Tai Chi is a martial art focused on harnessing and balancing internal energy (chi) through “meditation in motion.” Roughly translating to “supreme energy”, Tai Chi provides countless benefits along with guiding principles for living a well-balanced life.
Join Denise Nicely (from the Dallas Meditation Center) in a multi-session course focused on the principles of Tai Chi and the basics of the “8 Movement” in the Wu Hao style. Begin your journey to achieving better physical health, mental tranquility, and spiritual balance.
As an introductory course, students of all backgrounds and levels of experience are welcome. Participants are encouraged to wear comfortable exercise clothing and indoor shoes (preferably with flat soles).
Course Overview
Wu Hao’s 8 Movements:
Each class will teach one of the eight steps in the 8 Movements. In addition to basic body positioning and flow, the classes will introduce Tai Chi’s philosophical tenets and help participants notice how inner energy (Chi) and external forces can work together.
Some of these principles include:
- Mindfulness and Intention
- Relaxation and Sinking
- Controlled Breathing
- Understanding/Utilizing Chi and Dantien
- Mind-Body Connection
Zhuang Gong:
While Wu Hao’s 8 Movements introduces flowing sequences, Zhuang Gong introduces static postures. Translated as “standing meditation” or “standing practice,” Zhuang Gong is a practice that focuses on stillness and maintaining a standing position to cultivate internal energy.
Promotion of Physical and Mental Health: Practicing Tai Chi from a place of Jin (deep intention) can yield numerous health benefits, including improved balance and coordination.
The following are just a few of the benefits of the practice:
- Enhanced Mental Clarity and Focus
- Stress Reduction
- Improved Cardiovascular/Respiratory Health
- Emotional Regulation and Balance
Classes will be held every Thursday from 6:45 pm to 8:30 pm. Because each class builds upon the content of the last, regular attendance is strongly recommended.
Supplemental labs will take place every Friday from 10:00 am to 11:30 am. These labs offer participants the chance to revise prior content and connect with other attendees. There will be no lab on Week 8 (Friday, October 31st, 2025) in observance of Halloween.
Each session is $30.
If you wish to take the additional Friday Lab (10:30 am – 11:30 am) at the Dallas Meditation Center (810 W. Arapaho Road, Suite 98, Richardson, Texas 75080) you can purchase both for $50 on Thursday or $30 each session.
About Denise Nicely:
Denise Nicely is a 7th-generation practitioner and instructor of Wu Hao Tai Chi. Under the guidance of Grandmaster Jimmy Wong, a leader in the international Tai Chi community, Denise has developed an extensive understanding of Wu Hao’s 8, 13, 24, 32, and 36 forms in addition to Zhuang Gong and Sword form.
During her 6 years of practice, Denise has earned two teaching certifications and an International Excellence Award from the World Chin Woo Athletic Federation.
Before delving into the world of Tai Chi, Denise enjoyed an illustrious career as a professional equestrian and artist. Her background in these fields contributes to her creative perspective on Tai Chi and an approach focused on somatic awareness and excellence.
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Unity of Dallas