WHAT IS TAI CHI:
Tai Chi is a gentle, low-impact exercise that originated in China as a martial art. It involves a
series of slow, controlled movements and postures, along with deep breathing and a meditative
state of mind.
Tai Chi is often called “meditation in motion” because its designed to harmonize the body, mind,
and energy levels. It can help with a variety of health concerns, including flexibility and strength,
balance and coordination, stress and anxiety, depression, and pain relief.
Tai Chi has evolved from a martial art for combat and self-defense into a sport and form of
exercise that's increasingly practiced all over the world. There are five popular styles of Tai Chi,
each with its own unique methods, principles, and lineage.

ABOUT THE WORKSHOP:
Balanced Arts workshops around Tai Chi are designed to introduce students to the Yang style of
Tai Chi. Using seated, standing, and moving forms, the workshops leverage partner drills (push
hands), as well as some Tai Chi ball and Chi Gong. Workshop participants experience
introductory basics as well as advanced movements and exercises in order to gain a full
understanding of Tai Chi’s philosophy so that they can begin to incorporate it into their everyday
wellness practice.

CLASS LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
Introductory movements from the 8 form and Yang style basic form
Partner Drills (push hands)
Self-Defense and Everyday-Life Application

CLASS BENEFITS:
Practical stress management tools
Easy breathing techniques to calm emotions
Different ways to focus, relax, and ground in order to foster introspection and calm
thinking
Retraining the brain for self-control and more mindful states and perspectives

WORKSHOP INSTRUCTOR:
Robert Anderson is an executive, educator, author, and a life-long student and practitioner of the
martial arts. He has been studying martial arts since the age of seven. He has spent over 30
years providing instruction, working as an adjunct professor and a researcher-writer specializing
in the topics of health, business, and personal development. He is the Founder of Balanced
Arts, an education company specializing in wellness, self-care, and personal development.
In 1994 he earned his black sash, and in 1995 he earned his Kung Fu teaching certification. He
has experience in multiple Kung Fu disciplines, including Shaolin, Tai Chi Chuan, Chi Gong, and
Wing Chun. In 1998 he earned his personal fitness certification from AFAA (Athletics & Fitness
Association of America) and is currently engaged in mindfulness and wellness coaching through
NASM (National Academy of Sports Medicine). His clients include athletes, executives and
specialty programs for business project teams, active seniors, and teens.

Cost

The cost of this workshop is $80 and covers both dates (11/10 and 11/17).

Radiant Rhythms Ecstatic Dance is an interactive immersive experience where everyone is invited to free expression through dance and movement. You can move however you like, there is no right or wrong way. All emotions are welcome, joy, sadness, love, grief, but mostly, it's joy! The goal is to get out of your head and get in touch with your body, surrender and let go of judgment. In ecstatic dance, we co-create a safe space to be our authentic selves. You are free to be beautiful, silly, free, and be you! The benefits of ecstatic dance include: relieve stress and tension, mindfulness and relaxation, somatic healing, exercise and play, being our most authentic selves, community and connection.

No experience necessary! We will provide instructions and ease you into the practice. The event begins with an opening circle where we get to know each other and share intentions, followed by an hour and fifteen minute playlist, and a closing circle to share reflections. We will spend time before and after the dance connecting in community. During the dance, there is no talking. This helps us to connect with our bodies and each other nonverbally. The result is often a trance-like and ecstatic experience.

An Inclusive Space: All ages, genders, sexual orientation, and abilities welcome.

Music: A mix of new age, worldbeat, tribal, EDM, trance, arranged in a dance wave, from slow to fast to slow. It is typically 50% non-lyrical.

What to bring: Water bottle, short sleeve, loose clothing, expect to get sweaty! Yoga mat (optional).

Contact: Reach me at cfang2@gmail.com

Clara Fang is the founder of Green Tara Consulting, a consulting firm that specializes in diversity, equity, and belonging. She is an experienced facilitator of ecstatic dance, meditation, and authentic relating. She lives in Germantown, MD.

November 2nd and December 14th | 6:45pm - 9 pm | In Person | $30/Class

Join us on Sunday, December 15th from 1:30 - 3:00pm with Maria Elena and Dante Baker for this nature inspired soundbath and meditation in partnership with the DC Audobon Society. During this 90 minute soundbath you will be enjoying nature based sounds that can be felt throughout the body.

What is a soundbath experience? (Excerpt from Dante Baker's Website)

“Sound healing is the use of sounds and instruments to tune dissonant frequencies in the body and mind and bring them into harmony.

Each tone and frequency affects us in a specific way–activating a different energy center, chakra, and organ system within the body.

For inexperienced meditators, sound healing is more accessible than silent meditation because the sounds serve as focal points, making it easier to clear the mind.”

About the DC Audobon Society (excerpt from DC Bird Alliance website):

“Empowered by our members and our shared love of birds and people in DC, our board of directors is a dynamic team of dedicated volunteers committed to conservation, education, and advocacy leading to meaningful differences for people and birds.

We represent a broad diversity of birding backgrounds and interests. Our collective network makes us a reliable source for birding and connecting birds with people in all eight wards of DC.”

Date: Sunday, Dec 15th | Time: 1:30pm - 3:00pm | Cost: $35 before Dec 1st / $45 after Dec 1st

Join Joe Miller on Sunday, December 15th from 4:00pm - 5:30pm. During this free Dharma Talk and Meditation you will learn the benefits of the ancient tools of yoga and how to incorporate them into the modern times we are in today. These tools will help you heal the heart, mind, and body.You will also be able to partake in a meditation for inner peace. This session is a great opportunity to learn more of the traditional teachings and practices of yoga that we teach here at Willow Street Yoga. With the darknesss of winter upon us, this is a great start to learn how to quiet the turning of the mind so we can go through this winter seeing our circumstances more clearly and how to do it together.

Date: Sunday, Dec 15th | Time: 4:00pm - 5:30pm | Cost: FREE EVENT*

*Pre-registration still advised*