Meet NUDM’s Dancer Relations Co-Chair Justin Marquez

With Norwestern Universities Dance Marathon about to hit full swing next quarter, Her Campus sat down with the two Dancer Relations Chairs to talk about their experience with DM. 

Now that DM is coming into full swing, why did you run to be a Co-DR chair?

I applied to be DR co-chair because that is where I found my community amidst the big and beautiful NUDM family. Hands down, DR is the zaniest, most fun, passionate, and energetic group of individuals I know, and I am proud to have been a part of that since my freshman year. Also, I love to dance #cantstopwontstop

What is your best memory of DM?

I’ve had tons of unforgettable NUDM memories and one of my favorites comes from last year. I was doing dancer pump up near the stage for DR, when out of the crowd I see a long, skinny blue light pop up. It ended up being Joseph Penrod (of Team Joseph) and his light saber making his way through the sea of college kids. I go up, say hey, and introduce myself and he sort of just looked at me. He then proceeded to stab me with his light saber. My immediate reaction, of course, was to fight back, and without exchanging a single word, we battled on the dance floor. I was worn out and sweaty, but the best thing that could have happened to me in that moment was Joseph wacking me with a plastic toy. 

There was also that time one friend brought me Jamba Juice, and a block later another friend brought me a mango smoothie. That was rad.

What has been your toughest moment during DM? 

DM is a mentally and physically demanding event. 30+ hours awake, and being mostly on your feet is so taxing on the mind and body. By the end, you really feel it. I think the toughest moment(s) is when I reach my low, and my feet are aching, and I haven’t changed my shirt in like 3 blocks, but I can’t let any of that show because I know it’s my job to be there for the dancers. Not that I have to be wholly high energy ALL the time, but maintaining a high spirit is crucial for DR and it can be difficult to do that during the slumps.

What is your favorite food served during the event?

Andy’s! Sweet, creamy, cold salvation.

If you could pick one song that exemplifies DM what would it be and why?

Feel So Close by Calvin Harris. With that much love and sweat being shared in the tent and throughout the year leading up to it, I’ve only grown closer to this big and beautiful family. 

• dance marathon
• DM