Dear Katie: Is There Hope for a Well-Endowed Dancer?

October 10, 2018


In our “Dear Katie” series, former NYCB soloist Kathryn Morgan answers your pressing dance questions. Have something you want to ask Katie? Email [email protected] for a chance to be featured!

Dear Katie,

I don’t know what to do about my chest! Over the past year, I’ve gone from a 32B to a 32D, and it’s awful. No leotards fit me, I’m
self-conscious in all my costumes, and I even
feel like it’s affecting my sense of balance. Is there any hope for a well-endowed dancer?

Cassandra

Dear Cassandra,

You’re far from alone! Many successful professional ballerinas are well-endowed. I know several who have to wear extra support under every costume, and it hasn’t affected their careers one bit. Plus, these days, there are more and better

undergarments available than ever before. A lot of pros rely on flesh-colored dance bras with clear straps that provide a bit of compression, keeping your chest “locked down” under a leotard or costume. You can find those kinds of undergarments online or in nearly any dance supply store. And more and more leotard lines, like Misty Copeland’s Égal, are including powerful built-in support, too.

In terms of technique, focus on your alignment. Dancers with larger chests can sometimes overcompensate by either leaning backward (to offset the weight of their breasts) or hunching forward (to try to camouflage their curves). Always make sure your shoulders are in line with your hips. Think of lifting up toward the ceiling during balances and pirouettes, which will help you create a truly straight line with your body.


For more of Katie’s helpful tips and advice, click here.