Summer’s Secret Sauce: How Dartmouth’s Performance Groups Are Redefining Community
There’s something uniquely magical about summer on college campuses—a lull in academic pressure, a surge in creativity, and a collective yearning for connection. At Dartmouth, this energy crystallizes in the form of sophomore summer performance groups, a tradition that, in my opinion, is far more than just a seasonal pastime. It’s a microcosm of what higher education should be: a space where skill-building, community, and self-discovery intertwine seamlessly.
What makes this particularly fascinating is how these groups—dance, a capella, theater—transform into summer-specific iterations with names that are equal parts clever and nostalgic. Fusion becomes Fission, the Brovertones morph into Stepbros, and Can’t Sell Culture? Well, they’re now Can’t Rent Culture. These aren’t just name changes; they’re symbolic shifts that signal a more inclusive, experimental vibe. It’s like the groups are saying, ‘We’re still us, but we’re also something new.’
The Art of Inclusion: Why Auditions Matter
One thing that immediately stands out is the sheer scale of participation. This year, a record number of students auditioned, with some groups welcoming nearly 60 new members. What many people don’t realize is that these auditions aren’t just about talent—they’re about potential. Full-year members, who typically spend the academic year honing their craft, suddenly become teachers, mentors, and community architects. It’s a role reversal that’s both humbling and empowering.
Personally, I think this dynamic is what sets these groups apart. It’s not just about putting on a show; it’s about creating a space where someone who’s never danced, sung, or acted before can feel like they belong. Take Crystal Wang, co-summer director of Shebalite, who notes how daunting it can be to step into a new environment. Yet, she sees these groups as ‘micro environments’ where people explore parts of themselves they never knew existed. That’s powerful.
The Choreography of Community
If you take a step back and think about it, the technical aspects of these performances are just the tip of the iceberg. Yes, Fission is refining dances to make them accessible, and Splenda is shifting to hip-hop because it’s ‘easier for beginners.’ But what’s truly remarkable is the intentionality behind these choices. It’s not just about teaching steps; it’s about fostering confidence, connection, and a sense of belonging.
A detail that I find especially interesting is how these groups weave social events into their schedules—pizza-making at the Dartmouth Organic Farm, formals, co-hosted events. These aren’t just add-ons; they’re integral to the experience. As Paulina Fomicheva, co-director of Splenda, puts it, her favorite part has been teaching people who’ve never danced before and showing them the dance community. What this really suggests is that the performance is just the byproduct—the real magic happens in the process.
StreetFest: More Than Just a Showcase
The culmination of this summer’s efforts is StreetFest, an annual fundraiser hosted by Phi Delta Alpha. Proceeds go to WISE, an organization combating gender-based violence. On the surface, it’s a performance event. But dig deeper, and it’s a testament to how these groups are embedded in the broader community.
What makes StreetFest particularly intriguing is how each group brings its unique flavor. Fission’s ‘Teen Beach’ theme, Splenda’s ‘Mean Girls’ homage, Ujimelt’s ‘High School Musical’ tribute—these aren’t just themes; they’re cultural touchstones that resonate with both performers and audiences. It’s a reminder that art, at its best, is both personal and universal.
The Hidden Psychology of Summer Groups
Here’s a broader perspective: these summer groups are accidental laboratories for social psychology. They bring together people who might never have crossed paths—athletes, first-time singers, seasoned performers—and challenge them to collaborate. For Summerphonix, it’s about creating a social space where friendships form across unlikely divides. For Can’t Rent Culture, it’s about making everyone feel funny because, as Nick Lutsky aptly puts it, they are.
This raises a deeper question: Why do we underestimate the transformative power of shared creative endeavors? In a world that often prioritizes individual achievement, these groups are a refreshing counterpoint. They remind us that growth isn’t just about mastering a skill; it’s about mastering the art of being together.
The Future of Summer Traditions
As I reflect on this phenomenon, I can’t help but wonder: What does the future hold for these summer groups? Will they continue to evolve, or will they become static traditions? Personally, I hope they keep reinventing themselves. The beauty of these groups lies in their ability to adapt—to remain a highlight of sophomore summer while continually redefining what that highlight means.
In my opinion, the real legacy of these groups isn’t the performances themselves, but the communities they build and the confidence they instill. If you ask me, that’s the kind of tradition worth preserving.
So, the next time you hear about Dartmouth’s summer performance groups, remember: it’s not just about the dance moves, the harmonies, or the sketches. It’s about the people, the connections, and the quiet revolutions they spark. And that, my friends, is what makes this tradition truly unforgettable.
