Composing for Dance

Composing for Dance
Written By Ming-Bo Lam
Ming Bo Projects

Interplay

"Interplay, noun: the way in which two or more things have an effect on each other.

I was fascinated with the concept of a dancer, live musicians, and improvised live electronics all interacting and influencing each other in an improvisational manner, rather than the typical predetermined composition to which most dance is set. Using contact microphones, the dancer is enhanced, and encompasses the roles of performer, conductor, and musician."
- Steven Webb, Composer

2017 New Music Festival: Composing for Dance Concert
Composed by Steven Webb
Choreographed & Danced by Ming-Bo Lam
Percussion by Jonny Smith
Violin by Alice Hong
Filmed by Aria Evans
Facilitated by the University of Toronto, Faculty of Music

I had the immense honour of participating in a course at the University of Toronto, called Composing for Dance. Under the direction of Professor Norbert Palej and choreographer Angela Blumberg, twelve composers and six guest choreographers crafted and collaborated on a grand total of twenty-four pieces! A selection of our final projects were chosen to be performed at the 2017 New Music Festival. 

I must express my utmost gratitude to all of the composers, choreographers, and musicians who were part of this course. It gave me the most joy to soak up all the creative energy and was such a treat to work with and witness such talent!

At the Present Rate of Progress

"The human capacity to learn remains a great wonder, with the capacity to grow and evolve on both a physical and intellectual level. The choreography of this piece embodies the very essence of internal growth and the externalization of its process. Throughout the piece, the dancer explores her capabilities to grow, become self aware, and continuously refine herself. In the midst of this limitless capacity we must ask ourselves: if fear did not cloud our potential for growth, what would we be able to achieve?" - Stephanie Orlando, Composer

2017 New Music Festival: Composing for Dance Concert
Composed by Stephanie Orlando
Choreographed & Danced by Ming-Bo Lam
Percussion by Jonny Smith
Filmed by Aria Evans
Facilitated by the University of Toronto, Faculty of Music

Ming-Bo Lam

Ming-Bo Lam is a dance lover and educator, with nearly 20 years of industry experience. She is recognized for her ability to lead with unwavering empathy, integrity, and courage, and her work facilitating safe and educational spaces for novice and professional movers alike.

Select credits include the Much Music Video Awards, the Toronto Raptors, NBA All Star Weekend, The Umbrella Academy, Nike Canada, fu-GEN Theatre, and Soulpepper Theatre, in addition to being featured by Toronto Life, The Kit, TO Live, and Fête Chinois. In 2023, she was listed as one of eleven Canadian Innovators and Icons in Dance, by the National Arts Centre and Shifter Magazine.

Bo graduated on the Dean’s List, with an Honours BFA, in Theatre Performance Dance from Toronto Metropolitan University, where she was also selected as valedictorian. She holds a Master’s in Management Innovation and Entrepreneurship degree from Queen’s University’s Smith School of Business.

Currently, Bo teaches at Sheridan College’s Honours Bachelor of Music Theatre Performance program and Toronto Metropolitan University’s The Creative School, is the founder of MING MVMT, and continues to guest teach and adjudicate nationwide. Follow her journey @love.mingbo

https://www.mingmvmt.com
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