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- For adults
- Tai Chi
- Kung Fu
- Meditation
- Chi Kung
- Yoga
- Fan
dance - Ribbon
dance - Drum
dance
When we arrive, we are already expecting that this is going to be good
We are early, which is fine with us, because we love just being here
The stones that are stacked, in what seems an impossible way, can keep our
attention
for a long time
As we drive up the driveway, it's like we are leaving behind earth
and entering something, someplace, so totally different
Then the class starts
It is very interesting, as the teacher, our Sifu, explains different things
It is light, there is humor
Any anxiety slips away
As we do the exercises, time seems to stop, actually no, it is more like it
doesn't exist
I love that feeling
I enjoy trying to do better each time I go
By the time class ends, my spirits are soaring so very high
Before class today, I was feeling angry and depressed
Now, I leave feeling so good
On the ride home, all of us in the van spoke enthusiastically
about how we felt and the different impressions we had
We laugh a lot
We didn't know each other very well, but on the way home everyone was
talking
Our authentic and traditional programs in tai chi, yoga, meditation, and Chinese martial arts will do more than just get you into the best physical shape of your life. You'll also be cultivating and developing your mind and spirit to the highest levels and attaining greater harmony, wisdom and satisfaction in life.
Some of the many benefits of our classes include:
- Reduced stress and anxiety
- Superb health and fitness
- Greater relaxation and peace of mind
- Strong self-defense and combat skills
- Reduction or elimination of negative thought patterns and habits
- Reduction or elimination of chronic ailments
- Improved mental clarity and focus
- Increased vitality and energy
- A more positive spirit and outlook on life
- Interaction with interesting, friendly, and positive people
Tai Chi
Tai Chi is an “internal” art which helps to develop “chi” or internal energy for health and vitality. It is a “moving meditation” which calms the mind, relaxes the body, and strengthens the spirit.
Shao-lin Kung Fu
We study and train in Shao-lin Kung Fu, the most comprehensive martial art, with the objective of cultivating the body, mind and spirit.
Meditation
Used to achieve peace, relaxation and inner knowing, meditation is now recognized by Western medicine to be effective for healing and pain management. We offer Taoist, Buddhist and CSM (clinically standardized meditation), often used in hospital settings.
Chi Kung
Learn the health and longevity exercise secrets of the ancient Chinese. Come and enjoy a 4,000 year old method for wellness that combines both the breath and physical movement of the body to promote healing and restore energy balance. These gentle, controlled movements are designed to facilitate and enhance the “life force” or “Chi” and will benefit anyone regardless of age or ability.
Fan dances
Mulan fan dance is a Kung Fu martial art form that combines beautiful Tai Chi with traditional dance movement. The form improves grace and balance, promotes physical and emotional health, and enhances internal force or energy flow. It provides a gentle system of exercise for promoting health and vitality. If you don’t have time to exercise and working out at the gym is too demanding, Mulan fan dance is for you. As with Tai Chi, the benefits are not just physical; the meditative aspects of Mulan fan dance and its emphasis on relaxed movement contribute to serenity of mind and clarity of thought.
Ribbon dance
The Ribbon dance is one of the most popular of Chinese folk dances. The spirited Ribbon dance uses long Silk Ribbons which create calligraphic designs in the air. Waving yards of bright silk, the dancers create a visual collage of circles, swirls, corkscrews, and curlicues.
Waist drum dance
The waist drum dance is a type of Chinese folk dance. It has a unique style which integrates dance, song and martial arts into a whole performance. Drum rhythms set the pace and combine movement into one; the dancers turn, kick, and jump while hitting the drum. The atmosphere and rhythms are lively, strong and enthusiastic. The waist drum dance has become an exquisite work of folk art.
Special events and programs
Guest lecturers, field trips to places you have never been, Chinese cooking classes, parties and holiday gatherings, parent’s night out, and more!
Pictures of some of the past events are in the photo gallery.
“Tai chi has made me a more patient person with myself as well as with others. It has opened my eyes to spirituality.”
– Christine S, Yorktown Heights
“I have better relationships with my husband, kids, family, and friends.”
