Be Still
2024
For two Violins, Viola, Contrabass, and Piano
Duration: c. 10'
Commissioned by Celeste Lau for the 2025 CCM Dance: Student Choreographers' Showcase.
Premiered on March 6, 2025. University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music.
For two Violins, Viola, Contrabass, and Piano
Duration: c. 10'
Commissioned by Celeste Lau for the 2025 CCM Dance: Student Choreographers' Showcase.
Premiered on March 6, 2025. University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music.
Program Note
Commissioned by choreographer Celeste Lau, Be Still reflects the experience of coming to terms with the inhibitions that prevent us from becoming our fullest self. It passes through six individual dances, with each reflecting a false personal belief. Lau defines these as:
“My life has no meaning or worth.”
“I do not know who I am.”
“Nothing is ever enough.”
“I will never be good enough.”
“I will never be as good as them” (a duet).
“I have to do this all by myself.”
These dances begin in a dark, eerie place and become increasingly more desperate and violent. After reaching a turbulent peak, the music collapses into stillness. Here, time suspended, a small shimmer of brightness marks the release of each inhibition. The work concludes with a broad final dance steeped in warmth, hope, and light.
“My life has no meaning or worth.”
“I do not know who I am.”
“Nothing is ever enough.”
“I will never be good enough.”
“I will never be as good as them” (a duet).
“I have to do this all by myself.”
These dances begin in a dark, eerie place and become increasingly more desperate and violent. After reaching a turbulent peak, the music collapses into stillness. Here, time suspended, a small shimmer of brightness marks the release of each inhibition. The work concludes with a broad final dance steeped in warmth, hope, and light.
Photos from the premiere featuring choreography by Celeste Lau titled Inhibitions.
Courtesy of Molly Jane Photography
Courtesy of Molly Jane Photography