BO’S BASICS
2024/2025 SEASON INFO
It’s hard to believe we’re heading into our fifth year of BO’S BASICS 🤩
I am so proud of the community we are continuing to build together and cannot wait for this to be our best season yet!
Scroll down to see the full 2024-2025 season calendar and read on for NEW class descriptions.
As always, your feedback, support, and kind words of encouragement are integral to making BO’S BASICS into the best contemporary dance program it can be. You can always reach me here or shoot me a DM on the ‘gram.
Can’t wait to dance with you so very soon,
xo Bo
Image and header video courtesy of Kate McDonald (@katyspacebird)
featuring assistants Kayla Champis, Jennifer Choi, and Danielle Oswald.
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This stand-alone, 2-hour class is designed as a pre-requisite and covers the essential components of contemporary dance. It is strongly encouraged for those with little to no experience who are interested in the full BO’S BASICS program. You will learn and review key elements of the BB class including centre foundations (plié, tendu, développé, rise, rèlèvé), across the floor basics (simple transitions, weight transfer, pas de bourée, pivot, chêne turns, chassé), in addition to a targeted warm-up and short combination.
Suggested Pre-Requisites: none!
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This level is designed to move at a steadypace, while providing options and modifications for the novice to experienced Beginner-level dancer. Great for those who predominantly train in other styles (Heels, Hip Hop, Jazz Funk) looking to explore contemporary dance technique and/or dancers with some contemporary/ballet experience who aren’t quite ready for the full-fledged Intermediate level.
Dancers in this level likely opt for a balance in rétiré or single pirouette, feel most comfortable in first or second position, keep most extensions below 90 degrees, and regularly take 1 or more dance classes a week.
Suggested Pre-Requisites: minimum of 1 Intro to Contemporary Technique class OR 1 BO’S BASICS Beginner Session
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This level moves quickly and you can expect choreography at a comparable level to my Int/Adv drop-in classes. This level is suggested for those with past competitive dance experience or 5+ years of contemporary/ballet experience.
Dancers in this level likely go for a strong single or double pirouette, feel comfortable working from fifth position, have extensions that usually reach 90 degrees or higher, and regularly take 2 or more dance classes a week.
Suggested Pre-Requisites: 4+ BO’S BASICS Beginner Sessions OR 5+ years of dance training
*Level descriptions and suggested pre-requisites have been updated to better support your growth and development. Please read carefully and reach out with any questions! 💛
Class Levels & Descriptions
Register TODAY!
Intro to Contemporary Technique
Single Day Workshop
Saturday, January 4
from 10:00 - 12:00 PM
Advanced Beginner
8-Week Session
Saturdays from 10:00 - 12:00 PM
January 11 - March 1, 2025
Intermediate
8-Week Session
Saturdays from 12:30 - 2:30 PM
January 11 - March 1, 2025
All classes take place at Dovercourt House (805 Dovercourt Rd.) a 5-minute walk from Ossington subway station.
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Select the PAYMENT PLAN option above to pay in 2 instalments: 50% at time of registration and 50% by February 8, 2025. The second instalment must be paid via e-transfer to info@mingbolam.com by the required date to continue class participation.
2 x pay-what-you-can (PWYC) spots will be available per session on a first come, first serve basis. If interested, please email me: info@mingbolam.com to let me know which program you would like to register for and the rate you are able to contribute! No amount is too small!
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All purchases are non-refundable; payment is required to confirm registration; Ming-Bo Lam reserves the right to cancel the session up to 11:59PM January 3, 2025; in case of cancellation by Ming-Bo Lam, a full refund via method of payment will be provided.
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Where I stand: I am pro-vax, with all possible shots and boosters taken! I caught COVID for the first time July 2023 and it knocked me out HARD. As an individual who struggles with chronic illness, getting sick means a longer recovery than some and I thank you for your grace and understanding as we continue to navigate this THING. At this time, masking and vaccination for participants will remain optional, but strongly recommended. This could change as we continue into the winter and head into flu season and just the [ugh] cold season in general!
What I ask: Remain flexible, roll with me, stay home if you feel sick - especially if you have a fever - and mask up if you're feeling that icky throat or stuffy nose feeling. 🙏🏼
I also will be the first to say that dancing + teaching in a sweaty, sticky mask sucks. It just does. And, at the same time, ya girl needs to prioritize her health.
THANK YOU for understanding and respecting these requests and the choices of your fellow dancers. I appreciate you so much! 💛
Is BO’S BASICS right for you?
✓ You feel intrigued by contemporary dance, but unsure or intimidated about where and how to get started
✓ You took dance classes growing up and miss the vibes now that you’re busy #adulting
✓You take drop-in classes, but wish you had more time to hone your technique
✓ You just want to try something new in a safe, welcoming, and encouraging environment!
*If you’re a pre-professional or competitive dancer, please check with me prior to registering, to ensure BO’S BASICS is the right fit for you!
Image courtesy of Kate McDonald (@katyspacebird)
What’s included?
✓ WARM-UP: A targeted warm-up designed to elevate your heart rate, wake up your muscles, and prepare the body for dancing.
✓ TECHNIQUE: Centre practice + across the floor drills to practice foundational movement and integrate concepts.
✓ CHOREO: A short combination to put all the pieces together and integrate elements of performance and expression.
*All 8-week sessions also include a digital Welcome Booklet, suggested homework exercises, and a professional video of our final combo!
Image courtesy of Kate McDonald (@katyspacebird)
WINTER 2025
Intro to Contemporary Technique: Single Day Workshop
January 4, 2025 | 10:00 - 12:00 PM
Advanced Beginner: 8-Week Session
January 11 - March 1, 2025
10:00 - 12:00 PM
Intermediate: 8-Week Session
January 11 - March 1, 2025
12:30 - 2:30 PM
SPRING 2025
Intro to Contemporary Technique: Single Day Workshop
March 2025 (TBC)
10:00 - 12:00 PM
Advanced Beginner: 8-Week Session
March 22 - May 10, 2025
10:00 - 12:00 PM
Intermediate: 8-Week Session
March 22 - May 10, 2025
12:30 - 2:30 PM
Advanced Beginner: 4-Week Session
May 31 - June 21, 2025
10:00 - 12:00 PM
Intermediate: 4-Week Session
May 31 - June 21, 2025
12:30 - 2:30 PM
2024/2025 Calendar
You are worthy of taking up space. Come move big,
move free, and move strong.
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Check out some examples of student creations and performances!