By St. Louis Tai Chi Examiner Violet Li
The weather was a little cool during the past weekend. However, the fifth Taste of St. Louis was still a huge success with a few hundred thousand participants at the Soldier's Memorial, downtown St. Louis on Oct 2, 3, and 4. With the support from Sauce Magazine, City of St. Louis, US Bank, and hundreds of companies and organizations, the Taste of St. Louis has established itself as one of the biggest outdoor free events in St. Louis to celebrate food, music, art, and culture.
Connie Zhao Performs Taichi DaoThere were many new features for this year, including the International Village, Celebrity Chef appearances, Sauce Magazine's Restaurant Row, the NewsChannel 5 Top Chef Competition, the Bud Light Tasty Band Competition, the ArtDimensions Village, the Charter Marketplace, and The Family Entertainment Stage. The Presidents of the United States of America, Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra Ensemble, Tonic, and Saint Louis Ballet were among other nationally famous performers on the Main Stage during the event.
Master Ming performs Chen Style Taichi Competition Form There were more than a dozen live performances presented on the stage in the International Village. Master Ming Busalaki and her advanced students demonstrated Chen Style Taichi forms. Connie Zhao, a freshman at Parkway West High School, started the exciting show with a Taichi Dao (or Board Sword). Taichi Dao includes many jumping and thrusting movements which require physical strength and discipline. Judy Zhao performed Taichi Fan. Some audience thought the routine was beautiful and resembled a dance. Master Ming Busalaki performed the Chen Style Competition Form which exhibits all the elements of Chen Style Taichi mixing power with grace. Michelle Fang completed the show with Taichi Sword. This form emphasizes on the core. The sword and arm are the extension of the body and controlled by the core movements. Michelle has practiced this form many years and performed it well.
St. Louis Tai Chi Examiner, Violet LiViolet Li has a strong background in fitness. She is a Taichi (Taiji) enthusiast and certified instructor. She has taught Taichi to different demographic groups and establishments in St. Louis (AT&T, Mathews-Dickeys Boys and Girls Club, West County YMCA - St. Louis, private studio, senior centers and others). Violet is also well-versed in other fitness regiments. She taught Aerobics and Kickboxing before. She is a certified HeartZone Personal Trainer and a Aerobics & Fitness Association of America (AFAA). Do you have any good ideas or comments wanting to share with Violet? Please email her at Violet.Li@tadi.com. You can also see some of her teaching video on Youtube at www.youtube.com/user/scotchvee. |
