Ragen Chastain

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Speaker, Writer, Dancer, Choreographer
(512) 632-6080
Dances With Fat
Body Positive Dance

About

I'm a dancer, and a writer and speaker on the topics of self-esteem and body image. I do the work that I do because I believe that everybody of every size should be treated with respect. I believe that it is impossible to tell somebody’s health based on their weight. I believe in giving people correct information and affordable options for eating and movement, and I believe in respecting whatever choices they make whether or not they are the choices I would make. Check on my website to read about the Self-Esteem Project and Body Positive Dance Company.

Passions

I retired from a 16 year career in business administration and operations to pursue my passion of doing non-profit work in the areas of self-esteem and body image. I've danced all of my life, I currently compete as a professional partner dancer and hold three National Championships. In January of 2009 I founded Body Positive Dance, a non-profit whose goal is to make dance accessible to everyone as a way to move their bodies free from shame, guilt and judgment. We teach drop in classes as well as classes for special populations such as eating disorder patients, women's groups and girls organizations. I speak and write about self-esteem, body image and behavioral centered health (where healthy choices are the goal instead of a specific weight or size). I've been published on Jezebel.com as well as in publications such as the Calgary Herald and the Vancouver Sun.

Wish List

I like to connect with people who are doing something cutting edge and interesting in their industry, those who really "get" networking and are generally cool. Also, people who are involved in corporate wellness, those who love to dance, and those who work in the field of self-esteem, body image, and health at every size.

It is WRONG to Charge Large People More for Health Insurance

posted on August 31, 2010

I was in line at the grocery store today when I noticed the woman behind me eyeing my enchiladas.  Always one to make conversation I said “They are actually really good for frozen food, no preservatives or weird chemicals, and they’re tasty.”She sighed, in what I would call “longing”, and said – “I can’t, I’m on Atkins”.  She paused,  smiled wryly and said “sixth time’s the charm…”. Read more »

Author: Ragen Chastain

Oprah, You Are Killing Me

posted on May 23, 2010

So I heard that adding to your list of yo-yo dieting, waffling between yelling “DON’T SPEND ANOTHER SUMMER FAT” and sheepishly admitting “I guess I was talking the talk but not walking the walk”, and creating fad diets out of materials that are meant to be health at every size, you and your television network are now planning a reality show in which you’ll go inside an eating disorder treatment fa Read more »

Author: Ragen Chastain

The First Myth of Organization

posted on October 31, 2009

Hi Renegades, There are three major myths in our society that keep people stuck in a cycle of clutter, disorganization and frustration.  The first myth of organization is “You Have it Or You Don’t”. This myth is dangerous.  It causes people to say things like " I'm just not an organized person and never will be", "I must have been behind the door when they were handing out organization".  It makes people believe that organization is impossible for them.  Read more »

Author: Ragen Chastain

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