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Performance Review:

Spirit Wind Martial & Internal Arts "Paints the Wind"
at Tuscarora Indian Nation

September 2004

By Susan Griskonis

Spirit Wind Martial & Internal Arts performed at EhkhweHehWeh on the Tuscarora Indian Nation Reservation for the semi-annual Spiritual Weekend festival on Sunday, September 26th, 2004. The group performed the show under a clear, sunny sky, closing a year long running of Sifu Chik Mason's martial arts dance creation "Painting the Wind," for enthusiastic fans. Having performed this show in cultural festivals and gatherings in Western New York and at beautiful venues like the Downward Dog yoga center in Toronto, ON, the Buffalo performers and musicians felt a chapter of their performances come to a close. The event also served as a reunion for the Buffalo students and their teacher.

Sifu Chik Mason recently returned to Buffalo, NY to make his home for the next few years after teaching classes, workshops and immersing himself in the culture and arts in Chinatown, Toronto. Students from Philadelphia and Buffalo traveled many times throughout his stay in Toronto to continue their studies and simply be with their teacher. During his deeply felt absence, the Buffalo crew performed shows and the Philadelphia group organized and opened a new center; having to guide and direct themselves, based on his teachings.

The show opened with Thai Chi Chu'an. In an X formation, Sifu Chik Mason, Si Hing Martial Knight, Dylan Kirk, Sarah Serrianne, Susan Griskonis and Sara Qureshi synchronized movements in the grass. Musicians, Fran Egan on violin, Jeremy Jungels on Didgeridoo and Jason Pfaff on drums created music, capturing the essence of these art forms as only talented, connected musicians can do. The festival gathered on chairs, blankets and the hillside behind the performance to watch. The sky was incredibly blue; the sun was intense and direct. TaWehDahkWeh, host of the festival, was in attendance.

Lao Jia Chu'an, the Old Frame Form, followed without pause after Thai Chi, with the 3 women bowing and gathering off to the side while their Si Hing and Sifu intensified the energy in focused forceful blows and flows of the form. One of the most powerful aspects of Sifu Mason's form and teachings is the continuous movement and flow. His performances have historically harnessed this philosophy not only in the individual pieces but in the actual structure of the shows. His latest creation, to be revealed at the Unitarian Universalist Church in Buffalo, New York sometime this coming Spring, will intensify this tradition through the linking choreography throughout the show.

Enthusiastic observers were still applauding when Sarah Serrianne and Susan Griskonis bowed in respect to each other; Fran's violin sounded and began the Crane form. Under Sifu Mason's direction, the Crane form is a fusion of ancient and modern choreography. A Three part performance, the first and third are performed in a circle and are the creation of Sifu Mason. The second part, Crane Meets Snake and Two Cranes Dancing in the Wind (Hao Fei Fung Chu An), was performed with precision and power in the afternoon heat. The synchronicity and focus between these women reveals a connection like that of two musicians, leading and following each other, the distinction blurred.

After a short break, Sara Qureshi has returned to performances. Following Crane, in her first performed duet upon her return, she mirrored the Swimming Dragon form, Lien Huan Chang, beautifully with Sifu Chik Mason. Having trained intensely together and well known for their powerful Tiger duet, their connection remains deep, strong and vibrant, which is felt on, as well as off, the grassy stage. Drums and Didgeridoo interpreted the water like flow of their form as the crowd grew around them.

Sarah, Susan and Sara joined thereafter in a triangle formation for the Tiger form. Performed twice, once slow and once fast, the form is intense, with hurricane kicks, powerful tiger paw strikes and a cultivated strength needed in and out of the unrelenting sun. The second, faster round was pumping with drums, didgeridoo and a ferocity infused in the performers faces and bodies. Many in the audience spoke of receiving the intense energy in this form, performed by these 3 powerful women, for the first time together.

Dylan Kirk, Sifu Mason's top Buffalo student and a local Martial and Internal Arts Instructor, performed the Spirit Wind form Shen Fung Chang with precision and flow. Dylan's form is clean, clear and woven with a deep respect for his education. His adherence to important details and tone instructs as well as entertains. One can do nothing more than simply watch in awe and respect of such training, as the other students and the audience were observed doing.

As a Sufi, as well as a Sifu, Chik Mason integrates Whirling, an ancient form of meditation in which monks whirl for hours, into his performances. Both historically and personally powerful, Sufi Mason would observe this technique as a young child. In the final piece, the group synchronized themselves in lighthearted whirling as well as Fran's trademark violin, closing with Eight Old Palms and deep bows to the audience and musicians.

The audience celebrated and gathered close as the drums continued and Sifu Mason and his students answered questions and received their enthusiastic observers. The sun was still hot, the sky remained clear and people were brought together in entertainment and education about these important ancient arts.

Under Sifu Chik Mason's creation and direction, his students and musicians are currently rehearsing a complicated yet fluid weave of Kung Fu, story telling and dance for a powerful performance to educate and entertain audiences in the Spring of 2004.