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“I have attended several of RedSquare’s exotic tea ceremonies, and each time have enjoyed a calm awakening of my senses and spirit. I have learned more about tea, its history, its beauty, and its complex taste every time. RedSquare’s professionalism, knowledge of tea, and attention to detail in the ceremonial elements are impressive. Each step, from the preparation of water, selection of the proper tea for the guests or the occasion, introduction and history of the tea, and its preparation for drinking are based on tremendous knowledge and respect for the origins of the ceremonial presentation of tea. I have come to appreciate the beauty in her artistic preparation and presentation of tea, which she conducts in a delicate and precise manner. The ceremonies are presented in a beautiful and elegant way that invites appreciation of the art and joy of tea. RedSquare has a demeanor and beauty that shows in every aspect of her presentation and service of tea. She demonstrates impressively, her mastery of the art and a respect for the traditions and history of tea that originated thousands of years ago. I have learned to really appreciate tea from her ceremonies, and always look forward to the next experience. I highly recommend it.” – Aaron R
“Last week’s tea ceremony was absolutely wonderful.
As I mentioned I had been having a bit of a rough week, thinking about the meaning of life.
By being with you and Scott and drinking tea together,
I was really able to savor the present moment. My whole outlook changed and I have been so much more centered since then.
Thank you!”
- Melanie Barker
NEOILLUSION TEAISM
TESTIMONIALS
“RedSquare’s Tea Ceremony
is a work of art.
Her every motion is defined
by grace and mindfulness.
Even before the tea is prepared,
I find balance and artistry in the way she has laId out her tea table. She has placed each tray, each cup, each pastry so as to create a beautiful tea landscape of color and shapes.
As I watch her intently pour hot water over the cups and teapot to heat them, delicately spoon the dry, tight tea leaves into the teapot, delightfully open the leaves with a stream of water and steam, rinse the leaves to make their fresh aroma release into the room, expertly steep the tea with a deep connection to the time and temperature that this particular tea needs, and then pour the golden nectar into each tiny cup, I feel the stillness that comes when experiencing something that is deeply beautiful and rich. It is like a meditation, as if time has stretched.
RedSquare is truly a master of her art, as one might imagine masters of old. Her knowledge of tea is so deeply rooted in experience that she has become almost an embodiment of tea itself.
When she graciously serves me tea, I feel honored.
I would recommend RedSquare’s tea ceremony to anyone who wants to take the time to truly appreciate the beauty of life.”
– Melanie Barker, Musician, Martial Artist
“I have been to a few high-end tea shops and tasted some of their finest and most coveted teas that money can buy, but no monetary sum can compare to the value of experiencing tea with RedSquare. RedSquare is not a tea merchant: you will find no descriptions on beautiful tins designed to lure your purchase; you will only see the tea itself in a white porcelain dish as it awaits inspection and preparation. The flat fee for attending a ceremony gets you no tea to bring home; you are paying to participate in a creative process. From beginning to end, there is little distinction between performer and observer, as all are seated on the floor and united by the experience of sharing. RedSquare pours with spirit and invites you to drink similarly by encouraging involvement of not only your senses, but your memories and past experiences as well. Anyone who claims to be an enthusiast of tea, whether drinking, serving, or both, should witness and partake in RedSquare’s art. I have learned about intention, relationships, and communication around her table; come with an empty cup and cherish that which fills it, because even if you drink the same tea twice, the wisdom gained is always unique.”
– David J. Derdiger, Master of Acupuncture and East Asian Medicine
“I can’t express how impressed I am with the knowledge and art of tea or cha as presented by RedSquare (Guitian Li De Osu).
I have attended both her tea class and the tea ceremony.
I highly recommend both without reservation.
RedSquare has a master degree in tea.
Although she won’t admit herself is a mater because she thinks tea is a life-long study, we are all here to be a student to learn and a teacher to teach.
She has an impressive knowledge of teas, and a keen intellect that allows her to explain them.
I can’t express how impressed I am with the knowledge and art of tea or cha as presented by RedSquare. Anybody can expect to come away from one of her tea classes more educated about one of the world’s richest and most delightful beverages.
Learning about tea from
RedSquare is like learning about wine from a master sommelier such as Robert Parker, Steven Tanzer, or Hugh Johnson.
Tea in East is as complex and varied as wine in the west and there are similar possible ranges in variety complexity, and price.
Anyone can experience a great pleasure tasting through different teas that she will expertly brew with a tasty variety of snacks. I have tried to brew tea as she does, and I can’t do it quite as well, I can taste the difference. She is a woman of great beauty who takes great pleasure in her art, and if you go to her tea ceremony you will experience great pleasure too.
I have due to her influence tasted some teas that are delicious and remarkable in their exotic flavors from fruit to spices to flowers or profound earths.”
- Scott Ellestad
NEOILLUSION TEAISM
THE ART OF TEA
TEA CEREMONY
NEOILLUSION TEAISM
TESTIMONIALS
“It heightens your senses.
Everything is taken away, you are in another world.
Very quiet, very gentle, so you begin to notice things that would be invisible, or beneath notice.Everything becomes highly sensitized. It is very western in an interesting way.
That was informative.
There was a conversation back and forth.
People give their impressions at the table, very delicate,
Very friendly, very open.”
-Arne Glimcher,
Founder of PACE GALLERY, Internationally Renowned Art Dealer, Film Producer and Director
Arne Glimcher at Neoillusion Teaism Ceremony
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