Phoenix Moves
In this performance, the opening movement is in Wuji stance with hands crossed in front of the lower Dantian. This symbolises emptiness as we try to still the mind.
From there we begin Heaven and Earth Rotation as we form the ball in front in preparation for turning.
When we perform Ward Off to the Left in this set, we firstly form the ball before turning it to represent the earth turning. As we move into the ward off position, it represents our journey around the Sun.
As we step into perform Ward Off to the Right, the ball does not rotate and when we step out to the right to continue, it represents the moon rotation around the earth. From this point, our arms and body swings to the left with open palm. Bringing rain clouds before turning the palm inward, open the arms and stepping in then back. We step back for the rain to fall as we sweep lower turning the body right, and open the arms for the oceans to fill. A final act of the sun and moon rotation.
The next move, Tide Splashes The Thrusting River, is when the soft palm of the open right arm becomes the river. It pushes its way toward where soft open palm of the left hand (rising tide) is closing in and they both meet as the front leg steps back in.
The final move for Phoenix Level One is Mist Turning Pearl. Stepping out to a wider stance on the left, our left arm sweeps across, drawing in the mist to cover the valley floor. The right arm then sweeps across, causing turbulence as the palm turns up and crosses wrists. Circle the wrists, open the arms slightly, lift and turn the palms over to push gently towards the corner and step in. Settling the mist as it turns to a pearl luminance. That concludes level one.
The video below is in reverse image so you can try it while facing the screen and mirror the movements.
