STEADIER STEPS. GREATER CONFIDENCE.
Tai Chi for Balance Classes in Asheville
Develop greater steadiness, coordination, body awareness, and confidence through gentle, adaptable Tai Chi and Qigong exercises.
These welcoming classes focus on practical skills for everyday movement—including grounding, posture, breathing, weight shifting, walking awareness, and comfortable lower-body strengthening.
Whether you are completely new to Tai Chi, returning to movement after time away, or simply want to feel more secure and capable on your feet, you are welcome to begin at your own pace.
Choose between two supportive
Tai Chi for Balance classes:
Tai Chi for Balance
Mondays · 11:30 AM–12:30 PM
with Susan Francis
Gentle Tai Chi for Balance
Wednesdays · 11:30 AM–12:30 PM
with Bonner Dison
Beginners welcome · Movements can be adapted
$20 per class · $180 flexible 10-class pass
TWO CLASSES. ONE WELCOMING PLACE TO BEGIN.
Find the Tai Chi for Balance Class That Fits You
Both classes use gentle Tai Chi and Qigong practices to develop greater body awareness, steadiness, and confidence in everyday movement. Each offers a supportive approach that can be adapted to your individual needs.
Build Confidence from the Ground Up
Susan’s Monday class welcomes people with balance concerns or limited mobility—including those who may need to stand for only part of class—as well as anyone who would simply like to walk and balance with greater confidence.
Through Qigong, comfortable breathing, gradual strengthening of the legs and feet, awareness of weight placement, and short walking exercises, students develop practical skills they can carry into everyday life.
You are encouraged to work at your own pace, rest when needed, and allow strength and confidence to develop gradually.
Move with Greater Comfort and Ease
Bonner’s Wednesday class offers a patient, approachable introduction to gentle Tai Chi and Qigong movement.
Students are guided through adaptable exercises that encourage relaxed posture, coordination, mindful movement, and a steadier connection with the ground. Bonner creates a welcoming environment where beginners and returning students can move comfortably without pressure to keep up or perform perfectly.
This class may be especially appealing if you are looking for a gentle, supportive way to become more active and comfortable in your body.
You Are Welcome to Explore Both
You do not need to choose one class permanently. Attend the class that best fits your needs and schedule—or experience both instructors’ approaches.
There is no wrong place to begin.
BUILD A STRONGER CONNECTION WITH THE GROUND
Balance Begins with Awareness
Good balance is not simply the ability to stand still. It involves sensing where your weight is, moving it smoothly from one foot to the other, and remaining aware of your body as you step through space.
Tai Chi and Qigong give you a gentle, unhurried way to practice these skills. The movements can be made small, supported, or adapted so you can begin at a level that feels comfortable.
Feel Where Your Weight Is
Slow exercises give you time to notice how your weight is distributed through your feet. As this awareness develops, you can begin shifting your weight more deliberately instead of moving before you feel steady.
Strengthen from the Ground Up
Simple Qigong and balance exercises gradually engage the legs, ankles, feet, and toes—the foundation that supports standing and walking.
The goal is not strenuous exercise. It is to develop useful strength and steadiness through comfortable, repeatable movement.
Coordinate Movement and Breath
Natural breathing accompanies the warm-up and continues throughout Susan’s class. Connecting breath with movement can help you slow down, release unnecessary tension, and move with greater ease and attention.
Bring the Practice into Everyday Walking
Short walking exercises help you explore how and where you place your weight during ordinary steps. Rather than trying to cover a long distance, you may practice only a few steps at a time while noticing each transition.
These simple exercises connect Tai Chi principles with something you do every day.
Progress at Your Own Pace
Some students may stand throughout class, while others may participate standing for only part of the hour. Exercises can be adjusted for balance concerns, limited mobility, injury recovery, or long-term movement challenges.
There is no pressure to move quickly or keep up with anyone else. The practice begins with what you can comfortably do today and develops gradually from there.
