Open Workshops in Vocal Tai Chi
The workshops run from 2pm – 6pm on Sunday afternoons in Crouch End, N London.
In 2009 Jenni asked herself a question, ‘how can I improvise while meditating? Vocal Tai Chi was her answer.
Vocal Tai Chi is a vocal improvisation practice, rooted in a slow, grounded yet flowing bodywork practice – inspired by Tai Chi, while working with vocal improvisation, drone, modal scales and an inquiry into the vast array of timbres the voice holds, in the service of authentic vocal expression, artistic journey and healing process.
The taster workshops in Vocal Tai Chi are a basic introduction to the principles and practice of Vocal Tai Chi – “a voice-life practice for the whole self.”
This is a single afternoon workshop, all comers are welcome, for refreshers, or to taste for the first time. Come to one, or come to more than one.
These are stand alone sessions, but can be used as a stepping stone towards one to one sessions with Jenni or another practitioner and the Apprenticeship in Vocal Tai Chi – start date TBC, when a group has formed.
(5 practitioners were certified in September 2023 to practice Vocal Tai Chi with groups and individuals.)
The afternoon is divided in two: group work 2pm-4pm, and (creatively witnessed) individual work 4pm – 6pm. Creative witnessing is an active response practice to your fellow workshop participant as they work on their solo voice with Jenni. It is like witness-learning. Each participant will have a solo session during the taster workshop and all will be witnessed in this way.
“ I think Jenni managed to find a very good balance between following a well thought out course structure, whilst being very open to how the energy of the group might take things in a different direction.” Damien.
Full payment in advance. Book via eventbrite,
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/…/vocal-tai-chi-taster…
Small group so space limited.
The workshop starts with check-in from each person and goes on to warm up the voice and body, the mind and the heart during the first half of the workshop. Exercises focus on integrating the body with the voice through simple explorations, often rooted in Tai Chi and vocally drawing on a number of different techniques and traditions, including voice movement therapy, indigenous singing practices and extended vocal techniques. The work is suitable for all – and the group often consists of a mix of those with less and those with more experience – both levels benefiting from each other. “You took us on an amazing journey through our unconscious and wild parts to bring out our individual creativity and expression. A fantastic blend of attention to the group process as well as our individual development. Insightful and intuitive understanding of what each of us and the group needed. I found a strength of being and confidence in my creativity that I didn’t know I had. Thank you.” Kate A, participant in the Winter School 2015.