Tai Chi is a movement meditation practice based on flowing movement that is relaxed, centered, balanced, and grounded. Having evolved from ancient Chinese Taoist and Confucian principles, it has many forms and offshoots. Tai Chi classes at Putney Community Cares will also include some free movement and chi gongs, short phrases that can be easily learned and practiced. 

Our instructors offer classes in the same style, which comes from the work of Chungliang Al Huang, a dynamic octogenarian Chinese philosopher and dancer, whose form was brought to Putney by Cielle Tewksbury. Instructor Virginia Scholl has studied under Cielle Tewksbury for 15 years. She taught dance and movement in many forms for over 50 years, and she has practiced Tai Chi for over 20 years. Instructor Helen Hawes teaches in the same style and has studied the circle forms as taught by Cielle Tewksbury for 13 years, as well as the Yang form, Reiki, and Qi Gong with Arthur Goodridge for thirty-five years.  

Class sessions will roughly track to the seasons and run for a minimum of 10 classes per session. Classes being offered are:

• Tai Chi & Qi Gong - Tuesday, 5-6pm, led by Helen Hawes:  Ideal for students who have some previous experience with Tai Chi & Chi Gong.

• Tai Chi & Qi Gong - Tuesday, 9:30-10:30am, led by Virginia Scholl:   Ideal for students who have some previous experience with Tai Chi & Chi Gong.

• Tai Chi / Balance - Friday, 9-10am, led by Helen Hawes: Due to the culture in which we live, many of us have formed habits which affect our balance, and disconnect us from the wisdom of our own bodies, our direct experience, and the chi inside and all around us. Through simple but profound Chi Gong postures and Tai chi movements, this class will help us regain our balance, trusting our bodies and the ground we stand on. The exercises can ripple effect into daily activities such as : winter walking, taking on/off our boots, climbing stairs/ rocks, recovering from injuries and surgeries, and regaining a sense of confidence and joy in movement. (This class is geared toward individuals of all levels!)

• Gentle Qi Gong (with more support) - Friday, 1-2pm, led by Helen Hawes: This class is for people recovering from illness, or surgery, and/or living with chronic physical pain.  The classes include sitting Qi Gong practices, as well as  short Tai Chi forms, toning and meditation.  

 

Classes take place at Putney Community Cares. Cost: $50 per session ($5/per class). This program will have a minimum of 10 classes per session. 

We prefer that individuals register for a full session, though drop-in payment is possible at a rate of $8/class. Please contact Coordinator Ruby McAdoo at 802-387-5593 or coordinator@putneycommunitycares.org for more information or to join the group. Classes fill up quickly and pre-registration is required.