Hi, a question: Does anyone know if it is easier or problematic for professional dancers to be barefoot in unconventional places? Obviously they have callouses which makes it easier on one level but I also understand that maintaining the callouses without damage is important. I was wondering if anyone has any insight into whether walking barefoot on the street, in nature, etc is something that professional dancers are warned not to do, or if it's not an issue.

(I am asking about European/American-school trained modern dancers specifically, not indigenous like some of the wonderful diaries here)

Any insight is appreciated

Good question, good question.

I live in a city full of artistic things happening, including modern dance shows. It seems, though, that the barefoot dancers immediately put on shoes/flip-flops when the dance is over. Almost nobody walks around and about the theater, let alone outside, in bare feet. It's puzzling. Seems that professional dancers are even more squeamish about going barefoot outdoors away from the stage than "regular" people who at least appreciate being barefoot in grass, etc.

Anyone has a good explanation to this?

No, but I agree that it makes no sense....certain other performers of the past...like late 60's early 70's Linda Ronstadt (a little off topic concerning dancers) went barefoot ALL THE TIME!!! It was back in a hippie sort of era, but she was a revolutionary...and a total turn on back then. In her early days, she went barefoot everywhere...on talk shows, it was the first topic of conversation with her...it was just acknowledged that "Linda doesn't like shoes"...so she just didn't wear them...beautiful concept , right? Don't know about the performers of today with those damned flip flops.

surely someone here must have known/dated/photographed a woman who has been a serious dancer at some point? are they advised to protect their feet?