about me
Dance. Fitness. COnnection.
Hi! I’m Kathleen Batchelor, but my students and clients know me as Katie!
I’ve been moving and shaking in Taipei for over a decade! I originally fell in love with dance as a young child taking ballet classes in the US. Many years later and after having completed my BA in International Development at McGill University in Canada, I relocated to Taipei with a “one-year plan” to teach English.
One year quickly grew into a dozen filled with an array of professional and personal projects including heading ESL workshops in China and studying Chinese.
During this time, I rediscovered my passion for dance while performing and touring the island in a burlesque dance troupe. When I attended my first Zumba Fitness class, I was immediately captivated by the combination of dance and fitness made accessible to people of every background, ability, and age. This prompted me to begin my dance fitness career in 2013 and go on to become licensed in teaching Zumba® fitness, Zumba® Kids & Kids Jr., Aqua Zumba®, and Strong by Zumba®, as well as a certified AFAA Group Exercise Instructor. Since then, I’ve taught classes of all sizes and have been invited as a presenter at large fitness events both throughout Taiwan and internationally.
Inspired and empowered by my time performing burlesque, I created Fit + Flaunt Burlesque Fitness as a dance workout based on inner and outer confidence, grace, and strength. Additionally, my love for and experience in teaching children led me to develop Family Moves with Katie as a way for parents/ caretakers and their little ones to share the joy of movement together.
My time in Taipei has given me endless opportunities for personal and professional growth. Among those I value most has been the ability to spread the dance fitness movement to countless people. I have had the honor of being featured as a dance fitness instructor to top Taiwanese celebrities in magazines such as Vogue China, on various Taiwanese TV shows, as well as in online segments like Elle TV.
Whether working with one-on-one clients or dancing in front of thousands of people, I’m driven to share dance as a tool for self-expression, health, and connecting with others.
In my free time, I enjoy making a mess in the kitchen (especially baking sweets!), going to Chinese class and having impromptu living room dance parties with my loved ones.
Thanks for joining me here! Looking forward to moving along with you!