Who is Ragen Chastain

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Hi! I'm Ragen Chastain (that's me, in the middle of the middle row). I am a Dancer, Choreographer, Speaker, Writer and fat person. I compete in partner dancing and teach Body Positive Dance Adult Jazz Classes. In January of 2009 I founded Body Positive Dance, a non-profit whose mission is to encourage high self-esteem, healthy habits, and friendships through dance. We makes dance accessible by offering mixed jazz classes and workshops for adults of all sizes, ages, genders and abilities. I also direct and choreograph the Body Positive Dance professional performance team. Body Positive Dance provides outreach to people including those who are dealing with Eating Disorders, Domestic Violence, at risk-youth and more.

Me Around the Web

Who is this chick?

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.

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ragenchastain

I am a Dancer, Choreographer, Speaker, Writer and fat person. I compete in partner dancing and teach Body Positive Dance Adult Jazz Classes. In Januar... more »

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