What's New?
🐉Tai Chi Takes Stage at the 6th Toronto Dragon Festival 🐉🧘♀️🌆
On August 30th, 2025, as part of one of Toronto’s largest outdoor celebrations—the 6th Toronto Dragon Festival - Louise Liu joined four groups of Tai Chi enthusiasts for a captivating performance at Nathan Phillips Square.
The event featured demonstrations of Tai Chi and the elegant Tai Chi Kongfu Fan, showcasing the grace, discipline, and cultural richness of this ancient martial art. The performance draw a vibrant crowd, adding a peaceful yet powerful energy to the festival’s dynamic atmosphere. The event was hosted by the Canadian Association of Chinese Performing Arts.
A beautiful moment of movement, tradition, and community spirit in the heart of the city!
What's New?
✨Poetry Across Borders: A Tribute to Language and Collaboration ✨📖🌍
Anna Yin, Mississauga’s inaugural Poet Laureate (2015–2017), is the celebrated author of seven poetry collections, including her latest, Breaking Into Blossom (2025). She has also translated four poetry books, most notably Mirrors and Windows (2021), which explores the interplay between cultures and voices.
After receiving Heidi’s original work Stratford Gems and its translation by Louise Liu, Anna was inspired to write a beautiful new poem in response. When Louise translated her poem into Chinese, she thoughtfully revised the translation to more closely reflect her original intent and poetic nuance. Louise is deeply grateful for the sensitivity and respect shown in this exchange - proof that poetry, like friendship, flourishes through understanding.
What's New?
Discover Balance and Harmony through Tai Chi 🧘♂️🌿🌏
On July 16, 2025, as part of the Stratford Public Library’s Voices of the World series, Louise Liu led a one-hour introductory session on Tai Chi, inviting participants to explore its calming power and deep-rooted wisdom.
Throughout the session, she shared the many benefits of Tai Chi - from enhancing physical strength and flexibility to cultivating inner peace and mental clarity. Attendees were guided through the principles of practice and encouraged to experience the harmony and balance Tai Chi offers.
The event featured live demonstrations of the Tai Chi 24 Forms and the elegant Tai Chi Kongfu Fan, showcasing the beauty and discipline of this ancient martial art. Stratford Times featured this event, recognizing its impact in promoting wellness and cultural connection within the community. A truly enriching experience that brought movement, mindfulness, and multicultural spirit to life.
What's New?
🍁 Exploring Quebec:
A Virtual Journey Through Culture and Scenery 🍁
On Jun. 21, 2025, as part of the “Loving Canada” series, Louise Liu was invited to give a virtual presentation on Visiting Quebec. Drawing from her years of living in the province, she shared vivid stories about the charm of Quebec City, the vibrancy of Montreal, and the breathtaking landscapes of Gaspé.
The session highlighted Quebec’s rich traditions, unique cuisine, and cultural heritage - offering a personal and heartfelt glimpse into one of Canada’s most captivating regions.
The audience was highly engaged, asking many questions and expressing great interest in exploring this beautiful part of the country themselves.
The hour-long presentation was recorded and is available to watch on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QRwCSX4pEuo&t=3234s
What's New?
🌸✨Group Tai Chi Performance ✨🌸
The Tai Chi enthusiasts from Louise’s Tai Chi class at YMCA, SLAAA, City Hall and U of W came together for a special performance at Stratford City Hall Market Square, on May 25th, 2025. It was a part of the Africa and Caribbean Day Celebration, and the energy was simply electric!
It was a memorable experience—the movement, the spirit, the connection - all coming together in such a beautiful way. So grateful for everyone who participated and supported us!
#Multiculturalassociationofperthhuron #YMCAofthreeriver #YMCA #SLAAA, #Stratfordon #Taichi #visitstratfordon
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What's New?
Celebrating Heidi’s Poetry, Insights, and Bilingual Recitation 🌸📖🌏
As part of the Asian Heritage Month special event in May 2025, Heidi Sander and Louise Liu were invited to share reflections on Heidi’s work with a virtual audience of Chinese poetry enthusiasts.
The hour-long session featured thoughtful insights into Heidi’s creative process, as well as a candid discussion on the challenges of translating poetry across languages and cultures. Both speakers recited selections of Heidi’s poems in English and Chinese, offering a moving experience of bilingual artistry.
The event was recorded and is available to watch on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L3nKin445A8&t=42s
A beautiful celebration of poetry, language, and cultural connection—thank you to everyone who joined us!
What's New?
Bridging Culture Through Poetry 🌍📖🎶
What a memorable and inspiring event it was at the Stratford Public Library on April 5, 2025! Despite the rain, over 50 passionate art lovers gathered to celebrate the power of poetry, translation, and cultural exchange.
The event featured a dynamic conversation moderated by Bruce Pitkin, who guided Heidi Sander and Louise Liu through thought-provoking discussions on art, culture, and the nuances of translating poetry. Their insights sparked meaningful dialogue with the audience, who eagerly joined in with questions and reflections.
Poems were read aloud in both English and Chinese, bringing the beauty of bilingual expression to life. A book signing followed, where attendees connected personally with the creators. A special thanks to Jane who recited one of the translated poems in Chinese, accompanied by a soulful Erhu performance by Mr. Niu, both from Waterloo.
Events like this remind us how poetry can transcend borders and bring communities together. Thank you to everyone who made it so special!
What's New?
Art, Poetry, and Multiculturalism in Motion 🎨📖🌏
To celebrate the publication of the Chinese Translation of Stratford Gems, an interactive art exhibition was held at the auditorium of Stratford Public Library from March 3 to April 12, 2025.
