Minden pointe shoes since 2013.
Photo: A. Paolini Merlo
Lili has worn Gaynor Minden pointe shoes since 2013.
Photo: A. Paolini Merlo
Melissa Hamilton
Principal Dancer
The Royal Ballet
“My Gaynor Minden pointe shoes encase my feet with support and confidence. They allow me to express my movements and emotions fully with each step I take. I simply cannot imagine dancing in anything else.”
Melissa has worn Gaynor Minden pointe shoes since 2015.
Photo: A. Uspenski
Melissa has worn Gaynor Minden pointe shoes since 2015.
Photo: A. Uspenski
Yekaterina Kondaurova
Principal Dancer
The Mariinsky Ballet
“It is very important for a ballerina that nothing disturbs her while she’s fulfilling her role in the ballet. Gaynor Minden pointe shoes are made for dancing the best roles; they are created for the creative work. I wear them for everything. They help me especially in ballets with extreme choreography: I don’t have to think how to jump, or how to spin and still stay on my foot while moving the center off balance. Most important is that Gaynor Minden shoes make my feet more pliable and expressive — alive and speaking.”
Katia has worn Gaynor Minden pointe shoes since 2006.
Photo: Neff
Katia has worn Gaynor Minden pointe shoes since 2006.
Photo: Neff
Nicoletta Manni
Principal Dancer
La Scala Ballet
“I’ve always wanted to try Gaynor Minden, and once I did I knew I would never go back to traditional pointe shoes. They are the perfect shoes for anything I have to dance! I save a lot of time not worrying about my pointe shoes, I can just concentrate on my dancing.”
Nicoletta has worn Gaynor Minden pointe shoes since 2016.
Photo: C. Quezada, Elisa Carrillo Ballet Gala Mexico
Nicoletta has worn Gaynor Minden pointe shoes since 2016.
Photo: C. Quezada, Elisa Carrillo Ballet Gala Mexico
Anastasia Matvienko
Guest Principal Dancer
Slovenian National Ballet
“From my heart, I’m really happy with these shoes.”
Anastasia has worn Gaynor Minden pointe shoes since 2005.
Photo: G. Schiavone
Anastasia has worn Gaynor Minden pointe shoes since 2005.
Photo: G. Schiavone
Tatiana Melnik
Principal
Hungarian National Ballet
“I started dancing in Gaynor Minden pointe shoes in 2012. From the first step I felt very comfortable in them. They look beautiful on the foot, they are soft which is very convenient for jumping, and when landing after a jump, they do not knock.”
Tatiana has worn Gaynor Minden pointe shoes since 2012.
Tatiana has worn Gaynor Minden pointe shoes since 2012.
Yuliia Moskalenko
Principal Dancer
Miami City Ballet
“I chose Gaynor Minden pointe shoes because my previous pairs would break down far too quickly. They not only last longer, but they also mold beautifully to the shape of my foot, creating a natural, elegant line. On top of that, they’re incredibly comfortable, which makes such a difference during long rehearsals and performances.
Yuliia has worn Gaynor Minden pointe shoes since 2006.
Photo: A. Purtov
Yuliia has worn Gaynor Minden pointe shoes since 2006.
Photo: A. Purtov
Gillian Murphy
Principal Dancer
American Ballet Theater
“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 has worn Gaynor Minden pointe shoes since she was fifteen.
Photo: E. Patino
Gillian has worn Gaynor Minden pointe shoes since she was fifteen.
Photo: E. Patino
Evgenia Obraztsova
Principal Dancer
The Bolshoi Ballet
“I love how they make jumping so light, so effortless and so quiet, and how they make balancing easy (which I especially appreciate for the Rose Adagio). I adore them!”
Genia has worn Gaynor Minden pointe shoes since 2006.
Photo: A. Neff
Genia has worn Gaynor Minden pointe shoes since 2006.
Photo: A. Neff
Olesia Shaytanova
Principal
Lithuanian National Ballet
“I started wearing Gaynor Mindens in 2013 immediately after graduating from the Kyiv State Ballet School. I started my first season in the theater in new pointe shoes, and my first premiere was Gulnara in Le Corsaire and Klara in The Nutcracker. I prepared for these two roles in one month while working in my new pointe shoes by Gaynor Minden. I choose Gaynor Minden pointe shoes because they provide comfort and stability for my feet. It’s easy for me to jump in these pointe shoes and to keep balance and do technical things. I can say one thing: I feel much more confident in these pointe shoes than without them. Not to mention, the ability to choose a model individually is of great importance to me as a prima ballerina.”
Olesia has worn Gaynor Minden pointe shoes since 2013.
Photo: K. Orlova
Olesia has worn Gaynor Minden pointe shoes since 2013.
Photo: K. Orlova
Ekaterina Shipulina
Principal Dancer
The Bolshoi Ballet
“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.”
Katia has worn Gaynor Minden pointe shoes since 2006.
Photo: Alexandra
Katia has worn Gaynor Minden pointe shoes since 2006.
Photo: Alexandra
Alina Somova
Principal Dancer
The Mariinsky Ballet
“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 has worn Gaynor Minden pointe shoes since 2005.
Photo: Neff
Alina has worn Gaynor Minden pointe shoes since 2005.
Photo: Neff
Juliana Valadão
Principal Dancer
Theatro Municipal RJ
“I would not be able to give my best without the main instrument that any and every ballerina needs — a professional pair of pointe shoes. Besides quality, elegance, and silent landings, Gaynor Minden pointe shoes give me the comfort I need. Being able to customize my pointe shoes helps me find the specific model for each ballet season. I always feel secure because I know my pointe shoes will last the whole performance, which helps me not only give my best, but enjoy every moment I am on the stage.”
Juliana has worn Gaynor Minden pointe shoes since 2008.
Photo: C.L. Pinto
Juliana has worn Gaynor Minden pointe shoes since 2008.
Photo: C.L. Pinto
Viengsay Valdes
Artistic Director
Ballet Nacional de Cuba
“Gaynor Mindens make me feel like I’m dancing on air – like butterfly’s wings. They are a gift to my feet. I can dance with a sense of security, and they give me a beautiful line. That’s why I trust them.”
Viengsay has worn Gaynor Minden pointe shoes since 2004.
Photo: M. Lidvac
Viengsay has worn Gaynor Minden pointe shoes since 2004.
Photo: M. Lidvac
Svetlana Zakharova
Principal Dancer
The Bolshoi Ballet
“Why did I choose Gaynor Minden? For me, the most important things about dance are my emotions and my technique. The technique must be perfect, the movement free and light; the audience must never see the work behind the dance — just the dance itself. That is why I choose Gaynor Minden: to be confident and free.”
Svetlana has worn Gaynor Minden pointe shoes since 2011.
Photo: E. Nawrath
Svetlana has worn Gaynor Minden pointe shoes since 2011.
Photo: E. Nawrath
