FAQ for Beginning Students
“The journey of a thousand miles begins
beneath your feet.”
— Tao Te Ching
How do I start?
If you are new to the studio and T’ai Chi, or have been away for a while and would like to ease back in, the beginning solo form classes on Wednesday evening or Saturday morning are where you start. These classes provide complete instruction in the three sections of the Yang-style Long Solo Form. Each section builds on the previous one, so you’ll start with Section 1 and build your practice as you get comfortable with the movements and postures.
The Monday evening Qigong and Meditation class is open to anyone. No T’ai Chi experience is needed.
PLEASE NOTE that any studio closings (holidays, extreme weather, etc.) are listed on this website in a red banner across the top of each page. The information will also be posted on our Facebook page.
What are the beginning classes like?
The Beginning Solo Form classes (see Class Schedule) include warm-ups and Qigong (a standing meditation practice), before dividing into small groups for more individual lessons in the first section. Completion of the Beginning Solo Form is a prerequisite for all other T’ai Chi classes.
The Saturday morning and Wednesday evening classes (see Class Schedule) are the only instruction periods for new students. Once you have completed six weeks of the Beginning Solo Form, you may also join the Beginning Solo Form Fundamentals class on Wednesday at 12:30-1:45 pm.
The Hampden Avenue door will be open on Saturday at 10:50 am, and Wednesday at 5:50 pm. Before your first class, you will be asked to fill out a standard health waiver form (about two minutes to complete).
What happens when I finish the Beginning Solo Form classes?
Once you have completed the Beginning Solo Form classes, you may take any of the Solo Form classes (see the T’ai Chi Ch’uan page). Talk with one of the instructors about the Symmetries, Weapons, or other classes.
What do I wear?
Loose comfortable clothing is all that is needed. Shoes with good support are recommended, but not essential. To protect the studio floor, please avoid street shoes, especially during rain or snow.
The studio is a scent-free space. Do not wear perfumes, cologne, and/or scented lotions. Avoid scented laundry products for the clothing you wear in the studio.
How much does it cost?
Your first class is free. After that, you may select the 6-week introductory package for $100 ($135 starting July 1, 2026). You may then become a studio member at the quarterly Foundation level (or Senior/Student membership, if appropriate) to continue learning the Solo Form. All the options and rates are described on the Membership Options page.