Hi everyone,

I’m currently completing my MFA in Dance Leadership and Community Practice at Trinity Laban, in London , and I’m embarking on an exciting research project that means the world to me.

My work explores the relationship between dance, pedagogy, and teenager wellbeing, using my own experiences as both a teacher and dancer to understand how movement can empower young people.

This research will take place at D1, an incredible dance organisation in Lima, Peru, where I’ll spend 7 weeks working alongside their staff and students. During this time, I’ll be teaching, observing, and reflecting on how cultural and geographical context shapes the way dance is taught — and how it impacts the wellbeing of the young people involved.

My goal is to highlight the transformative power of dance in community settings — not just as an art form, but as a tool for communication, connection,confidence, and care.

I’m fundraising to help cover essential costs including travel, food, and research materials for my time in Peru. Any contribution, big or small, will directly support this project and help make this important work possible.

Thank you so much for believing in the power of dance to make a difference.

Your support helps me take this step forward — both as an artist and as a researcher committed to community wellbeing.

With gratitude and movement,

Katja Rochat

Every contribution means so much to me and helps bring this dream closer to reality. As a small token of my gratitude, I’ll be sharing a few heartfelt surprises along the way to say thank you for your support.