Class Schedule
All tai chi classes listed below are for the Yang Family Form 108 with the exception of the Qi Gong classes. Please call the sifu who is teaching the class you are interested in attending (see names, phone numbers and emails below). If you are interested in hosting a tai chi class, please contact Sifu Verna at (541) 261-2665. Thank you!
DESERT HOT SPRINGS
Thursday, Mizell Center DHS, 11-777 West Drive
Sifu Verna; for info call (760) 902-9511
9:30 a.m.
$5 members / $8 non-members per class
PALM SPRINGS
Monday, Center for Spiritual Living, 2100 Racquet Club Drive
Sifu Jas; for info call (760) 902-9511
6:00 p.m. Beginners
7:00 p.m. Intermediate
$7 donation per class
Tuesday/Thursday, Mizell Senior Center, 480 S. Sunrise Way
Sifu Verna; for info call (541) 261-2665
2 p.m. Beginners
3 p.m. Advanced
$5 donation per class
Wednesday, Comprehensive Cancer Center, 1180 N. Palm Canyon Drive, (3rd Floor Conference Room)
Sifu Virginia; for info call (760) 898-5956
10 a.m. Beginners
$5 per class
CATHEDRAL CITY
Wednesday, Cathedral City Senior Center, 37171 W. Buddy Rogers Ave.
Sifu Verna; for info call (541) 261-2665
6 p.m. Beginners
$3 donation per class
RANCHO MIRAGE
Tuesday, Del Webb Rancho Mirage Clubhouse, 122 Claret
Sifu Catherine, for info call (760) 413-3432
12 p.m. Beginners
For DWRM residents only; register through Power of Fitness
Friday, Rancho Mirage Community Park, 71560 San Jacinto Dr.
Sifu Jay, for info email janderson@mindingmusic.com
8:30 a.m. Intermediate
No charge
Saturday, Sunnylands, 37977 Bob Hope Dr.
Classes will resume in the fall
Sifus of Tai Chi Circle of the Desert
10 a.m. Intro to Yang Family Form
No charge
PALM DESERT
Monday, CREATE Center for the Arts, 73600 Alessandro Drive
Sifu Master Lu; for info call (760) 325-1047
8 a.m. Advanced
$5 per class
Tuesday, Create Center for the Arts, 73600 Alessandro Drive
Sifu Dawn; for info email dswajian@gmail.com
12 p.m.. Beginners
Register through CREATE Center; donations accepted by CREATE
Thursday, Temple Sinai, 73251 Hovley Lane W.
Classes will resume on January 10, 2023
Sifu Diane, for info call (303) 916-4847
10 a.m. All levels. Please note masks are required if you are not vaccinated.
No charge; voluntary contribution to Temple Sinai appreciated
Friday, CREATE Center for the Arts, 73600 Alessandro Drive
Sifu Maureen; for info call (760) 587-1738
9 a.m. Beginners
$6 per class
LA QUINTA
Wednesday, The Citrus, 50-503 Mandarina (Citrus membership required)
Classes will resume in January 2023
Sifu Darlene; for info call (760) 668-8382
9 a.m. Advanced
10 a.m. Beginners
CHAIR / WHEELCHAIR CLASSES
Tuesday, 3 p.m., In-House at Mizell Senior Center and via Zoom, 480 S. Sunrise Way, Palm Springs
Sifu Lea, for info call (760) 328-9327 or (760) 898-0399 or email yourtaichijourney@gmail.com
Wednesday, 1 p.m., Cathedral City Senior Center, 37171 W. Buddy Rogers Ave.
Sifu Lea, for info call (760) 328-9327 or (760) 898-0399 or email yourtaichijourney@gmail.com
QI GONG
Monday, CREATE Center for the Arts, 73600 Alessandro Drive
Sifu Master Lu; for info call (760) 325-1047
9 a.m. Healing Qi Gong
$5 per class
Saturday, 9:30 a.m., Online via Zoom, for Parkinson’s patients and caregivers
Sifu Ron, for info call (760) 898-3705 or email: wewin.dc.rr@icloud.com
Class Protocols
The following class protocols clarify the attitudes, behaviors, and performance standards that are expected from all who participate in classes taught by members of the Tai Chi Circle of the Desert. As a whole, they define the culture of our tai chi community.
- Evaluate self-performance and avoid the temptation to evaluate the performance of others.
- Acknowledge only what is practiced correctly in others and find what needs correction in one’s self.
- Refrain from attempting to teach Tai Chi before you are certified to do so.
- Model the code of honor and respect for self and for others in class and beyond.
- Find a teacher who can guide you to learn and demonstrate respect for that teacher in all learning situations.
- Respect the lineage of the form and all the masters who have brought it to you from the past.
- Be attentive and practice what is taught. Avoid the temptation to demonstrate what you have not practiced and do not understand. For it will always be evident that you do not understand and have not practiced.
- Practice and celebrate what you have learned while recognizing there is much that you have not yet learned.
- Be patient with yourself and honor your learning process and timeline. Be kind and supportive to others and honor their learning process and timeline.
- Remain true to yourself at all times and avoid the temptation to copy the form of another.
- Practice the form in your own way, consistent with your own ability level and unique learning style.
Teaching Philosophy
Tai Chi Circle of the Desert is dedicated to teaching Tai Chi to all who are interested in learning for as long as they want to learn and are willing to participate in their learning.
The practice of Tai Chi builds energy and increases joy. It is best learned and practiced in a relaxed class setting where everyone can celebrate where they are in the learning process.
It is the student’s responsibility to find a qualified teacher and to listen to and to cooperate with that teacher.
It is the teacher’s responsibility to recognize and honor the individual learning capacity and approach of each student and to adapt the teaching accordingly.
The art of teaching requires on-going learning on the part of the teacher.