About Us
About Us
Movement In Mind is a wellbeing practice based in Nantwich, Cheshire, offering Tai Chi, Qi Gong and mindful movement in a welcoming, community-focused environment. Our approach combines traditional movement practices with contemporary knowledge of health, wellbeing and body awareness, helping people develop lifelong skills that support everyday life.
Meet the Team
Movement In Mind is led by Shirley Brocklehurst and Tony Carr.
Together we bring a unique combination of experience in Tai Chi, Qi Gong, movement, health and wellbeing. While our backgrounds are different, we share the same belief: movement should be welcoming, accessible and something people can enjoy throughout life.
Although we often teach together, we each bring our own strengths to the programme. Shirley naturally approaches Tai Chi as a teacher, helping people understand the principles behind the movements and encouraging curiosity and self-awareness. Tony describes himself as an instructor—a role that reflects both his practical approach and his background as a military instructor. He has a gift for breaking movements down into manageable steps, helping people develop confidence through clear guidance and gentle encouragement.
We regularly swap classes so that participants experience both teaching styles. We believe this enriches learning, offering different perspectives while providing a consistent, supportive approach throughout the programme.
Meet Shirley
Hello, I’m Shirley Brocklehurst, founder of Movement In Mind and principal practitioner within the wellbeing programme.
My professional life has been centred on movement for over forty years, beginning with my training as a dance teacher and evolving through dance, movement education, Dance Movement Psychotherapy, Tai Chi and Qi Gong.Today, I’m a registered Dance Movement Psychotherapist with a Master’s degree in Dance Movement Psychotherapy. My approach brings together traditional Tai Chi and Qi Gong with contemporary understanding of body awareness, nervous system regulation and embodied wellbeing. I’ve trained extensively in both traditional and adapted Tai Chi, Medical Qi Gong and postural stability, and I continue to develop my practice through ongoing professional training, research and reflective practice.
Above all, I believe movement should be accessible, enjoyable and sustainable. My aim is to create a welcoming space where people can learn at their own pace, discover the benefits of regular practice and develop skills that support lifelong wellbeing.
Alongside Movement In Mind, I work as a practitioner, educator and supervisor, contributing to university teaching, professional training and research projects. My experience spans therapeutic, educational and community settings, supporting people of all ages and abilities to move with greater confidence, awareness and ease.
Professional Background
- Registered Dance Movement Psychotherapist (ADMP UK)
- Master’s Degree in Dance Movement Psychotherapy
- Qualified in traditional and adapted Tai Chi
- Qualified in Medical Qi Gong
- Qualified Postural Stability Instructor (FaME & Otago)
- Associate Tutor at Edge Hill University and the University of Salford
- Regional Coordinator, ADMP UK North West
- Arts for the Blues trainer and supervisor
Movement In Mind has grown from over twenty years of working with movement in therapeutic, educational and community settings. Rather than separating Tai Chi, Qi Gong and movement therapy into different disciplines, I draw on the strengths of each to create a thoughtful, evidence-informed approach that supports lifelong wellbeing.
Meet Tony
I’m very fortunate to be supported by my ‘lovely assistant’ (his words!), Tony Carr.
Tony teaches alongside me at Movement In Mind and plays an important role in creating the welcoming, supportive atmosphere that our participants value.
After a career in the NHS, Tony now says he’s “busier than ever” in retirement. Alongside teaching Tai Chi and Qi Gong, he supports our in-person classes, regularly works with beginners in smaller groups and currently leads our online practice sessions while I complete my postgraduate studies.
Tony has trained in traditional Tai Chi and Medical Qi Gong and has additional knowledge supporting people living with Parkinson’s, dementia and mental health challenges. His calm, encouraging approach and quiet sense of humour help people feel at ease from their very first class.
Before working in the NHS, Tony served in the military and still jokes that he’s a former “lifter of heavy things.” These days, he’s much happier helping people discover the benefits of moving with greater ease, balance and confidence.
Together, we are Movement in Mind!