A SUPPORTIVE PLACE TO BEGIN AGAIN
Meet Your Body Where It Is Today
Tai Chi for Balance is not only for people who already move easily. These classes welcome adults with different levels of strength, mobility, balance, and standing tolerance.
You do not need to keep up with the rest of the class or complete every exercise in the same way. Movements can be made smaller, support can be used when appropriate, and you may sit or rest whenever needed.
You Do Not Have to Wait Until You Feel Ready
It is common to believe that you need better balance, greater strength, or more mobility before beginning Tai Chi. These classes are designed to help you start with the abilities you have now.
Come as you are. The practice can meet you there.
GENTLE PRACTICE. PRACTICAL SKILLS. YOUR OWN PACE.
What to Expect in a Tai Chi for Balance Class
Each class offers a calm, supportive place to explore movement without pressure. You will be encouraged to work within a comfortable range, pause or sit when needed, and adapt exercises to suit your body.
The exact lesson and teaching approach will vary between Susan’s and Bonner’s classes, but both emphasize attentive movement, greater body awareness, and gradual progress.
Practice Mindful Walking
Susan’s Monday class includes short walking exercises that explore how the feet meet the floor and how weight moves through the body during an ordinary step.
Rather than walking quickly or covering a long distance, you may take only a few steps while paying close attention to each transition.
Work at the Level That Is Right for You
Some students stand throughout class. Others stand for only part of the hour or take seated breaks as needed.
Exercises can be adjusted for seniors, people returning after an injury, and students living with long-term balance or mobility challenges. No previous Tai Chi experience is required.
Carry the Practice into Everyday Life
The skills explored in class relate directly to familiar movements—standing, shifting direction, taking a step, and moving with greater awareness.
With regular practice, these small exercises can help you develop greater coordination, steadiness, and confidence in the way you move through daily life.
Settle Through Breath and Movement
Class begins by giving you time to arrive—both physically and mentally. Gentle Tai Chi or Qigong exercises help you connect natural breathing with comfortable movement and release unnecessary tension.
Awaken the Legs and Feet
Simple, repeatable movements gradually engage the legs, ankles, feet, and toes. These exercises help you become more aware of the parts of your body that support you while standing and walking.
The emphasis is not on strenuous effort. Strength develops gradually through movements you can perform with care and control.
Explore Weight Shifting
Slow weight-shifting exercises allow you to notice where your weight is before moving from one foot to the other.
You may practice transferring your weight only a small distance at first. The goal is to feel grounded and secure before taking the next step.
COME AS YOU ARE. MOVE AT YOUR OWN PACE.
What to Expect on Your First Visit
You do not need previous Tai Chi experience, strong legs, or perfect balance to begin. Both classes are designed to welcome you at your present level of mobility and standing comfort.
Your instructor will guide you through each exercise, and you are always encouraged to make movements smaller, rest when needed, or participate for only part of an activity.
Before Class
Please arrive about 10 minutes early so you can meet your instructor and settle in comfortably.
Let Susan or Bonner know about any balance concerns, injuries, mobility limitations, or movements that make you feel uncertain. This helps your instructor suggest appropriate adjustments during class.
What Should I Wear?
Wear comfortable clothing that allows you to move freely. No uniform or special exercise clothes are required.
Clean, flat, secure indoor shoes are recommended. If you ordinarily use a mobility aid, please bring it with you.
During Class
Your instructor will demonstrate each exercise and give you time to explore it without rushing. Depending on the lesson, you may practice:
Gentle Tai Chi or Qigong movements
Natural breathing and relaxed posture
Awareness of your feet and weight placement
Gradual leg and foot strengthening
Controlled weight shifting
Simple balance or walking exercises
You do not need to memorize the movements during your first class. Simply follow along as comfortably as you can.
