The spring timetable is now up at https://www.ahigherporpoise.com/classes. Classes start week commencing 10 January. There are two half price beginners courses, one on Wednesday afternoons in Hindley and one on Thursday evenings in Bryn.

Feedback on Deal For Communities course

Thanks to funding from Wigan Council's Deal for Communities Investment Fund, from March to July last year North West and North Wales Tai Chi was able to put on a free tai chi/qigong course at Leigh South Community Centre for local residents. The class is still running on a private basis. Maureen and Alan talk about what they got from the course.

Qigong for beginners - upcoming courses

Just like tai chi, qigong is a great exercise for health and relaxation. It is suitable for all levels of health and ability and can be adapted to the individual.

Coming up at the beginning of April are two 10 week courses on Yi Jin Jing muscle and tendon strengthening exercises, one daytime, one evening.

The courses are designed for beginners and no previous knowledge is required. Just like tai chi, though, more advanced students can benefit from going over the basics of each move.

Both courses are great value at £50 for the 10 week course. And if you book by 1 March you get £10 off!

The daytime class is on Wednesdays, 10am-11am, at Leigh South (TocH) Community Centre, 32 Hope Carr Road, Leigh WN7 3ET, and runs from Wednesday 3 April to Wednesday 5 June.

The evening class is on Thursdays, 6pm-7pm. at Hurst Dance Studios, 51 Market St, Hindley, Wigan WN2 3AE, and runs from Thursday 4 April to 6 June.

Click below to get your early booking discount now or email for more information.

For the Wednesday morning classes in Leigh:

And for the Thursday evening classes on Hindley:

Wednesday afternoon class opens to new beginners

It has been lovely doing tai chi and qigong among the books at @HindleyLibraryAndCommunityCentre. A big thank you to Chapter One Tea Rooms for getting the class started.

We've outgrown the children's section now though and it's time to move on. From this Wednesday 7 November classes will be at @HurstDance studios.

This means that we can now take on beginners again so if you would like to join the class do get in touch. We will be doing tai chi and qigong on Wednesday afternoons, 2.30pm to 3.30pm at Hurst Dance Studios, 51 Market Street, Hindley WN2 3AE.

Five Animal Frolics starting this Wednesday

Book now to try this fun and accessible qigong form. Access your inner tiger, deer, bear, monkey and bird, while improving your mental and physical wellbeing with gentle qigong exercises.

The 6 week course will take place at Leigh South (TocH) Community Centre, 32 Hope Carr Road, WN7 3ET, on Wednesday mornings, 10am-11am, starting 24 October. Only £27.

Email taiji@ahigherporpoise.com to book a place.

Qigong course - Wu Qin Xi or Five Animal Frolics

Wu Qin Xi or Five Animal Frolics, as its name suggests, is a joyful qigong form, suitable for all ages and abilities. In various stretches the qigong player endeavours to get into the spirit of each of the five animals: the powerful courageous tiger, the playful carefree deer, the calm steady bear, the clever nimble monkey and the graceful agile bird.

There will be a 6 week course on Five Animal Frolics at Leigh South (TocH) Community Centre, 32 Hope Carr Road, WN7 3ET. It will be on Wednesday mornings, 10am-11am, starting 24 October.

new class at Chapter One Tea Rooms

There are still places available in the new tai chi and qigong class starting at Chapter One Tea Rooms in Hindley this Wednesday 1 November at 2.30pm. Classes are at the reduced rate of £3.50/session and this first one is free for everyone. The nice people at Chapter One Tea Rooms have even offered to throw in a free pot of tea. Call or email to book your place.