Summer’s Secret Sauce: How Dartmouth’s Performance Groups Are Redefining Community
There’s something uniquely magical about summer on college campuses—a slower pace, a sense of freedom, and an opportunity to try something entirely new. At Dartmouth, this magic takes center stage with the sophomore summer performance groups, a tradition that’s equal parts creative outlet, social experiment, and community-building powerhouse. Personally, I think what makes this particularly fascinating is how these groups manage to be both deeply inclusive and artistically ambitious, all while fostering connections that last far beyond the summer months.
The Art of Clever Reinvention
One thing that immediately stands out is the way these groups rebrand themselves for the summer. From Fusion becoming Fission to Sheba transforming into Shebalite, the names are more than just wordplay—they’re a declaration of identity. What many people don’t realize is that this rebranding isn’t just for fun; it’s a way to create a distinct summer culture while still honoring the full-year group’s legacy. It’s like a sibling relationship: related but with its own personality. This clever deviation extends to hand signs, traditions, and even the tone of performances, making the summer groups feel both familiar and fresh.
The Power of ‘Why Not?’
What’s truly remarkable about these groups is their openness to beginners. This year, some groups welcomed nearly 60 new members, many of whom had never danced, sung, or performed before. If you take a step back and think about it, this is a bold move in a world where skill is often prioritized over curiosity. But here’s the thing: these groups aren’t just about perfecting a craft; they’re about creating a space where people can explore parts of themselves they never knew existed. As Crystal Wang, co-summer director of Shebalite, put it, the dance group is a ‘micro environment’ that encourages self-discovery. That’s a powerful idea—and one that’s often overlooked in the hyper-competitive world of college extracurriculars.
Teaching as a Two-Way Street
From my perspective, the role of full-year members in these groups is where the real magic happens. They’re not just teaching choreography or vocal techniques; they’re mentoring, inspiring, and co-creating. Take Fission, for example, where co-director Camille Weinstein adapts dances to make them more accessible. This isn’t just about lowering the bar—it’s about raising the floor, ensuring everyone feels included. What this really suggests is that leadership in these groups is less about authority and more about empathy. It’s a model that could (and should) be applied to other areas of campus life.
StreetFest: More Than Just a Performance
The culmination of the summer’s efforts is StreetFest, an annual fundraiser hosted by Phi Delta Alpha. This year, proceeds will go to WISE, an organization combating gender-based violence. What makes this particularly fascinating is how the event blends entertainment with social impact. It’s not just a showcase of talent; it’s a statement of values. Personally, I think this is a brilliant way to remind everyone that art and activism can (and should) go hand in hand.
The Hidden Psychology of Summer Groups
Here’s a detail that I find especially interesting: the summer groups often shift their focus to more accessible styles, like hip-hop for dance or sketch comedy for theater. Why? Because, as Splenda’s co-director Paulina Fomicheva explained, these styles are ‘easier for beginners to pick up.’ But if you dig deeper, this isn’t just about practicality—it’s about psychology. By choosing styles that are inherently more forgiving, these groups lower the barrier to entry, making it easier for people to take that first step. This raises a deeper question: how often do we unintentionally exclude people by prioritizing complexity over accessibility?
Community as the Ultimate Performance
What many people don’t realize is that the real goal of these groups isn’t the final performance—it’s the community built along the way. Whether it’s Ujimelt’s emphasis on ‘collective work and responsibility’ or Summerphonix’s focus on creating friendships, the underlying message is clear: the process matters more than the product. This is a refreshing counterpoint to the ‘results-driven’ mindset that often dominates college life. In my opinion, it’s a reminder that sometimes the most meaningful outcomes are the ones you can’t measure.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Summer Performance Groups
If you ask me, the success of these groups points to a larger trend in higher education: the growing demand for spaces that prioritize connection over competition. As colleges grapple with issues of mental health and isolation, programs like these offer a blueprint for fostering belonging. What this really suggests is that the future of campus life might look less like a race to the top and more like a collaborative dance—one where everyone has a chance to shine.
Final Thoughts
As I reflect on Dartmouth’s summer performance groups, what strikes me most is their ability to transform the ordinary into something extraordinary. These aren’t just clubs; they’re incubators for creativity, empathy, and community. Personally, I think every college could learn a thing or two from this model. After all, what’s summer for if not to step out of your comfort zone, try something new, and maybe—just maybe—find a little piece of yourself along the way?