Standing for the Entire Class Is Not Required
Some students may remain standing throughout class, while others may stand for only part of the hour. You are welcome to pause, sit, or rest whenever necessary.
There is no expectation that everyone perform an exercise in exactly the same way.
Listen to Your Body
Gentle movement should not require you to push through pain, dizziness, or a sense that you are unsafe. If something does not feel right, stop and let your instructor know.
You remain in charge of your participation throughout the class.
Your First Step Is Simply to Begin
Your first class is an opportunity to become familiar with the practice, meet your instructor, and discover how the movements feel in your own body.
There is nothing to prove and no one to keep up with. Come with curiosity, begin gently, and allow your confidence to develop one step at a time.
PATIENT GUIDANCE. PRACTICAL MOVEMENT.
Meet Your Tai Chi for Balance Instructors
Susan Francis and Bonner Dison bring different backgrounds and teaching perspectives to Tai Chi for Balance. Both create a welcoming environment where students can ask questions, adapt the movements, and progress without pressure.
Susan Francis
Tai Chi for Balance · Mondays
Susan teaches several levels of Yang-style Tai Chi, ranging from accessible balance-focused practice to deeper study of the Yang 24 form.
Her teaching emphasizes grounding, comfortable posture, natural breathing, deliberate weight shifting, and greater awareness of the body during everyday movement.
In Tai Chi for Balance, Susan helps students explore these principles through Qigong, gradual strengthening of the legs and feet, weight-placement exercises, and short periods of attentive walking. Her class welcomes people with balance concerns or limited mobility—including students who may stand for only part of the hour—as well as anyone seeking greater confidence on their feet.
Bonner Dison
Gentle Tai Chi for Balance · Wednesdays
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.
Bonner’s patient and encouraging approach helps students explore gentle Tai Chi and Qigong without feeling rushed. She adapts exercises to individual needs while helping students develop greater coordination, body awareness, stability, and comfort in movement.
Two Teachers, Two Supportive Approaches
You are welcome to attend the class that best suits your needs and schedule or experience both instructors’ approaches.
Whichever class you choose, you will find thoughtful guidance and room to begin exactly where you are.
A GENTLE FIRST STEP TOWARD GREATER CONFIDENCE
Choose Your Tai Chi for Balance Class
Both classes are part of the flexible Dragon Phoenix Drop-In Program. No previous Tai Chi experience or ongoing membership is required.
Tai Chi for Balance
Mondays · 11:30 AM–12:30 PM
with Susan Francis
Explore practical balance through Qigong, breathing, gradual lower-body strengthening, weight-placement awareness, and attentive walking exercises.
Begin with One Class
$20 per class
Choose your class and date from the live schedule below. The booking system will charge the single-class rate when you complete your reservation.
You do not need to purchase a membership, class pass, or visitor pass before booking your first class.
Gentle Tai Chi for Balance
Wednesdays · 11:30 AM–12:30 PM
with Bonner Dison
Develop coordination, stability, and greater comfort in movement through patient, adaptable Tai Chi and Qigong instruction.
Attend More Often
$180 flexible 10-class pass
Save $20 when you purchase ten classes together. The pass:
Does not expire
Works across participating Dragon Phoenix drop-in classes
May be shared within the same Gymdesk family account
Purchase the pass through Gymdesk, then return to the live schedule to reserve the classes you would like to attend.
Reserve Your Place
Select the Tai Chi for Balance class and date you would like to attend from the live schedule.
Advance booking is strongly recommended so you can confirm availability and view the most current schedule before traveling to the school.
Already have an eligible Dragon Phoenix membership or class pass? Sign in when booking, and the system will apply your available access automatically.
Beginners welcome · Adaptable movement · No ongoing commitment
QUESTIONS BEFORE YOUR FIRST CLASS?
Tai Chi for Balance Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need previous Tai Chi experience?
Not at all. Both classes welcome complete beginners. Your instructor will demonstrate each exercise and give you time to explore the movement at a comfortable pace.
