Dịch
U.S. East Coast Summer Retreat
Tai Chi at Goucher College
Relax, Revitalize, Recenter
June 7th – 13th, 2026
in Towson, MD
We are excited to announce that the US 2026 East Coast Summer Retreat will be held at Goucher College in Towson, Maryland, just north of Baltimore.
Goucher’s lovely campus has a blend of open space and tree coverage, and everything is within an easy 5-minute (or less) walk. We will be staying in a new dormitory complex built in 2018 called “First Year Village” which is centrally located to all the athletic, dining and workspaces that we will need.
This retreat is a wonderful opportunity to join in the camaraderie of a diverse group of participants and enjoy an immersive experience of all that tai chi has to offer. Tai chi movements can help calm our emotions, focus the mind, strengthen our immune system and support our overall health and well-being.
Our teaching team will be led by a team of esteemed Legacy Holders and other senior teachers who bring decades of experience and guidance to all students and apprentices. We’ll have classes for all levels, from new beginners to those who are experienced tai chi players.
This year brings two NEW offerings:
On Apprentice Day the teaching team is excited to host a two hour hybrid live/online session with Vincent Zee, giving people staying in the US an opportunity to share the experience of his work. Attendees will also receive access to the video recording.
Also new and offered to everyone during the week is, “Tai Chi Games for Adults”, a very fun way to learn Tai Chi principles. These games remind us that it is never too late to play!
Every day we will have the opportunity to have shared practice rounds for everyone, which supports our connection as a community and integrates our increasing knowledge. You are encouraged to listen to your body, take time for yourself and do as much or as little as you wish.
Goucher College Campus
What You’ll Experience At Our Retreat
Form Classes
The Tai Chi Foundation has developed a well-established path to learning the tai chi form – a unique curriculum of progressive courses. We teach in teams, so there is always someone to follow as you turn, and two teachers to watch, listen to and learn from. Guided classes will be offered for both new Beginning Form students and classes for continuing levels to fine tune and deepen your practice.
Qigong and Meditation
In addition to the form work, there will be sitting meditation and relaxation practices, including qigong – simple movements combined with relaxed breathing that help to cultivate and balance our life energy for better mental and physical health. You may also enjoy taking advantage of the peaceful walking labyrinth on campus for private contemplation.
Advanced Classes for those eligible
Push Hands classes
We work in a positive interactive way to integrate the choreography of the form with the soft “listening” skills required to balance one’s energy with a partner.
Sword Form and Fencing
Moving forward with both fundamental and more advanced practice.
Teacher Apprenticeships
Available with enough interest. Please note your requests in the registration form.
Additional Offerings
Time in the Art
Enhance your awareness with classes taught by experienced teachers and suitable for all levels of tai chi students. These cover a wide range of topics, including tai chi principles and often focus on a specific theme or component within the form to help enrich your personal experience.
This year look for a NEW class – “Tai Chi Games for Adults”. These games were originally adapted to teach Tai Chi Principles to children through play. Over time, we discovered that adults benefit from them just as much. For adults, these games also develop awareness of yourself, of what is happening behind you, of the people around you, and of the shared space. They refine listening, open new perspectives, and bring lightness to your day.
Special Presentations
Members of the community present on topics which draw from the five excellences of Professor Cheng Man ch’ing: painting, calligraphy, poetry, traditional Chinese medicine, and tai chi chuan. We may also have films of the Professor and other wellness offerings.
Hawaiian Swimming Class
Hawaiian swimming is swimming in a state of calmness, moving through water with tai chi principles. We move freely from our center and feel the energy of the water with our whole body, focusing on breathing and relaxing as we swim. Our founder Patrick Watson was trained from master Hawaiian swimmers in the 1960’s and passed on the knowledge to our teachers. We honor and continue to teach people this complementary art. Additional cost required, please see the registration form.
Open Swim Time
Give yourself the treat of some relaxing time in the water on a summer day! We have reserved Goucher’s indoor pool for an open swim time for one hour in the late afternoon, Monday through Friday. This will be available to all retreat participants at no extra cost.
Student Dates
Teacher Dates
About Goucher College
Goucher College is located at 1021 Dulaney Valley Road, Towson, Maryland 21204 about eight miles north of the center of Baltimore.
Just down the street from Goucher, the vibrant college town of Towson offers a blend of convenience and city-like energy, with live music venues, cafes and international cuisine, and a large shopping mall alongside local boutiques.
Housing
Goucher College offers a modern comfortable experience. There is easy parking and close access to the residences. The dorms are new, filled with light and large enough that everyone can stay in the same building. They are equipped with elevators, adjustable air conditioning, comfortable lounges, full kitchens and two sets of lavatories on each floor.
Dining
The Dining Facility is run by Bon Appetite and has great reviews for its broad culinary choices and high quality. The building is glass walled with several seating options including outdoors. Please let us know if you have any specific dietary needs in the registration form.
Workspaces
Workspaces include two multi-purpose rooms, the Welsh Gym and a beautiful medium-sized wood floor dance studio.
How To Arrive
By car: Motorists approaching Goucher College from any direction are advised to take the Baltimore Beltway (I-695), leaving it at exit 27A-Towson (Dulaney Valley Road south). The college entrance is on the left, one-half block from exit 27A.
By train: All passenger trains arrive at Pennsylvania Station in Downtown Baltimore. A taxi from the station to Goucher College takes approximately 20 minutes.
By plane: Limousine service from Baltimore-Washington International Airport to local hotels is available and takes approximately 45 minutes. Taxicab, ride share and rental car services are available. There is also low-cost light rail service from BWI to Hunt Valley (Lutherville), but you will need taxi or ride share service from there – approximately 15 minutes away.
Once you have registered you will be sent a confirmation email, followed later with a welcome letter with more details and information.
If you have questions, please contact Lee Felton at blueridgetaichi@gmail.com .
We look forward to seeing you at another wonderful Summer Retreat!
Blue Ridge Tai Chi, and the Summer Retreat Team
Lee Felton, Susan Dunlap, Charlotte Zinsser Booth, Anna Teeples, Fran Snyder
Register early and, if applicable, apply for Professional Development Support as soon as possible to secure your spot and maximize your chances of receiving financial support.
Click here to learn more about our Professional Development Support.