Fever is more than just a performance group, it is “energy, passion and an overall joy for dance and Caribbean culture,” Rosado said. “Many of us are not dancers when we enter the group and we are all learning together, especially because we are all from different parts of the diaspora, it’s really beautiful to teach one another different dances and forms of expression.” When watching how each movement, costume and song work together, this expression can look effortless, but that is certainly not the case. “The amount of time, dedication and heart that is put into this org is really incredible.” Rosado said.

When asked what encouraged her to join Fever, Asare-Kwaah explained that, “Initially, I joined Fever because I saw them at the Org Fair at the beginning of the semester and the roommate wanted to join … now I genuinely enjoy it. It’s a great workout and makes me feel amazing about my body. It’s a really supportive group.”

Rosado clued me in on what a typical practice looks like. Because it lasts about two hours, the dancers start with a warm-up of stretching and occasional jumping jacks to Afrobeats and Caribbean music. During a week leading up to a performance like this past one, as the group prepares for the Rhythms of the Caribbean Expo, practices consist of run-throughs and perfecting their transitions between songs.

I also gained insight into the process of bringing these beautiful and intricate dances from vision to life. Because Rosado is an e-board member, we had the opportunity to discuss how Fever’s leading members approach choreography.

“We really try to get everyone involved in making choreography, though it has mainly been led by the President, Sairah O’Brian ’25, this year,” she said. “We start by making a playlist of songs that we’re interested in making choreography to, and from there, we build up choreography … we always try to add traditional elements into each of our dances, and keep them very fun and rooted in the main goal of the organization.”

Fever also encourages members to embrace different characters in their routines, using acting to enhance their dances. When asked about their favorite performance, Asare-Kwaah replied, “Last semester I really loved ‘Kotch.’ I play the guy role in a lot of dances and that was no different. I’ve gotten comfortable being more masculine. This semester though … probably ‘So Mi Like It’ which everyone can come see at [the Rhythms of the Caribbean] Expo!”

Rosado’s personal favorite is “DND” by Rema, choreographed by Taylor Quaye ’24. “The choreo just felt so perfectly in the energy of the song and Taylor really brought a special spirit to all of the dances they choreographed.” 

In addition to the upbeat dances, what really seems to bring Fever to life is the spirited community. According to Asare-Kwaah, she has gained a lot of confidence in her abilities since joining, describing practices as “super fun because everyone is hyping everyone else. I feel like I’m a lot less nervous when it comes to dancing in front of people.”

Rosado echoed this sentiment, explaining while every dancer can be tired as a result of academics and everything else in their Wellesley lives, “being able to come together, lean on one another, and have these moments of joy through dance is so beautiful … The support system we build as a group of people from all across the world and diaspora is definitely my favorite part of being in the fever dancers.” 

Rosado and Asare-Kwaah concluded by encouraging everyone to come experience the energy and enthusiasm of Fever Dancers at the Rhythms of the Caribbean Expo on Saturday, February 22 at 6:00 P.M. held in Jewett Auditorium.

Image credit: @feverdancers on Instagram

Contact the editor responsible for this story: Phoebe Rebhorn

Kodavarti joined WASAC her first year, looking for a space where she could find a common community of peers. She said that where she grew up, there wasn’t a lot of encouragement or displays of South Asian culture, and so coming to Wellesley, she wanted to find a place where a South Asian community thrived. When she saw WASAC’s booth at the orgs fair, she decided to go to a couple of meetings and realized it was the place for her. 

“I’m really happy I joined, I think it’s a really good community and I’ve made a lot of friends,” she said. 

Kodavarti quickly got involved with the org through general membership and e-board, becoming one of the first-year representatives and helping out with the cultural events that were put on during her first year. Kodavarti said she felt impassioned to continue her involvement in the org and to promote an inclusive community for South Asians on campus. She had an especially positive experience with Shruti Laya, and when she got the chance to run as the co-cultural chair for this year, she took it.

Leading up to the event, she handled lighting, music, and performances, not just from Wellesley, but South Asian organizations from other colleges. It was a big production that took the help of a lot of members and Wellesley resources, and Kodavarti said that it was a big responsibility to get right.

She explained that Shruti Laya is a great example of  WASAC’s greater role on campus: to serve as a support network for South Asian students. She said that it’s a mix of important shows and events, meetings, and also casual hangouts that just help students interact.

“Right now and in the near future, there’s probably going to be increased hatred,” Kodavarti explained. She hopes WASAC can serve as a respite for South Asian students from those feelings.

Kodavarti also said a big part of the org is learning and growing. She said that WASAC has a deep history of being less inclusionary, and they have been trying to encourage recent collaborations with other cultural orgs to foster acceptance and cultural understanding. She noted that especially with the amount of first years who are passionate about participating this year, it’s important that they draw from all parts of South Asian culture.

One example of this is the recent collaboration between WASAC and the Bangladeshi Student Association (BSA), when the org hosted a talk with three professors who were involved in the Bangladeshi student uprising. The event gave the students a chance to talk with these professors, learn about the political issues that Bangladesh is facing and talk with students from other South Asian orgs. 

“In college — in general — people can feel alone,” Kodavarti said. She recommends students find cultural orgs that will give them a chance to speak about their experiences and passions, and to feel like more of a community. 

Kodavarti encourages anybody who feels they have a place in the org to get involved, and anybody who wants to learn to go to public events. She also notes that other orgs should always reach out for collaborations, since they are always looking to partner with and learn from other students. She concluded by saying that WASAC is always meant to be a safe space for South Asian students throughout their time at Wellesley.

“I really like WASAC and you should too!” 

Image credit: Jiya Singh ’27

Contact the editors responsible for this story: Phoebe Rebhorn and Diya Khanna