Class Schedule

All tai chi classes listed below are for the Yang Family Form 108 with the exception of the Qigong classes. If you are interested in attending a class, please call the sifu who is teaching it (see names, phone numbers and emails below). Many are on hiatus for the summer. If you are interested in hosting a tai chi class, please contact Sifu Verna at (541) 261-2665. Thank you!

DESERT HOT SPRINGS

Thursday, DHS Senior Center, 11-777 West Drive
Sifu Verna; for info call (541) 261-2665
9 a.m. – On summer hiatus
$5 per class

PALM SPRINGS

Tuesday/Thursday, Mizell Senior Center, 480 S. Sunrise Way (effective November 1)
1:30 p.m. Beginners – Sifus Lily and Jennifer; for info email lilygeehickman@gmail.com or jen.stan@telus.net
2 p.m. Intermediate – Sifu Verna; for info call (541) 261-2665 — On summer hiatus
3 p.m. Advanced – Sifu Verna; for info call (541) 261-2665 — On summer hiatus
$6 members; $10 non-members

CATHEDRAL CITY

Wednesday, Cathedral City Senior Center, 37171 W. Buddy Rogers Ave.
Sifu Verna; for info call (541) 261-2665
4:30 p.m. Beginners; 5:30 p.m. Intermediate, Advanced — On summer hiatus
Membership required; $5 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 — On summer hiatus
No charge

Saturday, Sunnylands, 37977 Bob Hope Dr.
November 1, 2025 – April 25, 2026
Sifus of Tai Chi Circle of the Desert
10 a.m. Intro to Yang Family Form
No charge

PALM DESERT

Friday, Ivy Ranch Country Club Clubhouse, 74580 Varner Road
Sifu Maureen, for info call (760) 587-1738
9 a.m. Intermediate
10:15 Beginners
$6 per class

LA QUINTA

Wednesday, The Citrus, 50-503 Mandarina (club membership required)
Sifu Darlene; for info call (760) 668-8382
9 a.m. Advanced
10 a.m. Beginners

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QIGONG

Tuesday, Cathedral City Senior Center, 37171 W. Buddy Rogers Ave.
Sifu Ron, for info call (760) 898-3705 or email: wewin.dc.rr@icloud.com
12 p.m., Membership required; $3 per class

Friday, Cathedral City Senior Center, 37171 W. Buddy Rogers Ave.
Sifu Ron, for info call (760) 898-3705 or email: wewin.dc.rr@icloud.com
12 p.m., Membership required; $3 per class

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.

Student Comments

Tai chi keeps your brain engaged; it’s challenging in a good way! Physically, the slow movements improve your strength, stamina and balance, too. I feel calm and centered at the end of class.

Diane

I like the quiet, peaceful discipline of tai chi. I can practice anytime and anywhere, including just in my head. It provides me with a sense of well-being, as well as accomplishment, that I am learning the postures and am able to see the beauty of this old and lasting form of moving meditation.

Doris

Tai chi is a low stress way of exercising, mentally challenging, and fun.

Dorothy

As a physician, I practice and recommend tai chi for the inner peace and harmony you obtain from it. It can relieve stress that we have in our daily lives as well as improving our balance, which is so critical as we get older.

Dr. Lewis

Tai chi is a smarter, better exercise program without punishing the body.

Maureen

I have studied tai chi for the past two years. I knew it would be beneficial with overall health, however, I have been surprised at how much it has helped my golf game. I have stamina, focus, and a slower paced effective swing. Tai chi has made more of a difference than lessons or practice.

Melanie

Tai chi builds physical strength and balance as well as mental acuity and relaxation skills.

Miriam

I take tai chi classes because I want to remain healthy, alert, emotionally happy in my life, and physicality fit as long as I am able. After each class, I feel emotionally charged and yet peaceful and serene with a feeling of accomplishment, understanding there is much to learn. I am 87 years of age.

Mimi

A good meditation form for both your mind and body

Tony

I’ve been involved in various fitness and exercise programs for many years. I tried Pilates, fitness trainers, gym workouts, and yoga. But it is tai chi where I have found a cognitive awareness of the connection of body and mind as well as an inner strength and calmness. Tai chi is improving my balance in addition to muscle tone and strength. It is also sharpening my mental focus.

Trudy

Class Schedule

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.

Teaching Philosophy

Student Comments

Expanding joy, health, and longevity through Chi.