We are currently taking applications for presenting programs in January 2025, and are leaving this visible for you to explore past programs.

January 2024

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 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:  Anime Express: A Quick Journey into Japanese Animation

Facilitator:  J’Mya McKoy
Day/Time:  Wednesdays, 6-7pm

“Anime Express” is a fast-paced, one-hour workshop that introduces you to the colorful world of Japanese anime. In this short but exciting session, we’ll explore the essence of anime, its cultural impact, and even create a mini anime-themed artwork while also doing some fun and creative karaoke and mini games!

BTB 002:  Beginner’s Guide to Crocheting

Facilitator:  Ella Pierman
Day/Time:  Wednesdays, 6-7pm

This workshop will cover the basics of crocheting, working on both 2D and 3D projects. Participants will learn how to cast the first stitch, how to increase and decrease and other basic stitches, how to switch colors, how to sew pieces together, how to read patterns, and how to make up patterns as you go. Projects will include coasters and granny squares, lavender and other flowers, and a 3D jellyfish/octopus.

BTB 003:  Hooked on Crochet: Intermediate Crochet Workshop

Facilitator:  Stephanie Land
Day/Time:  Thursdays, 5-6pm

We will start with a brief review of crochet basics, moving quickly onto intermediate level skills such as how to switch colored yarns and stitching parts of pieces together. We will culminate these skills in the form of a multi-colored, wearable tote bag that you will be able to use and bring home at the end of J-term!

BTB 004:  Copyright 101: Get Your Music Protected

Facilitator:  Nailah Ware
Day/Time:  Thursdays, 7-8pm

Catered to musicians or artists who want to learn copyright go through the copyright process and register their work. The first workshop will talk about the importance of owning intellectual property because it’s an asset. Then, the second workshop will go through all of the options and verbiage of the copyright.gov website and we can stretch this workshop out for two days. Then the final days of the program students registered their work to copyright.gov.

BTB 005:  Cross Stitch for Beginners

Facilitator:  Kai Bilotta
Day/Time:  Tuesdays, 7-8pm

Learn to cross stitch through completing a simple project in a supportive and friendly environment. Projects will be provided.

BTB 006:  Dissecting the Subtle Anatomy of Video Game Narrative

Facilitator:  Adam Brown
Day/Time:  Fridays, 5-6pm

Semi-lecture on the topic of how video games can convey narrative in subtle yet powerful ways.  Each meeting will focus on two different video games that excel in storytelling – not because of what the game says, but how it says it.  Fun, casual, relaxed – more of a club meeting than a lecture.  Class participation is not required but encouraged – pls don’t leave me hanging!  There will be discussion questions and regular opportunities for students to speak up and share their thoughts on the topic!

  • First meeting: Bioshock Infinite, Red Dead 2, and the Illusion of Choice
  • Second meeting: Bloodborne, The Binding of Isaac, and The Myth of Sisyphus
  • Third meeting: Little Nightmares, The Last of Us, and Staring Into the Abyss with Nietzsche

BTB 007:  Found Footage: The Horror In What Remains

Facilitator:  Jayla Martin Beasley
Day/Time:  Fridays 6-9pm

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. During our sessions, we will watch a movie within the horror “Found Footage” genre, and the group will have an analytical discussion afterwards centered on a topic that the movie represents. We will be focusing in on movies such as:

  • Creep (2014)
  • As Above, So Below (2014)
  • Host (2020)
  • The Blair Witch Project (1999)

… And more!

BTB 008:  How to Skate Until Your Wheels Fall Off

Facilitator:  Evan Purnell
Day/Time:  Mondays, 12:15-1:15pm

A class teaching new and experienced people passionate about skateboarding. if you’ve never stepped on a board or if you’ve been skating for years, come and improve your skills!

BTB 009:  K-DNS (K-pop Dancing N’ Singing) J-Term Performance Workshop

Facilitators:  MariLu Ravel and Alyssa Alpaugh
Sponsoring Organization: K-DNS (K-pop Dancing N’ Singing)
Day/Time:  Mondays and Wednesdays, 5-6:30pm

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 in South Korea!! This student-led workshop will focus on improving dance and vocal proficiency in context of the modern music industry on a global scale. Join K-DNS Performance Group in this workshop as we learn to sing, dance, and rap along to your favorite K-pop songs. Looking for students interested in singing, dancing, and/or rapping. Open to students of all skill levels (no experience necessary)!!

BTB 010:  Swing Dancing

Facilitator:  Meghan Malone
Day/Time:  Thursdays, 6:30-8pm

Students will learn basic swing dancing steps and build up to challenging spins and dips and other moves throughout the sessions!

BTB 011:  The Art of Escape: Creating a DIY Escape Room Experience on a Budget

Facilitator:  Cole Carney
Sponsoring Organization: Maker Hub
Day/Time:  Tuesdays and Thursdays, 7-8pm

Join us to learn the art of creating a student-made escape room! In this workshop, you will collaborate with other students to create an escape room experience to show off during the Maker Hub’s Spring Maker Takeover event. You will learn to design a theme, craft the game flow, and build puzzles using basic materials in the Maker Hub.

BTB 012:  Why Spiders Are Cool As #%*$ †– An Introduction to Arachnid Biology

Facilitator:  Cal Baker
Day/Time:  Tuesdays, 5:30-6:30pm

Do you like spiders? Do you hate spiders but want to be less afraid of them? Either way, this is the workshop for you! The course will introduce you to the wonderful world of arachnids (spiders, scorpions, ticks, and more), focusing on their ecological importance, cool adaptations, fascinating variety, and phylogeny. Numerous live specimens will be present! No prior knowledge necessary, but basic knowledge of biological concepts might be helpful.