Class Etiquette

 General Guidelines

We feel it's to everyone's advantage to know what to expect. Please review these guidelines before your first class so all students share an understanding of the Tai Chi Collaborative's (TCC) expectations. We hope these guidelines will foster harmony—teacher-student harmony, student-teacher harmony, and student-student harmony.

Recommended Do’s

1. Attend classes with an open mind. Be patient with yourself and others, including your instructor. Show respect to all by being punctual or by arriving early.

2. Please notify the instructor ahead of time if you’re not able to make a class. (Let the instructor know, by email or phone, if you plan to stop study.)

3. During class, continue practicing a given lesson until the teacher moves on. If you tire, do the move in a less strenuous way or stand in your best posture until you’re able to resume.

4. On your own, or in open practices, practice what you remember. Even if you feel it might be incorrect, practicing the moves is better than waiting until the next class. Ask for guidance if you feel you’ve been practicing something incorrectly.

5. Talk to your teacher about any questions, difficulties, or experiences related to your study. When asked, please share your experiences. If you’re considering using external videos to supplement your learning, please consult with your teacher first.

6. Tell the instructor of anything that might interfere with your participation, whether physical injury/ailment, or a psychological or emotional situation. If something in the class environment bothers you, let the teacher know. If you disagree with what is being taught, please wait until after the class to discuss it with the teacher privately.

7. Honor the art and all who have contributed to it in the person of your teacher. Acknowledge your thanks either verbally or by a “handshake” (both palms clasped, thumbs facing each other and little fingers away from the chest). When we start and end each class with a bow, we honor not only our instructor and the Tai Chi heritage, but we also honor our true self and individual potential.

 Recommended Don’ts

1. There is only one instructor in each class. Out of respect for the instructor and other students, please do not correct or advise others during or after class. Students may “pool knowledge” during individual or open practice, but may not teach each other.

2. Unless designated as an instructor, you may not teach others what you’ve learned at the TCC classes. If you wish to show family or friends what you’ve learned, please do so, and then invite them to visit a class with you!

3. Don’t be concerned if you feel you don’t fully understand all the instruction. As you continue your practice, you’ll come across the same material again and again. Repeated material will often present new meaning as your body and mind are able to absorb new information. As your Tai Chi changes, your body changes. As your body changes, your Tai Chi will change, in a continuous feedback loop.

4. Unless the teacher and students who may be included give their verbal permission, no still photography or video recording of any kind is permitted in any class (including Zoom).

Zoom Classes--only in inclement weather

1. Please log-in at least 5 minutes prior to the class start time. If you are unable to login, follow the directions in the email with the link.

2. On Zoom, remain muted until recognized. Raise your hand and/or use the “chat” button when you have a comment or question.

3. Students in Beyond Basics classes are welcome to turn off their video during practice if they prefer not to receive personal feedback. Only general feedback is given in the Basics  classes.

  In-Person Class

1. If you arrive late, please wait until the instructor acknowledges you and invites you to join the group. Please sit or stand quietly until you’re invited to join the group.

2. Please help to set up the practice area when you arrive, and in returning it to its original appearance after class.

3. Please wear name tags as a courtesy to others. Turn off cell phones or put them on vibrate. If you must take a call during class, please step away from the practice area so you can have privacy and not disrupt others.

4. While the instructor is demonstrating or speaking, avoid talking to other students. Don’t physically mimic the instructor while she is demonstrating; there will be ample time after demonstrations to practice and ask questions.

5. When high or low temperatures or weather prohibit class, the class will be held on Zoom.  Check your email/texts before driving to the class location.  When Durham public schools are cancelled, class will be by Zoom.

General Payment Policies  

● Proper and discreet handling of money is a way of showing respect for the teaching. New Basics of Tai Chi students are asked to register in advance, and to be prepared to pay at the end of their first class with cash or check.

● Payment for series or individual classes in advance through the registration process is appreciated.

● If a student knows in advance that they can only attend part of a series offered, speak with the instructor in advance of the series. Paying per class may be the most economical approach. 

● Refunds will be made in the event of medical issues that prohibit attendance. (Refunds will be made for missed classes occurring after notification of the medical need to stop participation.)

● We understand that cash flow problems can happen to anyone. If you find yourself needing an adjustment to the payment structure, please let your instructor know. We will do our best to work out installment payments or another option.

● Gift certificates are available for purchase. Ask your instructor if you are interested. 

If Paying at  Classes

● If you haven't paid through the website, we accept cash and PayPal. 

● Please attach a note to cash clearly indicating who is making the payment and for which class(es). If you’d like a receipt, please allow time in advance of class for one to be prepared.