Conference ’94 Entertainment: A Big Hit

Rosalind Braga, San Leandro, CA

Saturday evening at Vallombrosa was anything but quiet. The sounds emanating from this secluded retreat center were those of clapping, laughter, music and dance.

Earlier in the day Justin “tickled the ivories” with some improv-jazz. Vic Berg pounced on the keyboard with creative verve and style, pleasing his listening audience immensely. Luba Blumberg presented a passionate monologue from a play and Leslie Johnson led us in a song about Justin to the country western tune of “Boot Scootin’ Boogie.” Bill Nielsen recited the dramatic “Ballad of Dan McGrew” and Donna Moore taught us a Native American chant about caring for our planet earth.

Joanne Sultar also composed a song about Justin and brought along a bag full of musical instruments (tambourine, sticks, etc.) for the audience to play. Tamara Johnson (Lia Ridley’s daughter) thrilled us with her beautiful, magical flute. She later played with Steve who drummed his way into our hearts.

Chris McLain and Jean Katus provided some comic relief with their theatrical-gymnastic interpretation of life and our “habit energies.” You’d have to be there to believe it! Richard Brier was his poetic best, sharing part of his prose poem call “Chi Lanka”, and another poem expressing the pure joy of the T’ai Chi Way of Life. Sherry Brier’s belly dancing was joyful and rich in color and movement.

Lia Ridley and Steve ended the evening of creative joy with Romanian gypsy dancing, story telling and drumming. It was an expression of pure joy and Love.

The impact of so much expressive Chi was felt by everyone. Laughter and the beat of country line dancing music could be heard far into the evening, that special night in August. And those sounds of joy ripple out into the universe, to touch your heart as well.