Day of Joy Thru Movement: Celebrating T’ai Chi Chih (March 2001)

Edmonton, Alberta, CANADA

The Edmonton and area community of accredited TCC teachers marked November 20, 2000 with a lunchtime event in Edmonton, Alberta.

The Edmonton Public Library donated a space at their downtown branch — the art foyer just off of the main entrance. In preparation for the event, area TCC teachers split the costs of a banner and handbills.

Six of the accredited teachers in our area were able to participate in the event, which included demonstrations of T’ai Chi Chih, a display of literature, and an opportunity to see the latest video and to ask questions. After doing two full practices during the demonstration, I felt great! Now that we have some promotional materials and one event behind us, we will be even more ready for next year’s Day of “Joy Thru Movement” Celebrating T’ai Chi Chih, or other events we participate in.

In my opinion, this International Day of “Joy Thru Movement” was an excellent time to celebrate T’ai Chi Chih, and to express our gratitude by increasing awareness of T’ai Chi Chih in our area and to remember Justin Stone on his birthday.

– Bernice Piotrowski

North Plainfield, New Jersey, USA

On Sunday afternoon, November 19th, about 20 NY/NJ area accredited TCC teachers gathered in North Plainfield, NJ to celebrate the first annual Day of “Joy Thru Movement.” The event was hosted with love and care by Sister Antonia Cooper, OSF, at Villa Maria, her home and place of life ministry. The teachers were enthusiastic about the day and enjoyed being with one another greatly — particularly sharing the chi in a group practice that felt especially powerful for all — and agreed to gather again in November 2001, perhaps opening up the event to their students as well.

Janet Oussaty led a lively discussion on marketing and promoting classes. Personal experiences through T’ai Chi Chih practice and teaching were thoughtfully shared with the help of Carolyn Allenby. Dan Pienciak undertook an informative talk on the preparation of students for teacher training in which he addressed the inquiries of many of the teachers there about Seijaku, and left with a list of names (not yet long enough) of those who would like to take a Seijaku accreditation course in NJ in the future.

After a deep and moving TCC practice, the group reluctantly dispersed with a lot of joy and energy, and good ideas for the future. All were very grateful to Sr. Antonia for hosting this event, and to Bobbie Ruocco for attending to many helpful details of the day.

– Dan Pienciak

More Day of “Joy Thru Movement” Activities…

Bismarck, North Dakota, USA

Teachers Jean Katus (above, left) and Sr. Eleanor Stockert (above, right front) lead students (in photos at right) through Rocking Motion during a gathering held on Day of “Joy Thru Movememt,” Celebrating T’ai Chi Chih, November 20, 2000.

Columbia, Maryland, USA

(L-R): Students Florence Bradley and Dell Roethlisberger practice T’ai Chi Chih while seated. They participated in an event held at the Aspenwood Senior Living Community in Silver Spring, MD. Their teacher, Sharon Sirkis, led the group in practice on the Day of “Joy Thru Movement”. Sharon notes that Dell is 96!