THE serene figures dancing a slow motion ballet in unison through the crisp morning air could be from ancient China – were it not for the ski gloves.

For this is a frosty Southend and the men and women moving precisely through a series of steps that some have perfected for years are the Milton Community Partnership tai chi class.

Just as in parks across the Far East, the group meets at the cliff top gardens to practice the Chinese martial art at 8am every Sunday in all but the most hostile weather.

Jane Sealy, 71, who has attended the class for about six years, said: “We can look out over the estuary. It’s a fantastic view.

“We can hear the sound of the birds and when we used to hold the class further along, where they are digging the foundations for the new museum, we could hear the fountain in Prittlewell Square and the rustling of the leaves in trees.”

Each class, led by Kim Shead and Barbara O'Brien, starts with the “eight treasures" – breathing exercises that help the practitioners prepare their bodies and mind.

They then go through eight static poses, standing motionless like a tree as they clear their minds.

The instructors finally take them through a series of steps, moving their arms, legs, hands and feet precisely, like a slow, stoic dance.

Kim and Barbara teach a “yang” style, following master John Ding, demonstrating new steps each week. Beginners learn a simplified 24 steps before having the chance to progress to the full traditional form, which has more than 140.

The class is also shown the fighting moves from which each step is taken.

The Chinese use tai chi as a form of exercise and meditation as part of a more eastern, holistic understanding of the body and health and Kim says it is good for relaxation, stress relief and improving mobility and strength.

He said: “The wonderful thing about tai chi is it’s good for exercise and especially for older people, for balance and strength.”

Mrs Sealy, who started practicing the martial art in 1995 after a friend was recommended it to help her recover from whiplash, certainly reports feeling the benefit.

She said: “Tai chi is the only thing that calms my mind yet leaves me feeling invigorated and ready to face whatever the rest of the day brings.

“Practising the moves strengthens my legs which is particularly important since I have elderly knees.”

The mixed-ability class has about half a dozen regulars with more turning up at different points of the year.

Each 90 minute class costs £5. The Milton Community Partnership, which was set up to improve the lives of people living and working in Milton Ward, guarantees a payment to the instructors in case numbers are low one week.

To join the class meet at Prittlewell Square at 8am or call Kim on 07905614899.