By Li Huizi, Zhang Jianhua
CANBERRA, May 9 (Xinhua) -- About 150 residents in the northern Australian city of Darwin came together on Thursday to celebrate "Tai Chi Night," moving in unison under the guidance of masters from China as the ancient art of Tai Chi takes root in the local community.
Held at a Charles Darwin University (CDU) hall, the event featured flowing performances of Tai Chi and Baduanjin -- a traditional Chinese Qigong exercise -- led by four instructors from China's Anhui Normal University. Organized by CDU's Confucius Institute, the celebration marked a growing local interest in Tai Chi as a holistic practice for physical and mental well-being, and an exercise of balance, energy, and inner peace.
"Today is not just a demonstration or a celebration -- it is a moment to show that we believe in wellness over illness," said CDU Director of Confucius Institute Amy Yu-Vatskalis.
Yu emphasized the event's purpose: to raise awareness about Tai Chi's wide-ranging benefits, including improved posture, reduced stress, better balance, and cardiovascular health. "Tai Chi helps us connect with something deeper within ourselves, harmonizing yin and yang -- the complementary forces of nature," she added.
Tai Chi, or Taijiquan, is a centuries-old Chinese martial art characterized by slow, graceful movements paired with deep breathing and mindfulness. Its roots trace back over 700 years, though its philosophical underpinnings are even older, drawing from Taoist and Confucian traditions.
Thursday's gathering was part of a global series of events commemorating World Tai Chi Day, typically marked at the end of April. In Darwin, the event brought together seasoned practitioners, first-time participants, and curious spectators alike.
Kavitha, a local attendee who brought her daughter along, said it was her first time witnessing a live Tai Chi performance. "It was fascinating to see not just the movements, but to hear about the philosophy behind them," she said.
Terry, another resident who has studied Chinese for over 20 years, praised the solo performances on the pipa and guzheng, traditional Chinese string instruments. He was particularly impressed by the Children's Baduanjin performance and expressed a desire to explore more aspects of Chinese culture, music, and art.
Baduanjin, or "Eight Silken Movements," is a gentle yet effective Qigong practice that integrates breath control with fluid motion to promote health and vitality.
The evening also featured demonstrations of the Chen Style and Yang Style 24-form Tai Chi, Five Animal Play -- one of the oldest known Qigong routines, Yi Jin Jing -- a tendon-strengthening regimen, Tai Chi Fan, Zen Dance, Five Stance Fist, and Ba Fa Wu Bu (Eight Techniques, Five Steps) -- a simplified Tai Chi routine.
Portrait sketching and cultural displays offered participants a more engaging and interactive experience during the celebration.
According to Shen Yang of the CDU Confucius Institute, the institute recently launched a Tai Chi course, which has already attracted more than 50 participants. The program offers training in Baduanjin, Ba Fa Wu Bu, Children's Baduanjin, Tai Chi Fan, and Five Stance Fist.
"We've received so much feedback from students about how Tai Chi has transformed their health and their lives," Yu told Xinhua.
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