Who is Ragen Chastain

• Body Positive Dance
  
• My Blog
  

I live in Austin, Texas which I love, and I am a National Champion Dancer. As you might imagine, there aren't a lot of us plus-sized professional dancers running around and I want to see more of us. In the meantime, here is my "official" bio:

I'm told that I've accomplished a lot in my life. I've certainly been extremely lucky at every turn. I've been a cheerleading captain, a varsity athlete, my class valedictorian, a National Merit Scholar, and played Carnegie Hall. I've been sold for air conditioners in West Africa, published two books, started two successful businesses, and most recently won three National Dance Championships.

But all of that pales in comparison to my greatest accomplishment - learning to love myself and my body, and to be truly happy living completely outside the cultural beauty norm. As a plus-sized professional athlete, I am a strong advocate for Health at Every Size and Behavior-Centered Health. I unwaveringly believe (and am living proof!) that health is not about body size , and that we are all free to stop buying into the idea that our size determines our abilities or our opportunities for success.