​Typical class structure

1. Warm-up. Every class begins with basic stretches designed to loosen joints and open energy channels throughout the body, thus ensuring an optimal class experience.

2. Qi development. Each class progresses from warm-up to more more formal, prescribed movement by participating as a group in a specific qigong or taichi development routine. 

3. Taichi form instruction. The majority of every class is spent learning movements specific to the taichi form, as identified in the class description. The forms are typically taught one step at a time, or one small group of steps at a time, with each class building on what has already been learned. The one or two new movements are explained in great detail, with a focus on hands, eyes, body, step, breath and mind. There is ample time allowed for repetition to help build muscle memory. Often smaller break-out sessions are arranged in some of the classes so students can repeat practice and problem-solve together, with guidance and supervision from the instructor. This strengthens group cohesion, as students at all experience levels share unique perspectives on how to learn or refine a move or set of moves. 

4. Perform entire form. At the end of each class, students go through a large group practice for the whole form. Less experienced students are encouraged to follow along, even if they are not yet familiar with the entire form. This gives them a greater sense of how the parts they’re learning fit into the whole.