We found this DVD at Target for 15 bucks -
Tai Chi Beginning Practice, with David-Dorian Ross. Here are my notes about the Tai Chi segment. Keep in mind this is my first outing with Tai Chi (never tried it before).
The Solo Forms - Tai ChiGood things - The setting is lovely - in an aspen forest in the Rockies of Colorado.
High production values.
The instructor has a nice, gentle voice, serene manner and seems like a good teacher.
When I was able to get the moves right, i felt elegant and graceful. I think i will be able to grow into this DVD.
Less Good things - Sometimes the high production values get in the way of being able to follow what the instructor is doing. If the camera wasn't circling around or closing in on Ross' face, I might be able to figure out what direction I am to be moving into.
Sometimes Ross gets his right and left switched up, which is EXTREMELY hard to handle...since it's tough enough to figure out the right/left in the first place (he is facing you).
Ross moves a bit too fast for a novice (like me). I am sure the pace will be fine once I know what I am doing. I spent a lot of time in this segment just standing and watching in Tree Pose, waiting for something to cycle around so that I could follow again.
I would have preferred the DVD to show us a split screen or insert with him NOT facing the audience. I am thinking of actually watching this DVD in the mirror to be able to follow along. I will let people know if that is helpful!
Flowing Practice DemonstrationIt was a good idea for the DVD to include a segment on how the forms are supposed to look, all flowing together, by a master. I appreciated this part.
Qigong/Chi Gong ExtraThere is a bonus segment on the DVD, a Morning Chi Gong practice. This is set on a beach and is very easy to follow, very soothing and a wonderful addition to the DVD.
I think for some people the DVD is worth getting for this part alone. I have never done chi gong before and I think this is fabulous - anyone can do it.
I was a little bit distracted by the waves creeping up to his feet, but it's ultimately neat that the wave only actually laps his toes during the final move. How did they plan
that? heehee
The total time on the DVD is 1 hour and 10 minutes.