Seated Tai Chi, the Five Elements Form, Exercise for Posture, Graceful Movement.
Tai Chi is a popular exercise because its graceful movements encourage coordination, mobility and balance. The slowness requires mental and physical acuity which improves posture and confidence. This is a short, modern form for all ages.
What's included
8 live meetings
6 in-class hoursMastery Evaluation
1 hour per week. includedProgress Report
Requests for a brief progress report which states a students participation is available.Class Experience
US Grade 4 - 7
Beginner Level
As an Exercise Tai Chi is gaining popularity because its graceful movements encourage coordination, mobility and balance. The slow deliberate movements require mental and physical acuity which improves posture and confidence. Due to the memorization of the form, Tai Chi can improve motor memory skills. Different from most exercise programs, Tai Chi emphasizes movements that are never forced, that move with a relaxed musculature, and that do not overly stretch connective tissues while increasing joint mobility. Tai Chi purposely fosters a grace and ease within one’s movement. Class Description: In this class we learn The Five Elements Form (5E) of Tai Chi. It is a modern, short, balancing form which encapsulates the Elements of the Universe into a short repetitive movement poem. This form and its gentle accessible movements is offered as a seated or a standing practice. In both formats learners will memorize the form and be able to practice it on both sides of the body. The physicality of the seated practice brings focus to the mobility of the spine, upper body coordination and core strength. Learners need to be positioned for their full range of motion and be cautious to hard surfaces of chairs used in a seated class. The Five Elements Form follows a brief narrative Water Out - Fire In - Wood Out - Across the Horizon - Metal Falls - Earth Grows –Embrace the Tiger - Gather the Elements – Return to Mountain Learners need approximately 8 lessons to memorize The Five Elements Form so classes are presented in a format of 8. However, Learners are welcome to continue with classes indefinitely or join at anytime. Class format: Group welcome Warm up, Review and practice of 5E Exercise Highlights Group Practice of 5E Cool down Group goodbye Exercise Highlights: These portions of the class focus on postural cues, basic age-appropriate anatomy and developmental movement patterns. These portions of class are often dynamic utilizing various movement qualities with some challenge to motor skills. Parents: Do note that parents or Movement Partners (MP) are welcome. MPs should be prepared to participate both as a learner and as an MP. Help prepare your learner for the best outcome by attending to the safety of the class space. In a standing class, learners need to be able to move with arms out spread in a full circle and be able to take 3 steps in all directions, approximately a 6’ x 6’. Be sure the viewing screen is as level to the learner’s head as possible. In a seated class, it is important that there are no hard surfaces of the chair that can accidentally be bumped into (example, when moving the arms it is easy to hit the elbows on the arms of a chair.) Be sure the viewing screen is as level to the learner’s head as possible. I hope to see you soon Teacher Rie
Learning Goals
Memorize a movement sequence.
A variety of body-mindfulness practices that help people to self regulate.
Syllabus
8 Lessons
over 4 WeeksLesson 1:
The Five Elements Form
Movement Memorization
45 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
The Five Elements Form
Lines of motion
45 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
The Five Elements Form
gravity
45 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
The Five Elements Form
postural cue , snowman, Tai Chi trunk
45 mins online live lesson
Other Details
Learning Needs
This class is a seated class. Students with limited upper body mobility are welcome. modifications will be offered as needed. Movement Partners or Parents are welcome.
Pre-Requisites
No previous experience needed.
Supply List
Learners need a safe space to move in and to be able to view their screen at eye level.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Sources
The lineage of The Five Elements Form, Tai Chi. Rie Monique Cherie’s reputation and position as a Tai Chi instructor was granted under the instruction and guidance of Cas Overton, who studied under Master Teacher Al Huang.
Teacher expertise and credentials
Bachelor's Degree in Dance from Virginia Commonwealth University
Please call me Teacher Rie (pronounced like remember). I have spent more than 30 years teaching the movement arts, and I have been teaching the Five Elements Form of Tai chi in various formats for 15 years. I offer a modernized version of Tai Chi, where classes focus on the nature of movement, the nature of the human body and the nature of our living world. I have certifications in a variety of somatic practices and speak from body based anatomical perspective (as opposed to a spiritual or cultural perspective). I enjoy meeting students where they are, no matter the age.
Reviews
Live Group Class
$25
weekly2x per week, 4 weeks
45 min
Live video meetings
Ages: 9-14
6-12 learners per class