A gentle but invigorating movement practice rooted in ancient Chinese principles is coming to Deloraine next month, with a complimentary introductory class open to all.
WuTao is a movement modality that combines dance therapy, music and meditation to balance the body’s life force energy, known as Qi, through the meridians. Practitioners learn a series of dances corresponding to the five elements of Air, Water, Wood, Fire and Earth, each performed to melodic music chosen to reflect the particular quality of that element.
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Local instructor Karen Armstrong has been teaching WuTao since 2006, after first reading about the practice in a Brisbane newspaper the year before. She trained under Michelle Locke, the creator and director of WuTao, who came to the Gold Coast to introduce the modality to a group of ten women who became the first WuTao teachers in Queensland. Armstrong has been teaching a Longford group for nearly a year, drawing participants aged between 50 and 80.
The practice is adaptable to a wide range of abilities, with dances modified to suit individual limitations and the option to participate seated for those who need it. Armstrong describes it as a strong core workout as well as a meditative experience, and says she feels wonderful, healthy and full of vitality after every class.
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Armstrong, who lives in the Meander Valley, says she is looking forward to bringing WuTao to Deloraine. “There is a beautiful sense of community here,” she says, “and you can really tell that people are proud of their authentic lifestyle.”
The first Deloraine class will be held at 10.30am on Friday 3 July at the Western Tiers Community Centre, 33a Parsonage Street. The session is complimentary, giving newcomers the chance to experience the practice before committing. Bookings are required and can be made by emailing armstrongnine@gmail.com or by texting 0455 516 219.
