The Dragon's Head Blog: Edmonton Celebrates 35 Years
May 1st – 3rd 2015; the 35th anniversary of Fung Loy Kok Taoist Tai Chi® in Edmonton. We were honoured to have John Huang from Sarnia, Ontario lead us through the selection of Taoist Tai Chi® arts offered in celebration.
The weekend started on Friday the 1st of May with a Seniors Day Tai Chi workshop. 105 seniors of all ages broke into groups, and worked on Don-yus, Tor-yus and then we put them into the first three moves of the set.
And let me tell you about our banquet! On Friday evening, over 100 people joined us upstairs for our first ever Edmonton Appie Hour with cheese, fruit, crackers, drinks, and lively conversation. Then we proceeded downstairs to watch the Lion Dance followed by a delicious ten course banquet prepared by our amazing team of cooks. During the meal we watched a Tai Chi demonstration, and listened to music played for us by two of our own members – including a specially written song about Tai Chi – what talent we have in our midst!
Saturday was the start of our 2-day Sword workshop with 58 people in attendance. Again we broke into groups, making sure each had a balance of people who had done sword before to help lead the first timers!
Sunday was a very busy day! It started early with chanting, and following the conclusion of the sword workshop, 46 of us attended a three hour Lok Hup intensive. After a short clean-up break, 16 of us headed downstairs to set up for an impromptu supper of left-overs cooked for us by John (and aren’t leftovers always the best!) Following, John led an informal practice session, and answered our many questions about moves.
Over the course of the weekend we held three silent auctions. The generosity of our members both local and from other branches was amazing. For your donations and your bids – thank you.
To those who came to play tai chi, whether cooking, washing dishes, working the silent auction or the registration desk, or one of the many, other tasks that ensure a successful weekend – thank you.
And last, but absolutely not least, very special thanks to John for sharing his knowledge and inspiring us to continue with our study of this amazing art.