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Why Are Female Ballet Dancers Flat Chested?

Published in Ballet History 2 mins read

The perception that female ballet dancers are flat-chested is primarily a historical trend influenced by fashion ideals, not an inherent requirement of the dance form.

The Historical Influence

The ideal of a flat chest for female ballet dancers is not a natural requirement but rather a trend shaped by societal fashion.

The Flapper Influence

  • According to dance historian Lynn Garafola, the shift towards a thin, flat-chested ideal was significantly influenced by fashion trends starting in the 1920s.
  • The rise of the flapper girl, with their characteristic boyish figures, popularized a flat-chested look.
  • Many flappers even wore garments designed to flatten their chests, reflecting the era’s beauty standards.

How It Translated to Ballet

  • This flapper-inspired aesthetic then became intertwined with the visual image of ballet.
  • It is not that ballet requires flat chests but rather that the prevailing beauty standard of the era influenced perceptions of the ideal ballerina physique.

Modern Perceptions

  • It is important to note that not all female ballet dancers are flat-chested. There is diversity in body types in ballet today.
  • The historical preference for a flatter chest has become less influential in the modern era, and now a dancer's skill and athleticism are emphasized.


Aspect Explanation
Historical Influence The flat-chested ideal was a trend influenced by flapper fashion of the 1920s
Dance Requirements Flat chests are not inherent to ballet. They do not impact a dancers skill
Modern Shifts Emphasis is now on athleticism and skill over body image. There is more diversity in dancers


The perception of a flat-chested dancer is largely a reflection of historical fashion trends rather than a prerequisite for ballet performance.