Cameron Parker Using Her Creative Drive to Create Change

Cameron Parker (second to the right) and her dance friends after their closing performance at Hubbard Street Chicago. Photo Credits: Cameron Parker 

Harper Costin, Staff Writer for The Powderhorn 

Cameron Parker would be described as a passionate artist, exemplary student, and devoted leader by everyone around her. Beyond being involved within the walls of Watauga, her commitment to dancing pre-professionally at “The Space Project Dance” is where Parker spends the majority of her time. Parker says dance has been more than just an outlet for movement to her. It has also led her to valuable personal connections, extensions of knowledge, and a newfound drive for activism.  

Through her training, she has participated in multiple summer intensives, which are 3 to 4 week residential programs where she and other young performers are able to learn from talented dancers and choreographers.

“I've gone to two different intensives. I went to UNCSA in Winston-Salem, and I went to Hubbard Street in Chicago,” said Parker. "They were both completely different experiences and I gained so much technique.” 

A day at an intensive is long and challenging, with a demanding, yet rewarding schedule to which Parker had to quickly adapt. 

“First you do technique in the morning, and then it'll be 8 or 9 hours of intensive dance throughout the day and then you'll have repertory rehearsals which are 1 to 2 hours.” said Parker. 

The hard physical work is obvious on the surface, but what Parker carried home went far beyond dance.

“I saw a big difference in the community in Chicago versus the community in Boone and Blowing Rock,” said Parker. “That thing that people call the ‘Blowing Rock bubble’ is definitely real, as in the diversity. I saw a lot of protests and a lot of people speaking out in Chicago that isn't really seen here.” 

Along with contrasting communities, the physical environment of Chicago was a drastic change from home. Parker and her friends spent most of their free time exploring the city and the Chicago River. During these expeditions she observed the natural and manmade features of the area. 

“In Chicago I just saw so much damage that was caused by climate change. I didn't really see it here in Boone because it's really beautiful, but once I went out and left Boone I noticed so much damage that has been caused and it's going to be irreversible so we have to start raising awareness now,” said Parker. 

When she returned home, Parker decided to turn that realization into action. She launched The Happy Earth Project: an Instagram-based initiative focused on raising awareness about environmental issues through photography and, eventually, service projects.

“I started a new Instagram account to bring awareness to climate change,” said Parker. “I want to use photography and take pictures around Boone of all the damage that has been caused. I want to work to bring it to people's attention, and the further I go, I want to start doing community service projects. As I put more time into the Happy Earth Project I hope it is able to make a real impact.”

Her determination to make a change sparked a passion in Cameron that she had seen before in her devotion to dance. 

“I feel like you're born with a passion for certain things and the more you do them the more your passion will grow,” said Parker.

As the Happy Earth Project grows, Watauga students can work to expand their own passions by getting involved however they wish. Parker is open to hearing from anyone who wants to help and can be contacted via the Happy Earth Project’s instagram. Help can be given in many ways including volunteering, sending in photography, or spreading verbal awareness. 

“Knowledge is power, especially in a time where education is limited,” Parker said. “I hope that by sharing the experiences and knowledge I gained from dance, I can expose others to the needs of our environment and help them make a difference too.”