Dancing barefoot for modern or contemporary dance doesn’t come without its pitfalls – ballet dancers certainly suffer but that’s not to say contemporary dancers don’t too! Many dancers opt for socks, or their costume may demand them to be worn, however to fully feel the floor beneath you – and to move in response to that – requires barefoot dance. Despite this, dancers may still encounter problems along the way.
Hard skin on the soles of your feet is a good thing to help you turn and slide, although it takes a long time to build up. As a dancer your feet may not look as attractive as possible in summer sandals, however you can use a foot file or pumice stone to pare the hard skin down. If calluses develop some dancers may soak their feet in Epsom salt, or use vaseline overnight to keep the skin from cracking. This can also be done if your feet are prone to splitting. Splitting the skin in and around the toes is difficult to bandage and splits can reopen, deepen or become infected. Here, prevention is the best cure by keeping your feet moisturised, but clean and dry.
Contemporary dancers may also suffer from floor burns – although they are common they still need a little attention in order to prevent them worsening. You can relieve a painful floor burn by running cold water over the wound, but don’t use ice or lotions. Overall, ensure your feet receive the relevant care they need by spending time with your feet on a daily basis and be alert for potential problems. You can really spoil your feet by soaking them in a foot bath — especially if your feet are tired or sore — and by applying moisture treatments to ensure they are receiving the best possible care for dance.
Related: Our range of foot thongs and dance socks.