December 2025 Community Spotlight: Katie Batchelor

Welcome to the December 2025 Community Spotlight!

This December, we’re shining the spotlight on Katie Batchelor, the energy behind the unforgettable flash mob at our annual gala! With nearly two decades in Taipei, Katie blends dance, fitness, and wellness into everything she does, from Zumba and burlesque fitness to health and wellness coaching. Her passion for movement as connection perfectly reflects the spirit of our community, and we’re so grateful she helped bring joy and rhythm to our biggest night of the year.

 

About Katie Batchelor

Dance. Fitness. Connection. These are just some of the things that keep me moving and shaking in Taipei.

Hi! I’m Kathleen Batchelor, but my students and clients know me as Katie! I’ve been moving and shaking in Taipei for nearly two decades now. I originally came to Taiwan from the US (with a brief stint for my BA in International Development in Canada) with a “one-year plan” to teach English. That one year quickly grew into many more filled with amazing professional and personal projects.

My time here led me to rediscover my passion for dance. I’m licensed in several Zumba® programs and am an AFAA Group Exercise Instructor, driven to share movement as a tool for self-expression, health, and connecting with others. Inspired by my time performing, I also created Fit + Flaunt Burlesque Fitness.

Beyond the studio, I use movement to facilitate workshops for corporate team-building events, birthday and bachelorette parties, 尾牙 events and more. I’ve even had the honor of working with well-known celebrities in Taipei and sharing my expertise on major platforms, being featured in publications like Vogue China and on Taiwanese TV shows.

In pursuit of supporting my clients’ well-being even further, I recently completed Emory University’s Health and Wellness Coaching program and am currently working toward my National Board Certification. I am passionate about integrating Health and Wellness Coaching with movement to help people achieve greater wellness.

This year, I was happy to contribute my time to a worthy cause by helping to choreograph and rehearse a flashmob for the Center’s annual fundraiser. I’ve known about the Center for years as an important mental health resource and even took an Indian cooking class here previously! You can find out more at www.katiemovestaipei.com!

  What’s one restaurant in Taipei you’d recommend that everyone should experience at least once?

Without a doubt, a night at a rechao (熱炒) restaurant is a must! The experience of shared, boisterous meals truly sums up the welcoming spirit of Taiwan. It’s not unusual for the meal to last for hours and to make friends with people at neighboring tables! I often take visitors to Baxian Grill (八仙炭烤熱炒) near Da’an Park, the hanging red lanterns and open-air rooftop add to the experience.

 What’s an authentic restaurant that serves food from your home country?

When I’m craving non-traditional sushi, I love to go to NCIS (Northern California Inspired Sushi) in Songshan District. They serve California-style sushi rolls and other unique, creative takes on Japanese food. And if I’m really craving an indulgent treat, the Caramel Funnel Cake with Vanilla Ice Cream totally takes me back to childhood walking around carnival fairgrounds!

NCISushi, a restaurant located in Songshan district, Taipei.

 Do you have a go-to comfort food spot in Taipei that you absolutely love?

My favorite comfort food spot is the Noodle House by Da’an Park (采岳軒重慶抄手麵食). Their Fresh Mushroom Chicken Soup (鮮菇雞湯) is simple and delicious, perfect for cooler months. You also can’t go wrong with their Spicy Wontons (紅油抄手). They have probably my favorite spicy sauce in the whole city!

What’s a hidden gem in Taiwan—a place or activity—that you think foreigners should know about?

I really love to hit the morning markets, and Binjiang Market (濱江果菜市場) is one to definitely check out. It’s such a lively place. I’m constantly discovering new ingredients to cook with and love the hustle and bustle of so many people picking up things to nourish themselves and their loved ones.

What’s one book, movie, or piece of media you think everyone should experience at least once—and why?

Last year, the book that really impacted me was Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art by James Nestor. As someone who is so active, paying more attention to my breathing has made a big impact on my energy and stress levels. I now use breathwork practices to start my day, get ready for bed, or just to take a few minutes to be present.

What piece of advice would you give to someone new to living in Taiwan?

When people ask me why I moved to Taiwan, I often say I didn’t really have a good reason to come in the first place, but Taiwan has given me so many reasons for staying for so long. Work hard to create new opportunities and to network, it will truly give you invaluable experiences! Be generous with your knowledge and talents, and be open to learning from others.

Any final words about the recent Gala?

The Gala was such a wonderful event! The generosity and sharing of stories were deeply moving. I was blown away by how willing the Board of Directors, staff, and attendees were to participate in the flashmob. It was so much fun to dance with everyone, and I look forward to dancing with you all again in the future!

🗺 Locations Mentioned:

after a soccer game at the park

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