🌿 Old Pueblo Tai Chi: Fan Demo + Wudang Yang Style at the Picnic
We’re adding something extra to our community potluck this year—a graceful Tai Chi Fan demo alongside a group run-through of the Traditional Wudang Yang Style – First Set. Bring your curiosity (and your picnic appetite) for a relaxed day of food, friendship, and flowing movement.
Event Snapshot
📅 When: Saturday, November 15, 2025 • 11:00 AM — until we’re done
📍 Where: Freedom Park — Ramada #1, 5000 E 29th St (between Craycroft & Swan)
🚗 Parking: Use the south lot (drive around to the back). The ramada is next to the ball field.
🥗 Potluck Style: Bring a snack, dish, or non-alcoholic drink to share (optional). Come even if you can’t bring food!
What’s Happening
1) Tai Chi Fan Demo (观扇功)
Elegant, expressive, and rhythmic—the Tai Chi Fan form blends classic Tai Chi principles with dynamic openings and closings of the fan.
- Smooth, circular arm pathways and coordinated stepping
- Moments of crisp “kai/he” (open/close) energy
- A slow flow that’s fun to watch and inspiring to learn
Want to try or join in? Here is a practice video of the demo we will be performing. A limited number of practice fans will be available to borrow; feel free to bring your own if you have one. Need a fan? Check out our recommendations here.
2) Wudang Yang Style – First Set (Group Flow)
We’ll gather for a friendly, all-levels walk-through of the First Set—breath-led, rooted, and accessible:
- Focus: Alignment, softness, whole-body connection
- Feel: Calm, steady, grounded
- For Beginners: We’ll cue the structure and offer simple modifications
- For Experienced Practitioners: A chance to refine intent, timing, and internal opening/closing
Schedule (flexible & community-led)
- 11:00–11:20 Arrivals, setup, and hellos
- 11:20–11:40 Gentle warm-ups & joint circles
- 11:40–12:00 Fan Demo + mini-lesson
- 12:00–1:00 Potluck lunch & conversation
- 1:00–1:30 Wudang Yang Style – First Set (group)
- 1:30+ Freestyle shares, Q&A, photos, and hangout
(Come and go anytime. Low-pressure, high-friendliness.)
What to Bring
- Optional dish/snack/drink (non-alcoholic)
- Comfortable clothing and flat shoes
- Water, sun protection, and a camp chair or picnic blanket
- A Tai Chi fan if you have one (we’ll have a few to share)
Etiquette & Safety
- All styles, schools, and experience levels are welcome.
- We’ll keep movements slow, safe, and inclusive; seated options offered.
- Please ask before filming others during the fan demo or group set.
Why a Fan Demo?
The fan is a playful gateway into principles we love: whole-body connection, spiral energy, balance, and timing. Its visual flourish helps beginners “see” open/close (开合) and weight shifts more clearly—plus it’s just plain fun.
