New teacher enjoys visit to The TCC Studio

This winter I had the joyful opportunity to visit Dale Buchanan’s TCC studio in Great Falls, Virginia. Although 200 miles from my home in NJ, it’s only a couple of miles from the Great Falls of the Potamac River, one of the most spectacular natural sites of greater Washington, D.C.

I was impressed by Dale’s commitment to TCC when he helped last summer at my TCC Teachers’ accreditation course in NJ. He encourages teachers to visit his studio, and I was eager to do so while visiting in the area.

I first entered the studio on a quiet Friday afternoon. Although convenient to a shopping center, a brief walk into a village style office park helps to separate from everyday traffic patterns. Removing shoes at the entrance, I felt serenity flowing like the peacefulness of a simple chapel. Natural light helps illuminate the room without glare. Shelves along one wall hold TCC and related materials for sale, attractively displayed, and intermingled with pictures and objects of art. A video corner enables students to watch videos of Justin talking and moving. Finally, a beautiful screen, a bubbling rock fountain, and a Yin/Yang picture (see page 15 of the Vital Force, March 1999) provide a focus for the room during teaching time.

The next morning I participated in a class and experienced the studio in action. Dale is a supurb teacher. His gentle good humor and very light banter helps to relax the students as he teaches the art of gentle movement with great focus. The students were intent on their learning, and they are fortunate to learn from a skilled and caring teacher in a such a peaceful environment dedicated to TCC.