Why are Gaynor Minden pointe shoes so expensive?
Elastomerics are highly specialized materials, engineered for extraordinary flexibility, resilience, and strength, so naturally they are more costly than paper and paste. Gaynor Minden is also the only pointe shoe with high performance Poron® 4000 foam linings built right into the shoe.
Are Gaynor Minden pointe shoes good for beginners?
Gaynor Mindens are an excellent choice for beginners because the shoe encourages proper alignment of the foot and ankle for the entire life of the shoe. When new pointe dancers dance in a traditional shoe, their foot alignment changes as the shoe changes.
Where are Gaynor Minden pointe shoes made?
Since 1993 our pointe shoes have proudly been made in the USA. Starting in 2020, they are also being produced in Europe! Just like our original Lawrence, Massachusetts factory, our new factory in Bosnia and Herzegovina is a family business that blends tradition with innovation.
What is the best age to start pointe?
A minimum age of 11 or 12 is often recommended, and dancers with several years of serious, regular training tend to be ready by age 12. Sometimes, it is more difficult for an older teen or adult to start pointe, because the feet might have less flexibility.
What are Gaynor pointe shoes?
Gaynor Minden is the only pointe shoe with flexible polymers, also known as elastomerics, in both areas of shoe that provide support: the shank and the box. Most other pointe shoes have a paper and paste construction that dates to the 19th century.
How long do Gaynor Mindens take to ship?
We offer a number of shipping speeds from Standard (3-10 business days) to Rush (2-3 business days), because sometimes you can wait and sometimes you can’t!
Is it painful to dance en pointe?
“Will dancing en pointe always hurt? While the initial pain may become manageable, dancing in pointe shoes may never feel as comfortable as lounging around in your house slippers. “There is no such thing as pain-free in pointe shoes,” Carpenter says.
What are gaynors made of?
The inside of a Gaynor Minden is made from a special elastomer; the sound-and-impact-absorbing linings are made from high-tech Poron® urethane foam. These materials do not break in, stretch, or break down.
Can I learn ballet at 30?
Short answer, yes. If your goal is to dance on pointe at 30, then kudos to you. You definitely have a long road ahead of you. You’ll need to begin by learning basic technique, strengthening your body to maintain correct form, and achieve the right level of flexibility.