Taï Chi Chuan is a slow-motion, moving meditative exercise for relaxation, health and self-defense.

Elvira Hoffmann from Germany and living in Monaco, found passion for this ancient Chinese art back in 1994. The perfect harmony and calm consciousness is what inspired her to develop the skills that allowed her then to teach others.

"Taï Chi is a form of discipline, a way of life." Elvira says.

She was taught by Mijo Boulet-Crovetto, the ex-champion of France and Phuc van Nguyen, a specialist in the art of Chen Man Ching and the Zhi Neng Qi-gong - all forms of the same art.

The movements of Taï Chi are based on those of martial arts but focuses more on the energetic part and fuses concentration and flexibility. This helps to de-stress and unwind what Elvira calls the 'mental merry-go-round'.

For her,  Taï-Chi-Chuan became a way to recharge and stay balanced. It is indeed a "philosophy", Elvira states. Taï-Chi-Chuan then encouraged Elvira to go on and study Chinese Medecine.

After ten years of theory and studying, Elvira Hoffman began teaching Taï-Chi-Chuan to eager students.

Elvira has joined Anette Shine and her Sunshine Team at the Monte Carlo Bay Hotel and helps people through Taï-Chi to find inner balance and to create a new energy.

Elvira shares Anette's beliefs by quoting the Chinese proverb:  "Teachers open the doors but you must enter yourself."

Elvira Hoffmann teaches Taï-Chi-Chuan every Tuesday: 10.30 am - 12.00 pm and Saturday: 9.00 am - 10.30 am at Monte Carlo Bay.

Elvira Hoffmann and Anette Shine