I’ve had the opportunity recently to offer tai chi demonstrations, and I am preparing for an upcoming demo. The benefits and drawbacks of tai chi demonstrations are often debated so I want to share why I personally love tai chi demos-with a necessary caveat.
My Story
When I was 12 years old, I went to a beginner tai chi class with the Taoist Tai Chi Society of Canada. I was reluctant to go, though something clearly needed to be done to help my physical and mental health. That class was the first of a new beginner class session so part of the program was a tai chi demonstration by more experienced practitioners. The demo consisted of about half the 108 Yang-variant style form which the Taoist Tai Chi Society practiced. Seeing just half of the form was enough for me-I felt drawn to the practice of tai chi and wanted to learn how to do it.
During the following 11 years with the Taoist Tai Chi Society, I had numerous opportunities to participate in group demos and loved every time I was able to do so. In my past 10 years of Chen style taijiquan practice I’ve had less opportunity but I’ve never forgotten the power of my first experience watching a demo.
Benefits of Demos
Taijiquan demonstrations are one of the best ways to spread awareness of the art of taijiquan. They don’t require the viewer to try taijiquan on the spot, but they provide a way for people to be exposed to the art and grow curious about it.
Taijiquan demonstrations are also excellent training for a taijiquan practitioner. Being able to practice taijiquan well in public, with noises and distractions all-around, is a very useful skill to develop. I regularly practice taijiquan in my local park and I credit my ability to do so well to my years of taijiquan demonstrations.
While my personal practice in the park is not a scheduled demonstration, it has served to spread awareness of tai chi in my local community as I have numerous conversations with passers-by. I welcome such interactions and enjoy the opportunity to talk about taijiquan!
A Caveat
A word of caution is necessary here. I am not a fan of tai chi demonstrations that cater to the audience. A modern wushu style performance is very acrobatic and aesthetically pleasing but rarely follows tai chi principles. I advocate for demonstrations of authentic tai chi forms. A common trend in Chen style taijiquan is to do short forms that contain sections from the first and second routines of Old and/or New Frames and I find that combination acceptable because it is still only using authentic tai chi movements. But modifying movements to lose the martial integrity and structure is not a good use of a demonstration.
In other words, tai chi demonstrations used purely entertain are not useful in my opinion. Tai chi demonstrations used to share a passion for the authentic art and spread awareness of taijiquan in an accessible manner can be just as entertaining for the audience while also benefiting the practitioner in increasing the ability to focus.
The Dreamers' Corner 