Am I too old to practice Wu Tao Dance?
Absolutely not, Wu Tao is a great mind – body health maintenance program with students of all ages dancing in classes, workshops, parks and at home!
What kind of clothes should I wear for a class?
Any clothes that you find comfortable to dance in are fine. Generally, pants are preferred over a skirt as you may be moving on the floor for some of the movements. Bare feet are encouraged, but you may also wear soft dance shoes or the equivalent if that is more comfortable for you.
Is Wu Tao attached to any religion?
No, Wu Tao is not a religion. It is a way of life that is based on the Tao, a natural approach to health and longevity that follows the ways of nature as a guide for living. ‘Whatever works’ is our motto. The life within you knows the correct and right way for you to live.
Will I learn to meditate?
Yes, meditation is a process of stilling the mind and the dances are a dynamic form of meditation. Classes usually begin and end with sitting or lying meditations and are often done to music.
I have 2 left feet! Will I be expected to do it right?
No way! In a Wu Tao class, it is expected that you will be challenged as you learn the dance movements. However, you will be encouraged to work with your bodies own limitations and adapt the movements as necessary. Remembering the dances is not important. What is important is that you let go of thinking and allow your body to enjoy the music and the dance. With steady practice over a few short months you will feel confident in your movements, with better balance, strength and improved flexibility.
Will Wu Tao help me to lose weight?
If you do Wu Tao regularly, at least 3 times a week, you will definitely improve muscle tone and improve your physical health. As you work on the various organs in your body in Wu Tao, it is quite possible that as your digestive system comes into balance, you will stimulate your metabolism resulting in weight loss.
Will Wu Tao help me cope with stress?
Absolutely! If you finish a class of Wu Tao stressed, we will refund your money! Wu Tao works by restoring the natural flow of energy (Qi) in your body. This affects how you feel and think. Regardless of where you are when you start a Wu Tao class, by the time you get to the 3rd or 4th dance most people feel lighter, energised, happy and peaceful.
Do I have to be in shape to do Wu Tao?
No, not at all. Wu Tao is very gentle and is suitable for all ages and all shapes. Among our students are a variety of fitness levels, sizes, and ages.
Do I Need Any Equipment?
No equipment is required, though you may want to bring a mat or blanket to lie on for the relaxation meditation at the end of class. Your Instructor may provide you with these. Check with your instructor to see if you need to bring a mat or blanket.
Is there an age limit on becoming an instructor of Wu Tao? Do I need to be a dancer already to teach?
No, the best Wu Tao Instructors are the students who love to dance, love Wu Tao, want to help others, and enjoy the challenges along the way. Youth is of little importance in being a good Wu Tao teacher or dancer.
If I have an injury can I participate?
Yes, Wu Tao can be helpful for many physical complaints and diseases such as chronic fatigue and arthritis. However, your body is your responsibility and your instructor will encourage you to listen and respond appropriately to any pain. If in doubt, please check with your doctor before attending a class and inform your Instructor of any difficulties.
How many students are in a Wu Tao class, on average?
Anywhere between 5 - 20 students.
How much does it cost?
A one hour class cost approximately $18-$20. Your local Instructor will be able to give you the correct rates.
What are the benefits of doing Wu Tao?
Wu Tao is a dance meditation practice done to music, that balances and harmonises Qi (life force energy) in the body) Wu Tao is beautiful to do and easy to learn. Wu Tao can help to:
- Lower blood pressure
- Increase feelings of general well-being
- Reduce insomnia
- Lessen chronic pain, such as back pain, arthritis and headaches
- Reduce insomnia
- improve energy levels
- Decrease levels of stress and anxiety
- Prevent illness and disease
- Build immunity
Wu Tao is a a gentle and effective form of exercise for people with movement restrictions or other physical challenges. Your instructor can personally help you to find ways to do the dances with most limitations.
Wu Tao will help to increasing flexibility and strength as the dance movements stretch and tone the muscles, tendons and ligaments of the body. Wu Tao works on the Chinese Medicine system of energy flow via a network of channels called meridians. These meridians connect with the internal organs, so by doing Wu Tao you are stimulating and toning all the organs of the body. This helps to prevent disease and restore health to organs already out of balance.
Wu Tao balances body, mind and spirit and this results in real benefits. Stress, which accounts for many diseases affecting all systems can be significantly reduced and even alleviated completely resulting in a state of internal stability, harmony, peace and bliss.
