An Investigation into the Impact of Breast Support on the Dance Performance of Post Pubescent Female at Birth Contemporary Dancers / Emma Hill (2025)

Research into breast tissue movement and external support has been linked to alterations in athletic performance. Previous literature has largely explored breast biomechanics while running, and there is a lack of research surrounding the topic of breasts within the dance population and the associated artistic factors. This research aimed to explore the impact of breast support on post-pubescent, female at birth contemporary dancers. This was done through a mixed methods design, assessing breast kinematics, biomechanical performance measures and the lived experience of dancers performing a short phrase based on contemporary dance technique. Three levels of external support were tested, and garments were self-selected by participants. Participants were asked to selfreport their current bra size, which highlighted that dancers mainly know the size of garment they wear rather than their breast size. No significant difference was found in the jump height of dancers when performing under the three support conditions of a sports bra, leotard and bare breasted. The level of external breast support did impact breast tissue kinematics, with a significant increase in breast tissue acceleration seen in the bare breasted condition. Although the leotards provided tissue support, the designs did not provide the same range of adjustability seen in the sports bra selections which reduces the ability to provide individualised support. Participants reported higher levels of discomfort and distraction from the choreography when the breast tissue did not feel supported, and future research should continue to consider subjective variables as well as physical performance measures. The current study also suggests that with increased tissue movement, changes to dynamic qualities and speed of movements may be displayed, consequently leading to visual difference to choreography. Further research is needed to explore movement variation, phrase length, specific styles of dance attire and external support.