– Linda S, Somers
“Tai chi has allowed me to expand my inner horizon and to feel the
beauty of the spiritual journey that lies within its movement.”
– Vivian M, Granite Springs
“It opened a doorway to a different and fascinating perspective on the nature of existence and how we fit in.”
– Dave B, Somers
“I saw humbleness first hand.”
– Marilyn Y, Brewster
Tai chi
This class runs continuously; you can join at any time.
- Tuesday 6:30pm-8:00pm and 8:00pm-9:30pm
- Thursday 8:00pm-9:30pm
- Saturday 10:30am-11:30am
Beginner Tai Chi
6 week course, $120
- Monday 6:30pm-7:30pm
For centuries Chinese people have practiced the life-enhancing art of Tai Chi. Today millions more around the world are joining them. Tai Chi, an internal art form, concentrates on cultivating “chi” or internal energy. It is this internal energy that is responsible for health benefits that even Western medicine now recognizes.
Rooted deep in Eastern philosophy, tai chi has been called a “moving meditation”due to its slow, graceful appearance and relaxed softness of movements. It, along with the other internal arts, is famous for calming the mind, relaxing the body and strengthening the spirit.
Other benefits include lowering blood pressure, boosting the immune system, counteracting depression, anxiety, mood disorders, and ADHD. Most notably has been the effect on the balance in frail adults.
A perfect compliment to the practice of the internal arts is a series of specialized exercises known as Qigong (Chi Kung). Qigong focuses on the breath and the mind and concentrates on strengthening specific body areas and
energy meridians. Qigong is taught along with breathing methods, meditation, and push-hands (a two-person routine that helps you experience the energy of yourself and others).
Also, at Dragon and Crane you will have the opportunity to study the beautiful Tai Chi Jien sword form.
“Although skeptical, I attended a class and took to it right away. I have met some of the most compassionate people in my life.”
– Chris M, Katonah
Shao-lin Kung Fu
This class runs continuously; you can join at any time.
- Tuesday 9:30pm-11:30pm
- Thursday 6:30pm-8:00pm
More than 1500 years ago in China the Shao-lin monks were embarked on a lifelong journey toward enlightenment. In their quest for self-development and self-growth, they recognized that body, mind and spirit were inseparable. With this understanding they developed a three pillar approach to training. Martial arts and Qigong developed the body, meditation cleared the mind, and spiritual inquiry answered the deep questions of the soul.
At Dragon and Crane we adhere to this traditional three pillar approach and teach authentic lineage Shao-lin Kung Fu styles – including Tan Tui, Mei Jong, and Lohan Animals. Shuai Chiao and Kenpo, two other systems of Kung Fu are also taught. Shao-lin Kung Fu is the most comprehensive of all martial arts. Often referred to as the “grandfather” of Asian martial arts, Shao-lin has influenced the development of much later arts such as Japanese karate and Korean tae kwon do.
In the tradition of the Shao-lin monks, we look at martial arts mastery as a lifelong process and aim to help you build a strong foundation for optimal progress. As an adjunct to Kung Fu we teach Qigong, breathing methods, physical and mental conditioning, sparring, weaponry, and self-defense applications. Meditation classes and spiritual inquiry round out the three pillar approach.
“I've learned to accept things in life, good and bad. I've gained health and spiritual knowledge.”
– Carrie T, Somers
Meditation
Level I: 8 weeks, $150
Level II: 6 weeks, $120
- Wednesday 8:00pm-9:30pm
Meditation, the practice of focusing the mind, can be used to achieve peace, relaxation, and inner knowing. Western medicine recognizes the benefits of meditation for reducing stress, lowering blood pressure, healing and pain relief. There are many different types of meditation – from guided visualization to mantra chanting – and it may take some time to find the right one for you.
At Dragon and Crane we offer styles of meditation that will assist you in your everyday life with simple exercises that can be easily practiced on your own. We explore Taoist, Buddhist and CSM (Clinically Standardized Meditation).
