AT THE RISK

‘At The Risk’ is a deeply personal exploration of the cyclical nature of healing and the relentless search for meaning, inspired by the music and artistry of Twenty One Pilots.

It begins with the weight of isolation and the conflict between wanting to share struggles yet fearing the vulnerability of being truly seen, as echoed in the lyrics: “I don’t want anyone... see me at my lowest.” It transitions into nostalgic recollections of simpler times, much like the wistful energy in “Used to be you and me, matching Kawasaki Zs.” It delves into sleepless nights of “reoccurring, days blurring” cycles of intrusive thoughts and locked doors of painful memories, capturing the exhaustion of revisiting the past.

At the heart of this journey is a visual motif of red eyes—a symbolic thread, a marker of connection and transformation. Appearing on select dancers, they weave a subtle, unspoken bond—a presence reflecting shared struggles and silent support. The dancers become a living medium, embodying fragments of a shared journey, their movement an expression of emotion and experience that cannot exist in isolation. Like paint to a painter, movement here is a medium that requires others—each step, gesture, and interaction carrying the weight of connection and understanding.

This journey unfolds in a symbolic progression of height—an ascent from open spaces to elevated heights, a climb through darkness and light. A nod to the original ‘At The Risk Of Feeling Dumb’ music video, yet here it becomes a metaphor for rising above fear, doubt, and the shadows of the past. The higher the climb, the closer one seems to come to clarity—yet the meaning remains just out of reach. The red eyes persist—a constant, ambiguous marker of connection. Are they a sign of power, a connection between souls, or simply a reflection of an inner world? They witness the emotional ascent—struggles, growth, and self-discovery—each step a fragment of the journey toward healing.

In the end, the film resists resolution. The red eyes remain, a reminder of the journey’s mystery. Were they a force of connection, a reflection of inner battles, or something else entirely? Like “Trees” and other works by Twenty One Pilots, the conclusion invites interpretation rather than offering answers. The ambiguity is intentional, honoring the complexity of the human condition and the ongoing search for understanding. This film is a tribute—not only to the artistry of Twenty One Pilots but also to the deeply personal journey of finding meaning, growth, and strength in life’s uncertainties.

( Credits )

Director: April L McLaurin
Assistant Director: James Realubit
Producer: April L McLaurin
Choreographer: April L McLaurin
Cinematographer: James Realubit
Set Filmographers:
Olivia DeJesús, Tatyana Kiahra
Photographer: Tatyana Kiahra
Production Manager:
Chelsea Boccardo Fennell
Lighting/Set Operations:
James Realubit, Olivia DeJesús, Tatyana Kiahra
Site Coordination/Support Property Managers: Ken Vaughn, Tony Stanfield
Brand Direction: April L McLaurin
Graphics: April L McLaurin
Wardrobe: April L McLaurin
Makeup Direction: Akilah Edwards

Audio Engineer: Matthew A. Wright



Dancers:
Abby Buenviaje / Akilah Edwards / Alanna Katz / April L McLaurin / Christal Dita / Christina Carlisle / Cinthia Ogbaugo / Hayla Hurt / Jeremy Park / Kianna Lawrence / King Alston / Lauren Stapleton / Logan Jones / Marlaya Ross / Matthew A. Wright / Mico Guevarra / Milan Hamilton / Pearl Dang / Rebekah Reeser / Sakarah “Saky” Hall-Edge / Sydney Ermongkonchai

Supporting Dancers:
Chelsea Boccardo Fennell / Olivia DeJesús
 / Ramya Bogg / Tia Garrison

Special Thanks:
Barriskill Dance Theatre School, Durham NC
Conner Mathena & Chip Coker, Coker & Associates of SC
Emily McLaurin
Island Express Ferry Service LLC, Harkers Island NC
Jeremiah Fennell
L.A. Dance Studio, Morrisville NC
Lee’s Tailor Shop, Durham NC
Maris Hancock
Quick-Fix Tailors, Durham NC
Richard Ngo
VMG Creative Studios, Charlotte NC

BEHIND THE SCENES

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BEHIND THE SCENES /

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