Wu Tao is Life Dance Medicine for our Times!

Wu Tao or The Dancing Way, is a dance-based therapy that balances and harmonises the flow of Qi (life-force energy in the body). It has its foundations in Oriental Medicine, and similar to Tai Chi and Qi Gong it is a system of healing, with a wholistic philosophy and practice, that restores balance to the person on all levels.  Wu Tao is a dance therapy that can be done at every stage of life.

The main form of Wu Tao is a series of dances that balance the Qi. This is achieved by activating and stretching the channels (called meridians), which are the pathways through which the Qi energy flows. Each dance, (there are 5) works on balancing two meridians, which belong to a particular element. (eg. Kidney / Bladder Meridians belong to the Water element).

The dances are learned and then performed to beautiful melodic music which corresponds with the particular energy and quality of the element for which it is used. The end result is an experience of beauty, harmony and balance, physically, energetically and mentally, during and after performing the dances.  While having the same benefits as tai chi moves, Wu Tao tones the body more, stretching out every muscle and joint gently and easily. 

Wu Tao is both movement and stillness. Doing and Being. It encourages the development of these qualities and an experience of being in the flow of the life-force. In Wu Tao, while one is focused on ‘doing’ the routine with the music, the mind becomes still and the body poised and balanced.

Wu Tao is the ultimate stress management sytem!  As it moves the energy through the body, the mind and emotions are cleared and balance is restored on every level.  For people who love to dance it is the ideal healthy exercise program! 

Founder - Michelle Locke

Wu Tao was developed in 2001 by Michelle Locke a West Australian ballet dancer and therapist. 

Michelle Locke studied dance at the Victorian College of the Arts and The WA Academy of Performing Arts before joining the West Australian Ballet Co in 1984. Michelle suffered a back injury and was forced into early retirement in 1987, but after leaving the ballet company, embarked on a journey of healing and self-discovery. Looking to find some relief for her back pain, Michelle discovered Shiatsu, a Japanese form of massage. Impressed with the improvement in her back she went on to study it, along with other therapies including massage and oriental medicine. In 1993 on her return to WA, she founded the Shiatsu School of WA.

In 2000, after her second daughter Isabelle became seriously ill and was later diagnosed with Rett Syndrome, Michelle began her research into how to use dance for healing.  

Weekly classes in Wu Tao are now held all over Australia, in many metropolitan suburbs and country areas, New Zealand and the United Kingdom. Wu Tao teacher training is currently being offered in the major Australian State Capitals, New Zealand and other major international cities.

(Dip PA Dance, Dip Shiatsu, Dip Shamanic Stud, Dip Mass Thpy, Cert Chinese Herbs)

Music Composer - Steve Richter

Steve began his love affair with music at the early age of 3, moving to percussion after finishing school. He graduated from West Australian Academy of Performing Arts with a BA in music, and since then has performed in many different guises including stints with the WA symphony, Boy from Oz, Australian Youth orchestra and Black Swan Theatre.

A founding member of Tetrafide, a well-known percussion outfit based in Perth, Steve currently plays and composes music in a number of other bands including the eclectic Mr Sister with Mel Robinson, Sabrosan (latin big band) and Wood. In 2006 Mr Sister released their first CD titled Unravelling. Steve has been a session lecturer at the prestigious Royal College of Music in London and currently lectures at The West Australian Academy of Performing Arts.

Steve has combined his musical expertise with his deep sense of the spiritual to create a wonderfully diverse selection of music specially designed for each of the Wu Tao element dances. Working closely with Michelle Locke (creator and founder of Wu Tao - The Dancing Way), he eloquently expresses the mood and quality of every element through each piece. Since its inception it has spread across Australia and New Zealand with classes available in many locations including Germany, Switzerland and Japan. 

Our mission

We are dedicated to bringing health, balance, and peace of mind to people everywhere who love dance and desire to be live life in health and happiness.