Kincardine hosts intensive Taoist Tai Chi session

About 40 people gathered at the Davidson Centre, Kincardine, Wednesday, June, 7, for a three-hour intensive session of Taoist Tai Chi.

Held once per year in June, the participants were put through their moves by instructor Pat Good of Stratford, followed by a picnic in Dunsmoor Park.

Usually, the event is held in the Kincardine Hall, but because the fire alarm had sounded, the initial set was held outside in the sunshine at the skateboard park, beside the Davidson Centre.

A set takes 17 minutes and includes 108 moves, featuring various fundamentals and exercises, said Good. Joining Tai Chi members from Kincardine, were their colleagues from Bayfield, Clinton, Goderich and Stratford.

"It's a great form of exercise, and the moves are good for balance," said Good.

Carol Brouse started the Taoist Tai Chi group in Kincardine in 1999, under the auspices of the Stratford branch.

"We rented the Oddfellows Hall above the Photo Shop on the main street, by the hour," recalled Brouse. "The first class consisted of 14 participants and myself as the instructor. Besides me, two of those people are still participants here - Grant Dillman and Ann Pladsen."

The Oddfellows Hall had some drawbacks, so with the help of Marsha Eberhardt, the group found a premises at 418 Kincardine Avenue, where it continues to operate, said Brouse.

"The location here has tried to always look outward," she said. "Our primary destination is Stratford but there are members who have attended Health Recovery Days, Seniors' Days, banquets and weeks of instruction in Orangeville. Several have attended the new International Centre in Florida. And while on holiday, many members have attended classes around the world."

Two years ago, the Kincardine group was renamed Huron Shores, offering classes in Kincardine, Bayfield, Clinton, Goderich and Walkerton, as well as Point Clark and Ripley.

For more information, check the website at central.canada.taoist.org/content/standard_ca_central.asp?name=Canada-Central-Kincardine



About 40 people gather in Kincardine for a Taoist Tai Chi intensive session