Knoxville Taoist Tai Chi Society

		The Tai Chi Society of Knoxville recently moved into the old Joy Theater at 1205 N. Central. Above is a photo of a Tai Chi class. Below is a photo of the old theater.

Owned and run by 35 volunteers, including 6 instructors, The Knoxville Branch of the Taoist Tai Chi Society, USA, is a non-profit organization that has recently moved to the former Joy Theater at 1205 N. Central St. What was once a movie theater for seeing the graceful dance moves of Fred Astaire is now a place to learn the 108 graceful and gentle stretching movements of the Taoist Tai Chi exercises. Almost anybody at any level of exercise ability can learn and grow, volunteer Jenny Arthur said.

Because the Taoist Tai Chi Society is a charitable organization, classes are offered at no charge. However, the Society hopes that a person or family taking a class will pay membership dues that include a one-time $20 registration fee. A regular membership is $30 a month, $80 a quarter, or $320 a year. For a family, the suggested membership dues are $50, $130, or $520. There are also dues levels for full-time students, seniors, youths, and children. 

The Knoxville branch has been operation for 7 years, 17 years in East Tennessee, and 35 years world wide. The aims and objectives of all branches of the Society include making Taoist Ta Chi available to all, promoting health-improving qualities of Tai Chi, promoting cultural exchange by making the richness of Chinese culture more accessible, and by helping others. According to the Society, the "foundation of Taoist Tai Chi is compassion. Our underlying charitable orientation is in keeping with the Taoist values of selflessness and service to others."

"We are more than an exercise class," Arthur said. "We are a branch of an international charitable organization that aims to bring the health benefits of Taoist Tai Chi to all who wish to learn. We include many … residents of Knoxville who care about the community and are excited to be on Central Avenue. We are investing over $17,000 in our building and hope to be a great asset in the neighborhood."

A new class for beginners starts April 11th. Call 577-1665 to learn more. After a few months of practice, who knows, you may feel as graceful as Fred Astaire, and what a joy that would be.

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