For some of you out there, the word "marathon" induces fear. Images of Dustin Hoffman's strung-out Marathon Man and Marion Jones' steroid-related downfall might rush to the front of your mind. You might want to set those fears aside for the upcoming Dance Marathon event, however. Put down your bright yellow jogging shorts and get ready for a 24-hour philanthropic party!
This year's Dance Marathon marks the 10th anniversary of the national organization, and it comes with a bit of a makeover.
"We've always had it in Memorial Gym," Dance Marathon co-chair Kirby Lee said. "This year our goal was to make it more of a community event, so we're having it at Satellite Ballroom."
Lee and her fellow co-chairs, Dianne Carter and Brittany Satterly, started planning this year's marathon as soon as the 2007 marathon ended. They aim to reach a broader audience with an eclectic variety of entertainment lasting from 5 p.m. Friday to 5 p.m. Saturday. The goal this year is not necessarily to raise the most money, but rather to increase student interest in the event and awareness of the importance of community service.
"We really just wanted to change the image of Dance Marathon," Lee said. "In the past we've linked a lot of the themes and decorations to children, and this year we're doing a lot geared toward students and [Charlottesville] community people. It's a philanthropy for the community."
Accordingly, this year's theme will be "Party with a Purpose." Entertainment will range from a capella groups ReMiX and CHoosE to local groups such as 6 Day Bender and Tim be Told (winner of the 2008 U.Va. Battle of the Bands).
The event will break down as follows. At 8 p.m. Friday U.Va. students Lansing Lee and Helen Horal will open for 6 Day Bender, who will come on at 10. After these bands play, Satellite Ballroom will convert to a rave -- Charlottesville DJ's K-Rock Kidd and DJ Amir will play until 4 a.m. Techno music and glow sticks will keep dancers awake throughout the night, in time for 7 a.m. yoga and 8 a.m. salsa dancing. Families will drift in around 10 a.m. for family time, when youth dance groups will perform, and those who have been affected by the University of Virginia Children's Hospital will tell their stories. Nurses and patients alike will come and dance the morning away.
Over the past 10 years, the organization has raised more than $1 million. Each chapter of Dance Marathon donates the funds to the charity of its choice. Money raised from the U.Va. event will benefit the Children's Hospital and will go towards buying a PlayMotion, a state-of-the-art interactive (and fun) rehabilitation tool for children. Lee stressed the importance of being involved in charity as college students -- even if it is just donating time.
"We want people to appreciate being philanthropic," Lee said. "If you start now, you'll always have that desire to give back."
Feel Good, a charitable organization aiming to end world hunger one grilled cheese at a time (literally), will be serving sandwiches during the event.
A full schedule of the event can be found on the group's Web site, along with information about donations, dancers, bands and corporate sponsors. If the idea of dancing for 24 straight hours doesn't appeal to you, again, don't worry. For those who are faint of feet, the $5 ticket is valid for the full day, and you can go in and out as often as you please. On your way out or home Friday night, stop by Satellite Ballroom and party with a purpose!
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