FLEXIBLE CLASSES. WELCOMING COMMUNITY.
Drop-In Tai Chi, Qigong and Movement Classes in Asheville
Explore Tai Chi, Qigong, Nia dance, balance training, Sword Yoga, breathwork, and other movement practices without committing to an ongoing membership.
Whether you are completely new, returning to movement, building greater balance and mobility, or looking for a distinctive way to stay active, you can choose the class that fits your interests and schedule.
$20 for a single class or $180 for a flexible 10-class pass.
Getting Started Is Simple
Choose the class you would like to attend, then use the booking option that fits you best.
1. Explore the Classes
Review the class descriptions and choose the practice that best matches your interests, schedule, and preferred level of activity.
Beginners are welcome in every Dragon Phoenix drop-in class.
2. Book a Single Class Directly
For a single visit, use the live booking schedule to select your class and reserve your place.
You do not need to purchase a membership or create a visitor pass first. The booking system will charge you the regular $20 single-class rate when you complete your reservation.
Important: Please do not purchase a Gymdesk visitor pass before booking a single class. Booking directly through the schedule is the simplest option and helps prevent duplicate charges.
3. Choose the 10-Class Pass When You Are Ready
Students who would like greater flexibility and a lower per-class price can purchase the $180 flexible 10-class pass through Gymdesk.
The pass:
Does not expire
Works across participating drop-in classes
May be shared within the same family account
Saves $20 compared with purchasing ten individual classes
After purchasing the pass, you can continue using the live booking schedule to reserve your classes.
4. Current Members Can Reserve Normally
Dragon Phoenix members may also use the live booking schedule.
When the booking system recognizes an eligible active membership or class pass, it will apply that access rather than charging the regular single-class price.
Start with One Class—or Choose the Pass
New students are encouraged to begin by booking a single class directly through the schedule. You can always upgrade to the 10-class pass later if you decide that you would like to attend regularly or explore several different classes.
Booking one class? Select your class below and complete the reservation directly. You do not need to purchase a visitor pass first.
Reserve Your Drop-In Class
Choose the class and date you would like to attend using the live schedule below.
New students can book directly through this schedule without purchasing a membership or visitor pass first. When you reserve a class, the system will charge the regular $20 single-class rate.
Current Dragon Phoenix members and students with an eligible class pass may also use this schedule. When the system recognizes their active access, it will not charge the regular single-class price.
Booking One Class?
Select your class directly in the schedule below and complete the reservation.
Do not purchase a separate visitor pass before booking. Booking through the schedule is the simplest path and helps prevent duplicate charges.
Prefer the 10-Class Pass?
The flexible 10-class pass must be purchased through Gymdesk before it can be used for reservations.
After purchasing the pass, return to this schedule to choose and reserve your classes.
Schedules may occasionally change. The live calendar above shows the most current availability.
Learn from Experienced, Welcoming Instructors
Dragon Phoenix drop-in classes are led by experienced teachers who bring distinct backgrounds in Tai Chi, Qigong, dance, yoga, movement education, and traditional martial arts.
Each instructor creates a supportive environment where students can participate at an appropriate level, ask questions, and
develop through consistent practice.
Truth-I
Yin Yang Qigong
Truthi teaches an adaptable Qigong practice that combines standing meditation, gentle stretching, strengthening, balance work, and traditional forms.
His classes help students develop greater awareness of the body while exploring calm, coordinated movement from the inside out.
Bonner Dison
Gentle Tai Chi for Balance
Bonner has studied Chen-style Tai Chi, Baguazhang, Qigong, and silk-reeling practices since 2010. She also brings more than 35 years of experience directing and teaching people of all ages, supported by a background in theatre, dance, creative movement, and athletics.
Her balance-focused classes use gentle Tai Chi and Qigong exercises to improve coordination, body awareness, stability, and confidence in movement. Bonner’s teaching is especially well suited to students who appreciate a patient, encouraging approach and movements that can be adapted to individual needs.
Susan Francis
Tai Chi for Balance · Tai Chi for Beginners · Yang 24 Tai Chi
Susan teaches several levels of Yang-style Tai Chi, from accessible balance-focused practice to deeper study of the Yang 24 form.
Her classes emphasize grounding, posture, breathing, weight shifting, body awareness, and practical balance for everyday movement.
Liz Ridley
Tai Chi Fan
Liz is an experienced exercise instructor with backgrounds in Pilates, Tai Chi, Qigong, and aquatic exercise. She has studied Chinese martial arts since the late 1990s and has taught Tai Chi in community, medical, university, martial arts, yoga, and retirement settings throughout the Asheville area.
Her Tai Chi Fan class combines graceful single- and double-fan forms with coordination, focused movement, traditional Tai Chi principles, and an introduction to the martial use of the fan. Liz creates an accessible environment in which beginners can enjoy the artistry of the forms while developing balance, concentration, and fluidity.
Annie Sparks Poteat
Nia Dance Fitness
A Nia Black Belt instructor since 2005, Annie introduced Nia to Asheville in 1998 and helped establish the local Nia community.
Her classes combine music, expressive dance, martial arts, and mindful movement in an energetic practice that can be adapted to different bodies and experience levels.
