AT THE RISK

Frisson is a dance film inspired by the phenomenon of aesthetic chills — the intense, full-body sensation that arises during peak emotional experiences like music, art, or memory.

Blending movement with atmosphere and sound, the film explores how this embodied reaction connects us to meaning, nostalgia, and beauty. Drawing on both scientific research and personal reflection, Frisson uses choreography to mirror the way emotions ripple through the body. As the dancers move through moments of stillness, thrill, and introspection, the film invites viewers to consider the deep relationship between emotion, memory, and physical sensation — and how these fleeting moments of intensity remind us what it feels like to be alive.

( Credits )

Director: April L McLaurin
Assistant Director: James Realubit
Producer: April L McLaurin
Choreographer: April L McLaurin
Movement Assistant: Jaylun Moore
Cinematographer: James Realubit
Set Filmographers: Tatyana Kiahra , Travis “Skitz” Simmons
Photographer: Tatyana Kiahra
Production Manager: Marlaya Ross
Set Operations: Emily McLaurin, Marlaya Ross, Tatyana Kiahra, Travis “Skitz” Simmons, Tim McLaurin
Lighting Technician: Janaya Farrar
Brand Direction: April L McLaurin
Graphics: April L McLaurin
Wardrobe: April L McLaurin

Music Credits: “Composite 02” – Thrupence, Jack Vanzet, Josh Hooke 

Dancers:
Abby Britt / April L McLaurin / King Alston / Matthew A. Wright / Mia Concepcion / Milan Hamilton / Sakarah “Saky” Hall-Edge

Special Thanks:
Theatre Raleigh Arts Center, Raleigh NC
Barriskill Dance Theatre School, Durham NC
L.A. Dance Studio, Morrisville NC
DIA Dance Studio, Durham NC
Maris Hancock
All Saints Anglican Church

April L. McLaurin posing with hands raised in front of the camera for a promotional image from her dance film “At The Risk.”
Ensemble cast performing choreography in “At The Risk,” directed and choreographed by North Carolina visual artist April L. McLaurin.
Dancers in motion during a bold group sequence from “At The Risk,” a visual dance film by April L. McLaurin.
Choreographed group performance on set for “At The Risk,” led by East Coast filmmaker and dancer April L. McLaurin.
Performance moment from “At The Risk,” featuring group choreography with dynamic lighting and styling.
Dancers executing powerful ensemble movement in “At The Risk,” a narrative dance project created by April L. McLaurin.
Cast performing expressive movement as part of the group choreography in “At The Risk,” a visual film by April L. McLaurin.
Promotional portrait of dancer from April L. McLaurin’s dance film “At The Risk,” captured in bold lighting and styling.
Individual dancer pose from “At The Risk,” a visual dance project by North Carolina choreographer April L. McLaurin.
Dancer striking a promotional pose for “At The Risk,” a narrative dance film directed by April L. McLaurin.
Solo cast member portrait from “At The Risk,” choreographed and led by April L. McLaurin.
Expressive portrait of a dancer featured in April L. McLaurin’s dance film “At The Risk.”
Individual dancer photographed for “At The Risk,” a dance film by East Coast choreographer April L. McLaurin.
Character-style portrait for “At The Risk” featuring a member of April L. McLaurin’s ensemble cast.
High-contrast promotional image of dancer from “At The Risk,” a visual movement project by April L. McLaurin.
Still portrait for promotional use from “At The Risk,” choreographed by North Carolina movement artist April L. McLaurin.
Solo dancer pose captured during promotional shoot for “At The Risk” dance film.
Promotional still of a dancer in bold styling from April L. McLaurin’s “At The Risk.”
April L. McLaurin sitting in front of vivid red LED lights during a stylized shoot for her dance film “At The Risk.”

BEHIND THE SCENES

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BEHIND THE SCENES /

Behind-the-scenes shot of the videographer filming movement on set for “At The Risk,” choreographed by April L. McLaurin.
Dancers sharing a candid moment on set during the filming of “At The Risk,” choreographed by North Carolina artist April L. McLaurin.
Camera crew capturing dancers mid-performance during the filming of April L. McLaurin’s dance film “At The Risk.”
Dancers performing original choreography in “At The Risk,” a visual dance film by April L. McLaurin.
Performance still from “At The Risk,” featuring bold movement choreographed by East Coast dancer and filmmaker April L. McLaurin.
Ensemble cast performing expressive, synchronized choreography in “At The Risk,” directed by April L. McLaurin.
Videographer filming expressive choreography on location for “At The Risk,” a visual dance project by East Coast artist April L. McLaurin.
Choreographer and filmmaker April L. McLaurin collaborating with her team during the filming of “At The Risk.”
Behind-the-scenes image of the cast enjoying a lighthearted moment while filming “At The Risk.”
Dancers moving through emotionally-driven choreography in April L. McLaurin’s visual storytelling project “At The Risk.”
Ensemble dancers laughing between takes during the production of April L. McLaurin’s dance film “At The Risk.”
April L. McLaurin reviewing creative direction with the videographer and crew on set of “At The Risk” dance film.
Choreographed group performance captured during filming of “At The Risk,” a narrative dance film by April L. McLaurin.
High-contrast movement from the dance film “At The Risk,” choreographed and creatively led by April L. McLaurin.
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