The vibrant world of summer performance groups at Dartmouth offers a unique and captivating glimpse into the power of community-building and skill development. It's a tradition that, for many students, becomes a defining highlight of their sophomore summer experience.
Imagine a campus buzzing with creativity and entertainment, where dance, a cappella, and theater groups open their doors to students from all walks of life, regardless of experience. This year, a record-breaking number of students auditioned, with some groups welcoming nearly 60 new members. It's a testament to the allure of these summer communities and the exciting opportunities they present.
The Power of Summer Communities
For full-year members, summer is an exciting chance to teach and engage with a new wave of talent. The names of these summer groups are playful deviations from their full-year counterparts, each with its own unique hand signs and traditions. This creative twist adds a layer of fun and ownership for the summer members.
The majority of these dance and performing groups will showcase their talents at StreetFest, an annual fundraiser hosted by the fraternity Phi Delta Alpha. The proceeds from this event will be donated to WISE, a charitable organization dedicated to eliminating gender-based violence in the Upper Valley. It's a beautiful example of how these summer groups contribute to a larger cause, bringing awareness and support to important issues.
A Transformative Experience
Crystal Wang, a full-year member of Sheba and co-summer director of Shebalite, describes summer dance as a "totally different" and exciting experience. Sheba, a primarily hip-hop group, is known for its self-choreographed routines, unique costumes, and music mixes. Vishal Powell, another co-summer director, emphasizes the importance of the connections made through Sheba, including with alumni.
Wang applauds the courage of those stepping out of their comfort zones to join these groups, recognizing the potential for meaningful community-building. "Immersing yourself in a new environment can be daunting, especially in college. The dance group becomes a micro-environment where people can explore parts of themselves they never knew existed," she says.
Accessibility and Inclusivity
For the directors of Fission, a dance group, refining routines to make them accessible to all skill levels is a priority. Camille Weinstein, a co-director, explains how they might change a turn to make it easier for beginners. Fission also has specific dances designed to be more beginner-friendly. This focus on accessibility ensures that everyone, regardless of experience, can participate and enjoy the summer group experience.
Like many other groups, Fission offers a range of social events, from making pizza at the Dartmouth Organic Farm to formals and co-hosted events with other dance groups. These social activities are an integral part of building community and creating lasting memories.
A Platform for Growth
Summer offers a unique opportunity for groups like Sugarplum, a contemporary, lyrical, and jazz group, to shift gears and focus on hip-hop. Paulina Fomicheva, a co-summer director, explains that hip-hop is easier for beginners to pick up, making it an ideal style for summer groups. With nearly 40 members this summer, compared to the usual 25 during the full year, Sugarplum's summer group is a testament to the appeal of these communities.
Fomicheva's favorite part has been teaching beginners and introducing them to the dance community. "You can learn how to dance in two months," she emphasizes, highlighting the confidence-building aspect of these summer groups.
A Sense of Belonging
For Wang, summer dance has been a gateway to finding a new community. She expresses excitement at seeing Shebalite members flashing their hand signs, acknowledging the hard work of the directors, especially with only five on campus during the summer. "Seeing how much fun people are having and how Shebalite is a highlight of their summer has been a meaningful part of my Sheba experience," she says.
Avery Aaronson, co-director of Ujimelt, echoes the importance of community. Ujimelt, with its theme of "High School Musical," embodies the principle of "collective work and responsibility," a core value of its full-year group, Ujima.
The Art of Sketch Comedy and A Cappella
Can't Rent Comedy and Summerphonix, an a cappella group, prioritize community-building and skill development. Can't Rent asks members to bring monologues or impressions to auditions, encouraging creativity and self-expression. Nick Lutzky, a summer co-president, recalls his unique audition, imitating a smoke alarm running low on batteries.
Lutzky appreciates the art of sketch comedy, noting its flexibility and potential for constant revision. "With a sketch, you can try something out and see if it's funny before you run it. There's a million different ways to do it," he explains.
Summerphonix, Dartmouth's oldest gender-inclusive a cappella group, also emphasizes the fun and lighthearted nature of their summer performances. Ava Tillman-Schwartz, a full-time member and summer co-president, enjoys the lack of pressure to be "super polished" during the summer, creating a more relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere.
A Deeper Reflection
What makes these summer performance groups so fascinating is their ability to bring people together from all backgrounds and skill levels. They offer a supportive environment for personal growth, skill development, and the formation of meaningful communities. The hard work that goes into teaching technical skills is balanced by the focus on creating a social space and fostering connections.
These groups provide a unique platform for self-expression, creativity, and the exploration of new identities. They offer a taste of what college life can be, fostering friendships and a positive view of collegiate a cappella and performance arts. As Tillman-Schwartz puts it, "We're trying to have people walk away with friendships and a positive view of college a cappella."
Conclusion
The tradition of summer performance groups at Dartmouth is a beautiful example of how art and community can intertwine to create transformative experiences. It's a reminder of the power of creativity, inclusivity, and the human desire to connect and belong. These groups leave a lasting impact, shaping the college experience and fostering a sense of community that extends far beyond the summer months.
