Tai Chi and Dance Tutor

Mrs. Li studied at the GuangDong Research Institute of Culture and History under the esteemed Master Yang Xinlung, where she trained in guqin, Tai Chi, Chinese opera, and choreography. Master Yang, a prominent figure, was the President of the GuangDong Guqin Association and the Honorary President of the GuangDong Chin Woo Athletic Association. He also taught martial arts at the Shanghai Chin Woo Athletic Association in his youth.

After graduating, Mrs. Li worked at the Guangdong Radio Station and the Guangdong Symphonic Orchestra. She retired from performing after the birth of her first daughter and, from 1975, shifted her focus to arts and culture work in the Liwan District, where she served as the Cultural Director in charge of performance arts. During this period, Master Yang continued to mentor her in Tai Chi and guqin.

In 1983, Mrs. Li moved to Liverpool with her husband and has since been dedicated to teaching, demonstrating, and performing various Chinese arts. Her Tai Chi students, ranging in age from 20 to 80, with some having been her students for over 20 years. Utilizing her opera and choreography skills, Mrs. Li created a new Tai Chi sword form, “The Dragon Sword,” combining sword dance’s long tassel movement with Tai Chi sword techniques to enhance qi circulation and provide a visually appealing performance.

Mrs. Li’s accomplishments extend beyond teaching. In 2008, she was nominated by her students for the Liverpool Daily Post’s ‘Women of the Year Awards,’ winning in the sport and leisure category. Her dance group has performed extensively across the UK and recently visited the Chinese Community Centre in Vancouver. As a choreographer, she tailors movements to suit her students’ varying standards and abilities.

Mrs. Li is involved in a Tai Chi tutor training pilot scheme, preparing her advanced students to become independent Tai Chi instructors. Additionally, she offers calligraphy and paper cutting workshops as part of her cultural outreach efforts. Her dedication to community and youth work was recognized with an MBE honor.

Mrs. Li continues to inspire and educate, sharing her vast knowledge and passion for Chinese arts and culture with diverse communities.