The University of Florida has one of the best student bodies in the nation, and one of the best events our student body participates in is Dance Marathon. Dance Marathon is one of the largest student-run philanthropy events that raises money for the UF Health Shands Children’s Hospital, our local Children Miracle Network hospital.
This year, over 800 students stood FTK (for the kids), and UF raised over 3 million dollars! Becoming a DM dancer is a pretty big deal around here, and some inspiring dancers might have some questions about what it’s like to dance for 26.2 hours. Jasmine Carmichael, a second-year telecommunication major, danced this year. Here’s her answers to seven questions you might have for a DM dancer.
1. How did you first hear about Dance Marathon?
“If I remember correctly, I first heard about Dance Marathon when I went to preview the summer of 2016. However, I did not really grasp what the event was until I volunteered to be a Dancer Buddy for my friend during DM 2017. That is when I saw firsthand what the 26.2 hours entailed and learned everything I know now about DM.”
2. Were you intimidated by the thought of standing for 26.2 hours?
“Based on what I have heard from past dancers, the idea of standing 26.2 hours was not exactly welcoming, but it was nothing to be intimidated by. I knew I was definitely unprepared for the challenge, however, I like to think I still stepped into the event with excitement and confidence more than anything. Me standing 26.2 hours was nothing compared to how much my actions meant to the kids at Shands.”
3. How did you raise money to become a dancer?
“While I got lucky with a few larger donations towards the end of DM, I started fundraising for the event nearly a year before it occurred because I knew hitting my ultimate goal of $1000 wouldn’t be easy. I venmo charged friends $2.62 every now and then, sometimes getting payments and other times getting declined. I also acted as an ‘Uber’ driver and would offer to drive friends wherever needed on certain nights during specific times for a flat rate of $5 per person one-way and $7 round trip–a really effective method since ubers can sometimes be pricey and friends will often support Children’s Miracle Network over paying for a regular uber. A more unique version of mine is providing full-face makeup for events for $10 and adding lashes onto the look for $15–most ladies will snag this option since getting your makeup done is usually $40 at the cheapest. I also made some pretty nifty cheesecake brownies a couple times and sold those two for $1.”
4. What was your most-used item at the event, and how did it come in handy?
“My most-used item at the event had to be my fanny pack. A fanny pack is a must. I kept my phone charger, portable chargers, deodorant–trust me, you’ll sweat–and any other “essential items” like cash or my phone. It made carrying everything super convenient and comfortable. Not to mention, mine was metallic and Gators-themed, what’s not to love?”
5. What’s one thing you wish you had brought to the event?
“One thing I wish I had brought was definitely more money. The merch table had so many cute FTK shirts, socks and other accessories I was living for! Too bad buying every single item would have broke my budget!”
6. Did you hit a wall during the 26.2 hours?
“Everything definitely becomes more difficult after hours around 2am. Your feet begin to ache a little and you are starting to get sleepy, but you really hit a solid wall around 6am. I think after that was the worst point for me because I had officially been up for 24 hours, since dancers arrive to the event at 8am and don’t stand until after 12pm. However, staying hype and dancing with your teammates will definitely keep your mind off of the sleep deprivation and cries from your heels.”
7. Was it worth it? Do you have any advice for aspiring dancers?
“I don’t think I could tell you a million times how much standing meant to me. It was more than worth it. Seeing the smiles of miracle children and getting to them, and their families, really puts into perspective why you are doing what you are doing and, after that, it doesn’t seem hard at all. For those who are even considering dancing in the future: do it. It is an incredible experience I will never forget. I recommend staying positive, hydrating, having fun and meeting as many of the kids as possible. I can promise you, you will not regret it.”
Thanks for the tips, Jasmine! If you’re considering becoming a DM dancer in 2019, check out the UF Dance Marathon website and get pumped! FTK!