Tai chi

Group tai chi on the lawn of a Shanghai park, October 2011 A class spreads out across open grass under tall trees, following the teacher at the front through the same slow form a beat behind. This is how much of Shanghai's tai chi is learned: a regular spot in a city park, a leader who sets the pace and students mirroring each move. The soft lawn suits the low, rooted stances, and the loose rows leave space for a newcomer to watch from the side before stepping in.