Burst the Bubble – January 2023

Burst the Bubble programs are free, student-led, non-credit sessions where students who have a talent, interest, or skill share their knowledge with their peers. Burst the Bubble programs are offered during Winter Term (the month of January) and are open to all students at Elon University. Burst the Bubble programs do not include homework, tests, outside assignments, or grades. There is no faculty or staff involvement in facilitating the programs.

BTB 001:  A Beginner’s Guide to Baking and Decorating

Thursdays, 6-7pm
Facilitator:  Ella Pierman

In this workshop, students will learn how to bake cakes and cookies whilst learning how to use different decorating techniques. The first session will focus on making cupcakes and learning different piping techniques. The second session will focus on making sugar cookies and working with royal icing. And the last session will focus on making fruit cakes and working with fondant.

BTB 002:  A Cappella Arranging and Beatboxing Workshop

Wednesdays and Fridays, 5:30-7pm
Facilitators:  Prabh Saini (Vital Signs) and Mira Fulton (Smooth Progressions)
(Knowledge of music theory is NOT required.)

A cappella has been on the rise and here at Elon, we have seven a cappella groups on campus: 3 co-ed (Vital Signs, Twisted Measure, Melanated Melodies), 2 all-male (Rip Chord, Smooth Progressions), and 2 all-female (Sweet Signatures, Shirley Tempos).  We will investigate how a cappella groups are formed and take a deep dive into the backbone of the whole process, the arrangements. We will explore arrangements from award-winning groups and utilize that information for arranging our very own projects in this workshop. Completed projects will be presented and may even be sung by an a cappella group here on campus!

For those interested and if time allows we will work on the beatboxing portion of the workshop. You will learn how to create drumming sounds and patterns using your mouth and know-how that will be applicable in an a cappella setting.

If you are interested in learning the ways of how a cappella works, want to learn a new skill, or are curious, please sign up! We can’t wait to see you!

BTB 003:  Becoming a DJ

Fridays, 6-7pm
Facilitator:  Nailah Ware

Interested in knowing how to become a DJ?  This workshop will give you hands-on access to a DJ setup such as the DJ controller, speakers, cables and the required instructions when setting up.  We will go through the process of installing the software needed as well as the functions of the controller such as buttons, pads, etc.  Additionally we will review how a DJ gets paid and the kinds of contracts involved between parties.  This is not just for current or aspiring DJs but for all who are interested in the craft.

BTB 004:  Crafty Cards

Wednesdays, 5:30-6:30pm 
Facilitator:  Ella Nutt

Students will learn different techniques for creating basic designs that can be used on any greeting card.

BTB 005:  Hallyu 101: K-Pop & Beyond

Thursdays, 6-7:30pm 
Facilitator:  Belle Stephens

Are you looking for more K-Pop friends on Elon’s campus? Are you interested in Korean media and want to share that passion with others? Then this workshop is perfect for you! Together, we’ll be exploring the expansive, exciting world of South Korean popular culture. Going beyond well-known musical groups like BTS and TV series such as Squid Game, we’ll discuss the influence of Korean media across the globe. Come share and exchange your favorite Korean media to spread the love! Participants should look forward to eating yummy snacks, listening to their favorite K-Pop songs, and watching scenes from iconic K-Dramas!

BTB 006:  Into the Dark: A Series of Horror Movie Discussions

Fridays 6-9pm
Facilitator:  Jayla Martin-Beasley

Horror as a genre has existed as long as human beings have felt fear.  By analyzing horror media, the common themes and how it evolves, we can better understand the relationship that fear has in our lives.  Participants will watch a movie within the horror genre, and the group will have an analytical discussion afterwards centered on a topic that the movie represents.  The selected movies/topics are as follows with room for changes:

–  Scream (1996): Slashers and what they represent in our society.
–  The Blair Witch Project (1999): Why is found footage so popular and how has it evolved?
–  The VVitch (2015): Horror and Religion, and how the two intersect.

BTB 007:  Introduction to Wire Jewelry Making

Mondays 6:30-7:30pm
Facilitator:  Sophie David

Interested in making your own jewelry? No experience is needed for you to come learn the basics of wire-based jewelry making. We will focus on earring design and creation, necklaces, seaglass wire-wrapping, and how to design a full jewelry set. Students will be provided their own set of tools and supplies to complete all activities. Sessions will begin with a breakdown of the design and creation process, followed by a demonstration of how to form the piece, and then individuals will create their own. Come try something fun, new, and creative!

BTB 008:  KADNS (Korean/American Dancing ‘n’ Singing)

Tuesdays AND Thursdays, 5:30-6:30pm 
Facilitators:  MariLu Ravel and Nia Griffin

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be a K-pop idol? Now’s your chance to learn the choreography and vocals from K-pop songs trending worldwide! This student-led workshop will focus on improving dance and vocal proficiency in the context of the modern music industry on a global scale. Join us as we explore the many styles and genres of music that exist within the K-Pop industry. We are looking for students who have an interest in dancing and/or singing. Students of all skill levels are welcome to join (no experience necessary)! Come sing and dance with us to your favorite K-Pop songs!

BTB 009:  Reading The Four Agreements: A Self Help Book Club

Mondays, 8-9pm 
Facilitator:  Sarah Rusthoven

The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom is a self-help book by bestselling author Don Miguel Ruiz. The book offers a code of conduct claiming to be based on ancient Toltec wisdom that advocates freedom from self-limiting beliefs that may cause suffering and limitation in a person’s life.

In this Burst the Bubble course, you will receive a copy of The Four Agreements (it is short and manageable to read during J-term or even in one sitting), and read sections before each class. During class-time we will explore mindfulness techniques as well as discuss the book together.

BTB 010:  Skateboarding: How to skate until the wheels fall off

Tuesdays, 12-1pm
Facilitator:  Kai Whiteside

Here at Elon, skateboarding has started growing exponentially.  Many people want to learn or already have years of experience under their belt.  This class is a way to learn to grow your own art of skateboarding and to challenge yourself.  This class is perfect for newcomers or those who want a solid foundation.  Come learn to skate until your wheels fall off!  (Participants will be asked to complete a liability waiver and provide their own equipment including boards and helmets.)