I remember as a child I was constantly being told I was fat. Yup, as a 10-year-old, I was apparently fat. Ballet teachers put my physical appearance over my talent and thought I wouldn’t be able to get into a company. They were wrong. But not alone in their thinking.

The dance world, and sports in general, perpetuates body shaming. And we need to call it out. We shouldn’t expect women’s bodies to look one way. We should celebrate the very fact that they don’t. I want to help change the way that people talk to girls and women –making us feel like we need to fit other people’s ideals. We’re constantly growing and evolving, but on our own terms. Which is such a beautiful thing. I wish that was spoken about more.

I guess I’ve got a lot to say about support –both in bras and people –which is why I’m super happy to be this issue’s guest editor of Bra By. Not only do I live in sports bras, but I’ve also grown up in the ballet world where bodies are scrutinised, and have seen how breast size can be a deal breaker for some. My older sister stopped dancing because she developed breasts early, I have friends who quit dancing because they couldn’t find the right bra support to perform in, and I have friends who cave their shoulders in when they dance because they’re embarrassed their breasts will distract.

The relationship with our breasts is as varied as all the different shapes and sizes out there. Mine have never been big, which can present its own insecurities. When I was a teenager, I willed my flat chest to grow. Back then, it was all about finding bras that made me look like I had breasts. Whereas now, I’m fine about not having much up there, and look for comfortable sports bras as part of my outfit because they make me feel good.

I look completely different to that 10-year-old standing with her lovable protruding belly at the barre –I still have a leotard from those days that’s baggy on me now. Body issues can hold so many of us back, preventing us from being as authentic as we deserve to be. Thankfully, I had the right people around me who didn’t let the projected body issues from others discourage me from pursuing my dreams. It’s a cool thing that we’re different shapes, sizes and colour, we just need to find the right people (and bras) to be able to support us.

Which brings me to introduce the new Nike Alate Sports Bras you’ll see a lot of in this issue. They’re literally the most comfortable, lightweight, breathable bras from Nike. And their inclusive sizing in a range of skin tones means everyone’s invited.

I think you’re going to love them as much as I do!

Love,
Michaela