One special moment during the exhibition was the visit from a group of students and their teacher from Nancy Campbell Academy. They engaged in meaningful conversations with author Heidi Sander, translator Louise Liu and brought fresh perspectives to the exhibit by creating their own interpretations of the poems and photographs on display.
Their contributions added a vibrant new layer to the artwork - highlighting the beauty of cultural diversity and the power of creative expression. Watching these young minds connecting with art with such depth and passion, was truly inspiring.
What's New?
🌟 Tai Chi Intermediate Class 🌟
Great news for all Tai Chi enthusiasts!
Since the Tai Chi Beginner's Class started in May 2024 at YMCA of the Three Rivers, many have eagerly awaited the next level.
Well, the wait is over! 🎉 Starting February 4, 2025, join us for the Tai Chi (II) Intermediate Class!
The class will be delivered by Louise, the same instructor who has been teaching the Beginner's Class.
It will be held once a week on Mondays, from 2:15 PM to 3:15 PM at YMCA Stratford location.
Don't miss this opportunity to deepen your Tai Chi practice and enhance your well-being. See you there!
For the Tai Chi Beginner's Class, you can still register at stratford.ca/trytaichi
What's New?
🌸✨ A Celebration of Culture, Movement, and Poetry! ✨🌸
On February 1, 2025, Louise and a passionate group of Tai Chi enthusiasts wowed the crowd with a graceful Tai Chi and Tai Chi Fan demonstration at the vibrant Spring Festival celebration hosted by the university alumni association in the Toronto area! 🌟🎭
Adding to the magic of the evening, Louise also shared the beauty of language by reading her Chinese translation of an English poem from the poetic and photographic book, Stratford Gems—a heartfelt moment that connected cultures through the power of words. 📖💫
It was an unforgettable event filled with energy, artistry, and cultural harmony! 🎶🌏
Thanks to Heidi Sander for allowing me to work on her beautiful poetry book. It was an incredibly rewarding experience to translate it, and even more enjoyable to share it with the audience.
#TaiChi #SpringFestival #CulturalConnection #PoetryInMotion #StratfordGems
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On January 26, 2025, Louise had an amazing time at the 8th Chinese University Alumni Joint Spring Festival Gala in the main auditorium at the Living Arts Centre in Mississauga.
It was fantastic to be part of such a dedicated and vibrant group! The group performed a dynamic Tai Chi Fan set!
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On January 19, 2025, Louise joined the Chinese New Year celebration hosted by the Waterloo Region Chinese Canadian Association at University of Waterloo's Hagey Hall. It was wonderful to perform the Tai Chi with a group of enthusiastic participants!
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Practicing Tai Chi with Louise
✨ Stratford City Hall Auditorium: Tai Chi Beginner Class ✨
To register: stratford.ca/trytaichi
Every Tuesday 7pm to 8pm, from Jan. 14, 2025 to May 27, 2025
✨ Stratford Lakeside Active Adults Association: Tai Chi Beginner Class ✨
To register: https://www.stratford.ca/en/play-here/adult-recreation-55.aspx
Every Friday 9:30am to 10:30am, from Jan. 10, 2025 to May 30, 2025
✨ University of Waterloo SEF: Tai Chi Beginner Class ✨
To register: https://warrior.uwaterloo.ca/Program
Every Tuesday 12pm to 12:50pm, from Jan. 7, 2025 to April 29, 2025
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✨ What an incredible day at the Fitness JAM 2024 event hosted by Southwestern YMCA on Nov. 3, 2024! ✨
Sheldon Guy’s speech was nothing short of inspirational – a true testament to perseverance and overcoming challenges. 🌟 Check out his amazing story here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_tfpdlyzM-I. Huge thanks to @05Sheldon for sharing your journey with us! 🙌
Louise had the pleasure of co-hosting a packed Eight Pieces of Brocade Qigong workshop with her amazing colleague, Courtney. The energy in the room was electric! ⚡️
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Louise and award-winning poet Heidi Sander delivered a mesmerizing performance at the Bandshell in Upper Queen's Park on Oct. 5, 2024. The event featured a captivating poetry reading accompanied by a peaceful Tai Chi performance. Louise also dazzled the audience with a stunning Tai Chi GongFu Fan demonstration.
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The "Try Tai Chi" class at 7:30 pm was so popular that it filled up quickly! Due to high demand, we added a 6:15 pm class, which also filled up in no time. Classes run from Sept. 29 to Dec. 8, 2024 at the City Hall Auditorium. Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity!
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University of Waterloo
Chinese Martial Arts Club
The Fall Tai Chi class with Louise is starting.
Wednesdays, 3:30 - 5:00 PM @PAC Studio 3
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Louise captivated the audience with a graceful Tai Chi demonstration at the SLAAA Open House on September 7, 2024, sparking interest in the upcoming "Try Tai Chi" Class.
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Louise and her YMCA class performed a wonderful Tai Chi demonstration at the Stratford City Hall Auditorium on Friday, August 16, 2024. The room was packed, and the performance received very positive feedback from many in attendance!
Huge thanks to the City of Stratford, local Chinese Community and YMCA!
What's New?
Tai Chi Class with Instructor Louise, Wednesdays, 3:30 - 5:00 PM (July - Aug. 2024)
@PAC Studio 1, University of Waterloo
What's New?
Tai Chi with Louise - Mondays and Fridays, 1:15pm - 2:15 pm, Stratford YMCA
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