Summer performance groups at Dartmouth offer a unique opportunity to build skill, foster community, and create memorable experiences. These groups provide a platform for students to explore their creativity, collaborate with peers, and develop their talents in a supportive environment. Here's a closer look at some of the summer performance groups and their unique offerings.
Dance Groups
Dance groups at Dartmouth offer a vibrant and diverse range of styles, from hip-hop to contemporary and lyrical. These groups provide a platform for students to learn, perform, and connect with others who share their passion for dance.
One notable group is Shebalite, a summer iteration of the hip-hop group Sheba. Shebalite's summer directors, Crystal Wang and Vishal Powell, emphasize the group's focus on creating a supportive and inclusive environment. They encourage students to step out of their comfort zones and explore their creativity through dance.
Another group, Fission, takes a unique approach by refining dances to make them more accessible to beginners. Co-director Camille Weinstein highlights the group's commitment to inclusivity, ensuring that dances are adaptable for all skill levels. Fission's performance at StreetFest will feature six dances with a 'Teen Beach' theme, including the popular 'G6' dance.
Sugarplum, a contemporary, lyrical, and jazz group, shifts its focus to hip-hop during the summer. Co-summer director Paulina Fomicheva appreciates the ease of learning hip-hop, making it more accessible to beginners. The group's performance at StreetFest will showcase various upbeat pop songs, with a 'Mean Girls' theme.
A Cappella Groups
Dartmouth's a cappella groups provide a platform for students to showcase their vocal talents and create harmonious performances. The summer iterations of these groups offer a unique opportunity to experiment with new arrangements and collaborate with a diverse range of singers.
The Dodecaphonics, Dartmouth's oldest gender-inclusive a cappella group, embrace a more relaxed approach during the summer. Summer co-president Ava Tillman-Schwartz appreciates the reduced pressure to be polished, allowing for a more lighthearted and enjoyable experience. The group will perform four arrangements at StreetFest, drawing inspiration from the film 'Pitch Perfect'.
Summerphonix, another a cappella group, focuses on creating a sense of community and fostering positive experiences. Summer co-president emphasizes the group's commitment to making the experience social and inclusive, regardless of the singers' backgrounds.
Sketch Comedy and Improv Groups
Sketch comedy and improv groups at Dartmouth offer a platform for students to explore their comedic talents and collaborate on creative performances. These groups provide a unique opportunity to experiment with different styles and techniques, fostering a sense of community and creativity.
Can't Rent Comedy, a sketch comedy group, welcomes 14 summer members. Summer co-president Nick Lutzky highlights the group's emphasis on collaboration, with every member contributing to the creation of sketches. The group will perform five sketches at StreetFest, showcasing their comedic talents.
Social and Community Aspects
Beyond the performances, summer performance groups at Dartmouth offer a range of social and community-building opportunities. These groups often host events, such as pizza-making sessions at the Dartmouth Organic Farm, formals, and co-hosted events with other dance groups.
The groups' names and traditions, such as hand signs and specific dances, contribute to a sense of community and belonging. For example, Ujimelt, named after the third principle of Kwanzaa, emphasizes collective work and responsibility. The group's performance at StreetFest will feature seven dances, with two of them performed by the original Ujima group.
In conclusion, summer performance groups at Dartmouth provide a unique and enriching experience for students. These groups offer opportunities to build skills, foster community, and create memorable performances. Whether it's dance, a cappella, sketch comedy, or improv, these groups provide a platform for students to explore their creativity and connect with like-minded individuals. The summer iterations of these groups showcase the dedication and talent of Dartmouth students, leaving a lasting impact on their college experience.
