While the Wellesley Fever Dancers are set to perform at the Rhythms of the Caribbean Expo on Saturday, February 22, perhaps you have already seen one of their vibrant and lively performances. From the complex choreography to the brilliant music choices, watching the Afro-Caribbean dance group is an incredible experience. To gain an insider’s perspective on how these performances came together and how the group functions as a whole, I spoke with Emily Rosado ’25, this year’s Vice President of Fever, and Nana Ama Asare-Kwaah ’28, a new member.

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