Which class should I choose?
Choose the class whose approach and schedule feel most suitable for you.
Susan’s Monday Tai Chi for Balance class places particular emphasis on Qigong, breathing, gradual strengthening of the legs and feet, weight-placement awareness, and short walking exercises.
Bonner’s Wednesday Gentle Tai Chi for Balance class offers a patient introduction to adaptable Tai Chi and Qigong, with an emphasis on coordination, stability, and greater comfort in movement.
You are welcome to try both.
Do I need to stand for the entire class?
No. Some students stand throughout class, while others participate standing for only part of the hour. You may sit, pause, or rest when needed.
Please tell your instructor about your standing tolerance before class so the exercises can be approached appropriately.
Is this class only for seniors?
No. Although these classes can be especially helpful for older adults, they welcome adults of any age who want to develop greater steadiness, coordination, body awareness, and confidence in everyday movement.
What should I wear?
Wear comfortable clothing that allows you to move freely. No uniform or special equipment is required.
Clean, flat, secure indoor shoes are recommended. Avoid loose footwear or shoes that make you feel unstable.
Can I participate if I have limited mobility?
Yes. The movements can often be made smaller, slower, or otherwise adapted. These classes welcome students with different levels of strength, mobility, and balance.
If you have significant mobility limitations or require a particular accommodation, please contact Dragon Phoenix before attending so we can help you choose the most appropriate class.
Can I bring a cane, walker, or other mobility aid?
Yes. If you ordinarily use a mobility aid, please bring it with you and tell your instructor how you normally use it.
Your safety and comfort come first. You will never be expected to set aside a support that you need in order to participate.
Is this a seated Tai Chi class?
These are not exclusively seated classes. They include standing and weight-shifting exercises because the goal is to explore the skills involved in standing and walking more confidently.
Seated rest is welcome, however, and students who cannot stand for the entire hour may still participate according to their abilities.
Should I reserve my place in advance?
Advance booking is strongly recommended. Reserving through the live schedule confirms availability and allows you to see the most current class information before traveling to the school.
Do I need to attend every week?
No ongoing commitment is required. You may attend once, come when your schedule allows, or practice regularly.
Consistent attendance can help the exercises become more familiar and give your strength, awareness, and coordination time to develop gradually.
Is Tai Chi for Balance physical therapy?
No. These are educational group movement classes, not medical treatment or physical therapy.
If you are recovering from an injury, have recently experienced a fall, or have a medical condition affecting your balance, ask your healthcare professional whether this type of class is appropriate for you. Please also tell your instructor about any relevant limitations before participating.
What if an exercise makes me feel uncomfortable or unsteady?
Stop the exercise and let your instructor know. You are always encouraged to make the movement smaller, use your usual support, take a seated break, or choose not to perform an activity.
You remain in charge of your participation throughout class.
Can I join at any time?
Yes. Both classes are part of the ongoing Dragon Phoenix Drop-In Program, so you do not need to wait for a new session to begin.
Choose an available class and date from the live schedule and reserve your place.
How much does a class cost?
A single class is $20. You can reserve it directly through the live schedule without purchasing a membership or pass first.
If you plan to attend regularly, a $180 flexible 10-class pass is also available. It does not expire, works across participating Dragon Phoenix drop-in classes, and may be shared within the same Gymdesk family account.
GREATER CONFIDENCE BEGINS WITH ONE SMALL STEP
Begin Where You Are Today
You do not need perfect balance, strong legs, or previous Tai Chi experience to take your first class.
Come explore gentle, attentive movement in a patient environment where you can work at your own pace, rest when needed, and gradually develop a stronger connection with the ground beneath you.
Choose Susan’s practical, balance-focused Monday class or Bonner’s gentle Wednesday practice—or experience both approaches and discover what works best for you.
Beginners welcome · Movements can be adapted
Single class: $20 · No ongoing membership required
