The Summer of Creativity: How Dartmouth’s Performance Groups Are Redefining Community and Skill-Building
There’s something uniquely magical about summer on a college campus. The pace slows, the pressure eases, and suddenly, there’s room for experimentation—both in life and in art. At Dartmouth, this spirit of exploration takes center stage with the sophomore summer performance groups, a tradition that’s equal parts creative outlet and community-building endeavor. Personally, I think what makes this particularly fascinating is how these groups manage to be both inclusive and transformative. They’re not just about putting on a show; they’re about creating spaces where students can discover new parts of themselves, often in ways they never anticipated.
The Names That Tell a Story
One thing that immediately stands out is the clever naming conventions of these summer groups. From Fission (a spin-off of Fusion) to Shebalite (derived from Sheba), each name is a playful riff on the full-year group’s identity. What many people don’t realize is that these names aren’t just cute—they’re a subtle way of signaling continuity while also carving out a distinct summer identity. It’s like a linguistic handshake, saying, ‘We’re part of something bigger, but this is our moment.’
Take Ujimelt, for example, a summer offshoot of Ujima. The name itself is a nod to the Kwanzaa principle of ‘collective work and responsibility,’ which, as co-director Avery Aaronson points out, is the group’s guiding ethos. If you take a step back and think about it, this isn’t just about branding—it’s about embedding values into the very fabric of the group. That’s what this really suggests: these aren’t just performance groups; they’re microcosms of intentional community-building.
The Art of Accessibility
What makes these groups truly remarkable is their commitment to accessibility. Full-year members, often seasoned performers, take on the role of mentors, teaching skills to students who may have never danced, sung, or acted before. A detail that I find especially interesting is how groups like Fission and Splenda (the summer version of Sugarplum) adapt their choreography to suit beginners. Camille Weinstein, co-director of Fission, explains that they’ll modify a turn or create entirely new dances to ensure everyone can participate.
This raises a deeper question: Why does accessibility matter so much here? In my opinion, it’s because these groups aren’t just about the final performance—they’re about the journey. As Paulina Fomicheva of Splenda puts it, ‘I hope it increases people’s confidence. You can learn how to dance in two months.’ That’s the power of these groups: they’re not gatekeepers; they’re gateways.
Community as the Ultimate Performance
While the technical skills are important, the real magic lies in the sense of community these groups foster. Crystal Wang, co-summer director of Shebalite, shares how seeing members flash their group’s hand signs fills her with excitement. ‘It’s a lot of work,’ she admits, ‘but seeing how much fun people are having makes it all worth it.’
What this really suggests is that the performance itself is almost secondary to the bonds formed along the way. Ava Tillman-Schwartz of Summerphonix echoes this sentiment, emphasizing how the group focuses on creating a social space where friendships can flourish. From my perspective, this is where the true innovation lies. These groups aren’t just teaching dance moves or vocal techniques—they’re teaching the art of connection.
The Broader Implications: Why This Matters Beyond Dartmouth
If you take a step back and think about it, Dartmouth’s summer performance groups are a microcosm of a larger trend in education and community-building. In a world that often prioritizes individual achievement, these groups remind us of the value of collective effort and shared experiences. What many people don’t realize is that this model could—and should—be replicated in other settings, from corporate team-building to community centers.
Personally, I think the key takeaway here is the importance of creating spaces where people feel safe to step out of their comfort zones. As Crystal Wang aptly notes, ‘Immersing yourself in a totally new environment can be really daunting, but it’s where the most meaningful growth happens.’ That’s a lesson that transcends the stage—it’s about life itself.
The Future of Summer Creativity
Looking ahead, I can’t help but wonder how these groups will evolve. Will they continue to grow in size, as they did this year with record-breaking auditions? Will their impact extend beyond the campus, perhaps through collaborations with local communities or digital performances? One thing is certain: as long as they remain committed to inclusivity and community, their relevance will only deepen.
In my opinion, the real challenge—and opportunity—lies in maintaining that delicate balance between structure and spontaneity. These groups thrive because they’re both disciplined and playful, rigorous and welcoming. It’s a formula that’s hard to replicate, but when done right, it’s nothing short of transformative.
Final Thoughts: The Power of a Summer Well-Spent
As I reflect on Dartmouth’s sophomore summer performance groups, what strikes me most is their ability to turn a fleeting season into something lasting. Whether it’s the friendships formed, the skills learned, or the confidence gained, these groups leave an indelible mark on their members.
From my perspective, that’s the ultimate measure of success: not the applause at the end of a performance, but the ripple effects it creates in people’s lives. So, here’s to the dancers, singers, comedians, and directors who make this tradition possible—you’re not just putting on a show; you’re building something beautiful. And that, in my opinion, is the most compelling performance of all.
