Chicago Tai Chi Student Spotlight:
Mahdi Dadrass and Ali Freier
Today we shine our Student Spotlight on West Loop residents Mahdi Dadrass and Alison (Ali) Freier.
Madhi and Ali enjoying dramatic scenery in Banff.
Mahdi and Ali—the hard working couple
Mahdi and Ali epitomize a hard working, and at times, over-scheduled, couple.
Ali divides her work life between three main occupations—fashion modeling (Wilhelmina Agency), ice skating instruction and coaching (Chicago's renown Johnny's Icehouse), and pursuit of a degree in Applied Psychology at University of Illinois at Chicago.
Ali also volunteers for Simply From the Heart, an organization focused on provided extra pampering and care for Chicagoland hospital patients.
Ali engaging young skaters as a teacher and coach and....
...engaging the camera as a fashion model.
Mahdi is an entrepreneur with a primary focus on childhood education, serving as CEO/ Executive Director of South Loop Montessori School, American Montessori Academy and Northbrook Montessori School.
Covid-19 has delivered a seemingly endless sequence of challenges for leaders in childhood education. Mahdi has responded with impressive energy and imagination. Mahdi and South Loop Montessori were recently featured on Chicago's NBC5 as an approved child care location for pandemic workers.
Mahdi and South Loop Montessori on NBC5.
To watch the short NBC5 feature, click here.
Mahdi and Ali—Enjoying Tai Chi and Qigong as a couple
Mahdi and Ali enjoy Tai Chi as a couple, joining Head Instructor Chris Cinnamon for a weekly private lesson. They find time for practicing together when they can between lessons. Their practice currently focuses on the Wu Style Short Form and the Marriage of Heaven & Earth Qigong.
Ali says, "We love experiencing Tai Chi and Qigong together. It allows us both to reset during our busy weeks. It's also a way we grow together and connect further as a couple."
Mahdi reports, "I look forward to our weekly private sessions. It provides a space where we both can release the stress of work, become grounded, and reset our energy. Plus, Tai Chi can be challenging, requiring relaxed focus, presence, and a level of body awareness well beyond most types of exercise."
Here's a short clip of Mahdi and Ali action. Wonderfully synchronized, don't you think?
Ali—an Elite Athlete discovers the benefits of Tai Chi
For 10 years, Ali trained and competed as a figure skater, ultimately joining the top 20 female skaters in the country on the US Nationals Team.
Ali says, "The training was intense. I experienced a lot of pounding in my knees and back. I had to stop competing after sustaining a stress fracture in my back, requiring several months in a brace to heal."
"Tai Chi has brought a new awareness to my body, helping me release chronic tightness around injured areas, regaining mobility and reducing pain."
Mahdi—an on-the-go CEO adds Tai Chi to his toolbox
Leading multiple Montessori schools keeps Mahdi's days full. Business strategy, school operations, teacher and staff recruiting, marketing, communications, budgeting, finance, and more require Mahdi's attention as CEO.
Covid-19 has impacted all aspects of the business, requiring major adjustments to established plans, all while remaining sensitive to the challenging circumstances facing teachers, staff, and families.
Mahdi says, "In normal circumstances, growing our Montessori schools is both demanding and immensely satisfying. Covid-19 has added multiple layers of change, challenge, uncertainty, and time demands. It's been hard."
"I'm focused on guiding our business and community through these challenging times. Often that feels like much more than a full time job."
"What I love most about Tai Chi practice is how it provides a welcome space in my life as a busy CEO. It's my 'meditation in motion', helping me find more energy, balance, and harmony. All that helps me maintain a clear and grounded mental and physical foundation from which to deal with the dynamic and, at times, chaotic, changes of business and life."
Mahdi and Ali—Recommendations for beginners
We asked Mahdi and Ali what they would say to someone thinking about starting Tai Chi.
Mahdi says, "Promise yourself this—the next time you think about starting Tai Chi, right then, call Chicago Tai Chi. Set up your first appointment or class. Don't put it off. The sooner you start, the sooner you'll begin to experience the powerful benefits of Tai Chi for your body and mind."
Ali says, "I encourage current and former athletes to explore Tai Chi. It provides a movement practice that challenges you without pounding the body. Plus, you'll discover new ways to feel, move, and even heal your body."
On that, we'll close.
Thanks to Mahdi and Ali for sharing their insights!
Mahdi and Ali enjoying a mountain top moment in Banff.
That's all for now.
Sincerely,
Chris Cinnamon, JD, MS
Certified Exercise Physiologist
Head Instructor
Author,Tai Chi for Knee Health
Elizabeth Moss, MS
Director of Content and Social Media
Illustrator, Tai Chi for Knee Health
Annelise Senkowski, BS, BFA
Studio Manager
Instructor
Ed Rice, JD
Instructor
Available on Amazon