Why YOU Should Join Dance Marathon

Creating Tomorrow by Dancing Today: Five words that mean so much. When you experience Dance Marathon, you understand why these words are so significant and why the color lime green will never look the same. If you have not gotten the opportunity to expereince this life-changing event, I highly encourage you to do so. 

University of Iowa has one of the largest Dance Marathons in the nation. If that right there doesn’t make you want to be a part of such an incredible event, here are some other reasons that might pull you in. Dance Marathon is the university’s largest student-run philanthopy and it provides support for cancer patients and their families at the University of Iowa’s Children Hospital. The support given is provided both financially and emotionally. Over the past twenty years, Dance Marathon has raised over $14.5 million going towards the financial support of numerous families, patients and cancer research. However, none of that would be possible without the dancers.

The dancers are the volunteers and the reason why it all happens. Each dancer must raise $400 to participate in the event. That money goes so much further than you would ever know. Every bit counts, and the rewarding feeling you get when the big number of how much money was raised is released at the very end of the event truly makes you realize this. The families are incredibly grateful and seeing the smiles on the kids makes it all worthwhile. Knowing that your donations, support and energy helped to accomplish something that is so much bigger than all of us is a feeling you just can’t describe. Last year, DM20 raised over $1.8 million #FTK (For the Kids)! That was a new record, and hopefully it continues to increase. 

If you did not already know, Dance Marathon is a 24-hour event that invloves no caffeine, no sitting down, and no resting. This seems terrifying, I know. As a person who definitely needs their “eight hours of sleep per night or don’t talk to me,” I was very on the fence when it came to signing up for Dance Marathon last year. I can honestly say right now that I am SO very happy that I decided to participate. The fullfilment you recieve after completing 24 hours of dancing, listening to survivor’s stories, reflecting on those who have passed, and fighting for a cure is unbelievably rewarding. You go through just about every emotion within those 24 hours.

Dance Marathon gives you time to reflect upon the children who have passed, the children who are still fighting, and the survivors who share their stories. The event spreads awareness of the disease, and allows you to give back by helping to support the kids and their families. This is our time to be there for them. When you are not reflecting or listening to speeches, you are dancing. The time is filled with live entertainment such as a DJ, local bands, and university dance and theatre groups. The 24 hours goes by faster than you know. There is high energy and lime green all around, along with lots of food thanks to sponsors. This event is something that everyone at the University of Iowa should experience, and donate to. The rewards and fulfillment are so much greater than the loss of sleep. If they can fight, we can dance. 

This year’s Dance Marathon will take place on February 6th and 7th, 2015. You can sign up here.