Dale Kent
Qigong for Health and Resilience · Yang 37 Tai Chi
Dale began practicing Qigong in 1997 while living in a Zen Buddhist monastery and has studied steadily since 2007 with teachers from several Qigong and Tai Chi traditions. He has approximately 17 years of teaching experience and is also an ordained Zen Buddhist priest.
His classes emphasize gentle, adaptable movements that support mind-body connection, grounded energy, mobility, and sustainable home practice. Dale teaches in a relaxed, encouraging manner and draws from practices such as the Eight Pieces of Brocade, Five Animal Sports, White Crane Qigong, and Yang-style Tai Chi.
Emily Dison
Sword Yoga
Emily is a certified yoga instructor, movement educator, and lifelong dancer who studies traditional Chinese straight-sword practice with Dragon Phoenix.
Her class combines yoga, balance, strength, creativity, and sword movement in an accessible practice that invites students to explore both grace and personal power.
Ken Ryder
Yang 37 Tai Chi
Ken began studying Qigong and Shaolin Kung Fu in 2010 while rehabilitating his body from significant pain. In 2014, he began learning Yang 37 Tai Chi Chuan with Paul Summey and eventually became one of his senior students, helping teach newer students in the form.
Ken teaches from personal experience of how consistent internal-arts practice can support resilience, mobility, and a renewed relationship with the body. His Yang 37 classes help students study a longer traditional form while refining posture, continuity, breathing, meditation, and internal awareness.
Drop-In Class Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need previous experience?
No. Beginners are welcome in every Dragon Phoenix drop-in class.
Some classes, such as Yang 24 or Yang 37 Tai Chi, include material that experienced students can explore more deeply, but new students may still attend and participate at an appropriate level.
Do I need to become a member?
No. You can book a single class directly through the live schedule without purchasing a membership or visitor pass.
The system will charge the regular $20 single-class rate when you complete your reservation.
Should I purchase a visitor pass before booking?
No. For a single class, book directly through the live schedule.
Purchasing a separate visitor pass before reserving may result in an unnecessary duplicate charge, so the direct booking path is the recommended option.
How does the 10-class pass work?
The flexible 10-class pass costs $180 and must be purchased through Gymdesk.
After purchasing it, use the live schedule to reserve your classes. The pass works across participating drop-in classes, does not expire, and may be shared within the same family account.
Can I begin with one class and purchase a pass later?
Yes. Many new students begin with a single class and switch to the 10-class pass later if they decide to attend regularly.
Do I need to reserve in advance?
Advance booking is strongly recommended.
It confirms your place, allows the instructor to prepare for the group, and helps you see the most current schedule before traveling to the school.
What should I wear?
Wear comfortable clothing that allows you to move freely.
Athletic clothing, yoga clothing, or loose everyday exercise clothes are all appropriate. Class-specific recommendations are listed on the individual class pages.
Do I need to bring equipment?
Most classes do not require you to bring special equipment.
When equipment is used, such as a sword or Tai Chi fan, the individual class page will explain whether equipment is provided or whether students should bring their own.
Are the classes physically demanding?
The level of activity varies by class.
Tai Chi and Qigong classes are generally lower-impact and adaptable. Nia and Sword Yoga may involve more continuous or expressive movement. Students are encouraged to work within their own comfortable range.
Which class is best for balance or limited mobility?
Tai Chi for Balance is specifically designed for people who want to improve steadiness, walking awareness, lower-body strength, and confidence in everyday movement.
Yin Yang Qigong and Qigong for Health and Resilience may also be appropriate for students seeking a gentle and adaptable practice.
Can children attend drop-in classes?
Kung Fu for ages 5–7 is designed specifically for young children.
Other drop-in classes are primarily intended for adults unless the individual class page states otherwise.
Can family members share the 10-class pass?
Yes. The 10-class pass may be shared among people within the same Gymdesk family account.
What happens if the schedule changes?
The live booking widget shows the most current class availability.
Check the schedule before each visit, especially around holidays, special events, or instructor absences.
Where is Dragon Phoenix located?
Dragon Phoenix Kung Fu and Tai Chi is located in the Asheville area at:
51 North Merrimon Avenue
Asheville, North Carolina
Your First Class Is Waiting
Whether you are looking for greater balance, a calmer mind, expressive movement, a new physical challenge, or simply an enjoyable way to stay active, there is a place for you in the Dragon Phoenix drop-in program.
Beginners are welcome in every class. Choose the practice that interests you, reserve your place through the live schedule, and come experience the class for yourself.
Visit Dragon Phoenix
Dragon Phoenix Kung Fu and Tai Chi
51 North Merrimon Avenue
Asheville, North Carolina
Please arrive approximately 10 minutes before your first class so you have time to find the studio, meet your instructor, and settle in before practice begins.
Wear comfortable clothing that allows you to move freely. Any additional class-specific instructions will be provided on the individual class page or during booking.
Booking a Single Class
Choose your class directly through the live schedule. You do not need to purchase a membership or visitor pass first. The booking system will charge the regular $20 single-class rate.
Planning to Attend Regularly?
Purchase the flexible 10-class pass for $180 through Gymdesk, then return to the schedule to reserve the classes you would like to attend.