Class Schedule
All tai chi classes listed below are for the Yang Family Form 108 with the exception of the Qigong classes. If you are interested in attending a class, please call the sifu who is teaching it (see names, phone numbers and emails below). If you are interested in hosting a tai chi class, please contact Sifu Verna at (541) 261-2665. Thank you!
DESERT HOT SPRINGS
Thursday, DHS Senior Center, 11-777 West Drive
Sifu Verna; for info call (541) 261-2665
9 a.m.
$5 per class
PALM SPRINGS
Tuesday/Thursday, Mizell Senior Center, 480 S. Sunrise Way (effective November 1)
1:30 p.m. Beginners – Sifus Lily; for info email lilygeehickman@gmail.com
2 p.m. Intermediate – Sifu Verna; for info call (541) 261-2665
3 p.m. Advanced – Sifu Verna; for info call (541) 261-2665
$6 members; $10 non-members
CATHEDRAL CITY
Wednesday, Cathedral City Senior Center, 37171 W. Buddy Rogers Ave.
Sifu Verna; for info call (541) 261-2665
4:30 p.m. Beginners; 5:30 p.m. Intermediate, Advanced
Membership required; $5 per class
RANCHO MIRAGE
Tuesday, Del Webb Rancho Mirage Clubhouse, 122 Claret
Sifu Catherine, for info call (760) 413-3432
12 p.m. Beginners
For DWRM residents only; register through Power of Fitness
Saturday, Sunnylands, 37977 Bob Hope Dr.
November 8, 2025 – April 25, 2026 (no class December 13, 2025)
Sifus of Tai Chi Circle of the Desert
10 a.m. Intro to Yang Family Form
No charge
PALM DESERT
Friday, Ivy Ranch Country Club Clubhouse, 74580 Varner Road
Sifu Maureen, for info call (760) 587-1738
9 a.m. Intermediate
10:15 Beginners
$6 per class
QIGONG
Friday, Cathedral City Senior Center, 37171 W. Buddy Rogers Ave.
Sifu Ron, for info call (760) 898-3705 or email: wewin.dc.rr@icloud.com
12 p.m., Membership required; $3 per class
Class Protocols
The following class protocols clarify the attitudes, behaviors, and performance standards that are expected from all who participate in classes taught by members of the Tai Chi Circle of the Desert. As a whole, they define the culture of our tai chi community.
- Evaluate self-performance and avoid the temptation to evaluate the performance of others.
- Acknowledge only what is practiced correctly in others and find what needs correction in one’s self.
- Refrain from attempting to teach Tai Chi before you are certified to do so.
- Model the code of honor and respect for self and for others in class and beyond.
- Find a teacher who can guide you to learn and demonstrate respect for that teacher in all learning situations.
- Respect the lineage of the form and all the masters who have brought it to you from the past.
- Be attentive and practice what is taught. Avoid the temptation to demonstrate what you have not practiced and do not understand. For it will always be evident that you do not understand and have not practiced.
- Practice and celebrate what you have learned while recognizing there is much that you have not yet learned.
- Be patient with yourself and honor your learning process and timeline. Be kind and supportive to others and honor their learning process and timeline.
- Remain true to yourself at all times and avoid the temptation to copy the form of another.
- Practice the form in your own way, consistent with your own ability level and unique learning style.
Teaching Philosophy
Tai Chi Circle of the Desert is dedicated to teaching Tai Chi to all who are interested in learning for as long as they want to learn and are willing to participate in their learning.
The practice of Tai Chi builds energy and increases joy. It is best learned and practiced in a relaxed class setting where everyone can celebrate where they are in the learning process.
It is the student’s responsibility to find a qualified teacher and to listen to and to cooperate with that teacher.
It is the teacher’s responsibility to recognize and honor the individual learning capacity and approach of each student and to adapt the teaching accordingly.
The art of teaching requires on-going learning on the part of the teacher.