Master John's background includes over 30 years of meditation experience as well as training in the Chuang Yen Monastery. As a professional Human Development Specialist M. Ed. and Counseling Psychologist MA, he brings a unique depth and understanding to the practice of meditation. As a participant in the development of CSM at the Graduate School of Columbia University he helped further the efforts to bring meditation closer to the forefront of western medicine.
Chi Kung
6 week course, $100
- Monday 6:30pm-7:30pm
Learn the health and longevity exercise secrets of the ancient Chinese. Come and enjoy a 4,000 year old method for wellness that combines both the breath and physical movement of the body to promote healing and restore energy balance. These gentle, controlled movements are designed to facilitate and enhance the “life force” or “Chi” and will benefit anyone regardless of age or ability.
“I have learned how to stop my world from spinning out of control.”
–Mary Ellen A, Mahopac
Yoga
Shao-lin Yoga
6 week course, $120
- Wednesday 6:30pm-7:30pm
Shao-lin yoga is practiced by the Shao-lin monks and helps to harmonize chi, build inner strength, and promote harmony of mind, body, and spirit.
Martial arts fan dance
4 classes, $ 100 + $20 for fan
- Saturday 1:30pm - 3:00pm
Want to perform at our next Chinese New Year show? Taking this class will give you that opportunity!
Mulan Tai Chi fan dance
6 week session, $ 150
- Tuesday 10:15am - 11:15am
or
Monday 6:30pm-7:30pm
Mulan Tai Chi fan dance is a Kung Fu martial art form that combines beautiful Tai Chi with traditional dance movement. The form improves grace and balance, promotes physical and emotional health, and enhances internal force or energy flow. It provides a gentle system of exercise for promoting health and vitality. If you don’t have time to exercise and working out at the gym is too demanding, Mulan fan dance is for you. As with Tai Chi, the benefits are not just physical; the meditative aspects of Mulan fan dance and its emphasis on relaxed movement contribute to serenity of mind and clarity of thought.
Ribbon dance
8 week course, $160
- Monday 7:30pm-8:45pm
The Ribbon dance is one of the most popular of Chinese folk dances. The spirited Ribbon dance uses long Silk Ribbons which create calligraphic designs in the air. Waving yards of bright silk, the dancers create a visual collage of circles, swirls, corkscrews, and curlicues.Chinese
Ribbon dance began in the Han dynasty (206B.C.-420A.D.) and became very popular in the Tang dynasty (589-907A.D.).
There was a story about a man who tried to kill the Han Emperor. Hsiang Po, using his sleeve, blocked the sword and saved the Emperor's life. The Han people wished to remember him with gratitude. They choreographed the sleeve dance with the dancer holding short ribbons symbolizing Hsiang Po's sleeve.
Tang is the golden age of dance and Art in Chinese history. The Ribbon dance has been attributed to Emperor Tang Ming Hwon and his consort Yang Gwei Fei.
Chinese legend has it that Emporor Tang Ming Hwon, who reigned from 713-755, once dreamed that he was in the moon palace with many fairies singing and dancing in multicolored cloud-like long robes. The dance with the flowing silk ribbons was accompanied by Chinese instruments.
During the Tang Dynasty, people used longer ribbons which resulted in more pattern variations. Ribbons were later attached to sticks which made the dance more lively and creative. At the heart of ribbon dance's enduring popularity are the various images and emotions that the ribbons can portray; passionate as a beautiful rainbow, lithesome as a wandering dragon. The dancer is always inspired by a sense of freedom. It truly creates a free spirit and loving heart.
Waist drum dance
8 week course, $160 (plus $50 for drum)
- Monday 7:30pm-8:45pm
The waist drum dance is a type of Chinese folk dance. It has a unique style which integrates dance, song and martial arts into a whole performance. Drum rhythms set the pace and combine movement into one; the dancers turn, kick, and jump while hitting the drum.
The atmosphere and rhythms are lively, strong and enthusiastic. The waist drum dance has become an exquisite work of folk art.
EXPERIENCE THE BENEFITS OF THE CHINESE ARTS
PLEASE CONTACT US TODAY AND CHANGE YOUR LIFE!