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Posted: 03.29.2002
A good pointe
I just watched a segment on Tech Live that fascinated me. I quit ballet at an early age (I was just too tall and lanky to be graceful), but several of my friends continued on. A few of them darn-near caused their parents to go bankrupt over the cost of pointe shoes, still using a 1905 design made from layers of burlap, cardboard, newspaper and tiny nails. Good pointe shoes run about $45/pair now, but "due to the rigors of dancing en pointe, a traditional shoe may last only one hour".

A new company called Gaynor Minden is using technology and elastomeric plastics for a better pointe shoe for the 21st century. They are being called the Air Jordans of the ballet world -- and can last up to five days. The pricetag runs about $85 -- almost twice as expensive as their counterpart. But then again, the Gaynor Mindens also come with at least 3-4 times the shelf-life. Not all teachers are convinced -- and there are "cons" (read more in this article). But at least it's a start!




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That's a great invention. I was a die-hard ballet dancer - almost went pro but decided the lifestyle sucked. I have a closetfull of worn out pointe shoes - cost a fortune, but didn't last long!

Thanks for sharing that!


¤ ¤ credit: Cheryl | 03.29.02 at 04:44 PM | link--this ¤ ¤

Same here, though I got rid of most of them. the only pair I have now are ones that where dyed black. I think the cardboard has worn thin enough to almost be near breaking point.

Wow! $85 usd, yoiks I do not want to know what that translates to in canadian. I think my regular point shoes cost my mom and I $70 canadian, if memory serves me right. I love dancing but I don't think I could survive the lifetyle thast they lead.

¤ ¤ credit: munin | 03.29.02 at 09:12 PM | link--this ¤ ¤

Wow! I was never a ballet dancer...I had no idea shoes cost that much for such little wear. Maybe that's why my mom enrolled me in gymnastics. Bodies last just a little longer.

¤ ¤ credit: Birdie | 03.29.02 at 09:15 PM | link--this ¤ ¤

I've been dancing since I was 3 and don't even want to tally up what shoes have cost me. While I no longer dance for a company, just for "toe punnishment now" *smirk* I've tried the "new" shoe, and don't mind it. It doesn't fit me as well as my other's. I have to have mine custom made at a whopping $160.00 per pair. I think I've been hijacked..LOL!

I haven't used the newer design enough to give a vaild pro or con vote. I would suggest that those like me with years of dance behind them and the "Fred Flinstone" feet to match; try them and write down all your pro's and cons and let the designer know.

It's not a slamm on the company, it will help them to better fit us all.

I would not allow the beginner to wear them though. Unfortunatly the beginner's have to learn to toughen their feet up a bit and develop the proper muscles. There is just no getting around some of the discomfort and pain.

Great post Robyn!

¤ ¤ credit: jade | 03.30.02 at 12:29 PM | link--this ¤ ¤




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