Getting Started (March 1993)

Barbara Riley, Orinda, CA

At long last, I have given my first group presentation of T’ai Chi Chih, and would like to share my experience with you. Hearing that there was a great interest in T’ai Chi in the active adult community of Rossmoor, I talked with their Community Relations Department about TCC. The timing was right, and with excellent publicity, more than 60 people came to the free demonstration. I was astonished, but, after an introduction, all the words, concepts, benefits, etc. came flowing out of my mouth, as my body performed the so-familiar motions.

I was so glad I had a set of Linda Braga’s “phrase cards” (see p.37 of Sept. ’92 VFJ) as they provided a nice way to involve the audience, and vary the voices heard. Their response was so eager they could hardly wait to get moving! For a group of not-so-fit seniors, I was amazed at how well they learned Rocking Motion and Carry the Ball.

Having set a limit of 18 for the class, we added a second class; each class with 20 students. And several others are waiting for the next series! It was very gratifying, and I’ll never again be reluctant to offer a free demonstration.