Strong yet flexible: dancer Roberto Bolle on his collaboration with Tod’s

published 14 March 2018

When people ask me what it takes to be a professional dancer, it can be very difficult for me to answer. You have to have talent, but you also have to have passion. You have to be strong, but also very flexible. You have to have a presence on stage. It’s embodying elegance and charisma, because in the end it isn't just about being a good dancer, you have to be a star. You have to sacrifice yourself and your body for your work. I am very lucky that I haven't had any physical problems so far.

To look after myself, I do daily massages and get regular professional therapy, but it’s also important that I relax my feet outside of work. With Tod’s shoes, I feel like I’m wearing a sneaker, but with an elegant and innovative design, so they're the kind of shoes you can wear to a formal event too. The soft leather means I can really feel the difference when walking around after my day at work, but they still provide the strength and support that I need – they are very light, making them a good option for a long evening off stage.

ROBERTO BOLLE is a principal dancer at the world renowned La Scala Ballet Theatre in Milan and will be Guest Principal Dancer with the Royal Ballet in April, performing on the 11 and 16 April in Manon at London’s Royal Opera House. He is the face (with model Kendall Jenner) of Tod’s spring/summer 2018 campaign; tods.com