Drawing on her own experiences as a dancer, 91Ƶ senior Katelyn Ker '25 has crafted a documentary that offers an intimate look at the realities of building a sustainable dance career.
Her senior capstone film, “A Way of Walking,” features Portland-based dancers Holly Shaw and Briley Jozwick, exploring how they’ve navigated the challenges of making dance a viable profession while staying committed to their art.
Originally from Arkansas, Ker has been dancing since age 8. She chose Pacific for the chance to pursue both dance and media arts — a rare combination that allowed her to explore creative storytelling while remaining grounded in a lifelong passion.
Ker’s background as a dancer profoundly influenced her filmmaking, shaping everything from the questions she posed during interviews to the movement of her camera.
“I’ve lived through some of the same situations they described,” she said. “That helped me guide the story in a meaningful direction.”
A visually striking element of the film is the use of a “shadow dancer,” a silhouetted figure performing choreographed sequences. Ker used this as a creative alternative to traditional supporting footage, lending the film a poetic, emotional layer.
“Because you can’t see who the dancer is, it becomes a more universal experience,” she explained.
To bring her vision to life, Ker worked under the guidance of Coach Sarge Cine, a professional grip and lighting company in Cornelius founded by Pacific alumni Brian “Coach” Fleskes ’87 and Bruce “Sarge” Fleskes ’87. The team offered both mentorship and access to industry-grade equipment, helping Ker elevate her cinematography and achieve a polished final project.
Even if she wasn't performing professionally, Ker always intended to stay connected to dance. Through her coursework and her experience as part of the Pacific Dance Ensemble, she discovered a passion for dance photography and videography. "A Way of Walking" effectively merges Ker's love for dance and storytelling, honoring both artistic disciplines.