Lights, Camera… Me?!
If someone told me a year ago that I’d be dancing on a field, crouching behind a tree with a camera, or editing a short dance film until 1 a.m.—I probably would’ve laughed and said, “Wrong person.” I’m a Psychology major. I like research studies and analyzing why people do things—not, you know, performing on camera.
But here I am, deep into the semester in Dance on Camera, and honestly? I’m obsessed.
Taught by the wonderful and charismatic Professor Jaclyn Waguespack, this class blends movement, film, storytelling, and collaboration in the most unexpected ways. It’s designed for anyone—regardless of experience—and it shows. When I walked in on the first day, I had zero dance background and even less knowledge about camera work. But I left that class feeling like I belonged.
Every week brings something new. One day we’re out exploring campus and turning ordinary spaces into places for movement—like a quiet hallway or a patch of grass no one usually notices. Another day, we’re in the dance lab, piecing together clips, adding music, and figuring out how to tell our stories. The mix of physical creativity and digital storytelling keeps things fresh and has pushed me to think differently.
The best part? The people. There’s something about filming each other—often in pretty funny or vulnerable moments—that brings you closer. Our class has become its own little community. We cheer each other on, share ideas, give honest feedback, and genuinely enjoy creating things together. It’s not the kind of class where you show up, do your work, and leave. It’s one where you build relationships, experiment, and take creative risks you didn’t know you were capable of.
What surprised me most is how much confidence I’ve gained. Being on camera used to feel awkward, but now it feels like just another way to express myself. I’ve learned basic editing skills, camera angles, movement concepts, and maybe most importantly, how to push past the feeling of “I can’t” into “Let me give it a try.”
It’s also been a refreshing break from my major. Don’t get me wrong—I love psychology—but this class activates a different part of my brain. It’s helped me think more creatively, be more open to spontaneity, and understand how movement and emotion connect in ways I hadn’t considered before.
So yeah, it’s definitely not what I imagined I'd be doing in college—but that’s what makes it great. If you’re ever on the fence about taking a class just because it’s outside your comfort zone: sign up. You might just end up finding a new passion—or at the very least, some great friends and a deeper appreciation for the art of movement and film.