Houlton celebrates World Tai Chi Day in style

HOULTON, Maine — A group of 20 Tai Chi enthusiasts gathered at the Five Elements Healing Arts Center on Main Street Saturday to participate in the 12th annual World Tai Chi and Qigong Day celebration.
Organized locally by Jerry Levine, founder/guide of the Laughing Dragon School of Tai Chi Chuan in Houlton, the event coincided with a global event celebrated in more than 65 nations each year.
Individuals from Canada and northern Aroostook County were among those present at Houlton’s event.
“We are the only group north of Bangor putting something on,” Levine said. “All of the demonstrations are from members of Laughing Dragon School of Tai Chi Chuan, which has been in the County since 1997.”
The day of celebration featured a moment of meditation for world peace, which took place in every time zone around the world at the same time. Other presentations included: Yang Family short form; Wu Tai Chi form; Yang Sword form; and a relaxation session followed by a potluck luncheon.
According to its website, “World Tai Chi and Qigong Day (WTCQD) and WorldTaiChiDay.org educates millions worldwide about Tai Chi and Qigong’s benefits, how to find local classes, how to get the most from those classes, and we consult health care, corporate, government and educational institutions about integrating these health tools into society at all levels.”