NASHVILLE, Tenn. — In only three years, Vanderbilt‘s Dance Marathon has
become one of the university‘s most-anticipated annual events among
students. The 14-hour overnight gathering, featuring live music and
performances, games, food and — of course — dancing, will attract more
than 400 students from some 40 organizations across campus when it
convenes Friday, Feb. 18, at 7 p.m.
The purpose of Dance Marathon — besides the excuse for some of
Vanderbilt‘s finest to break out their dance moves — is to raise money
for a worthy cause. Vanderbilt‘s Dance Marathon, like many held on
university campuses across the country each year, is affiliated with
the Children‘s Miracle Network, a non-profit organization dedicated to
raising funds and awareness for children‘s hospitals. Last year,
Vanderbilt won the Children‘s Miracle Network‘s “Most Improved Dance
Marathon” award for raising nearly $50,000 for local network member
Monroe Carell Jr. Children‘s Hospital at Vanderbilt. This year‘s
participants hope to improve upon that amount — and have fun while
doing it.
“Dance Marathon is one of those ‘can‘t miss‘ opportunities on campus,”
said Annie Longenecker, a sophomore. “The idea of staying up all night
with close friends and doing it to help children in need is amazing. I
wouldn‘t miss it for the world.”
The event begins Feb. 18 at 7 p.m. and runs through Saturday morning at
9 a.m. It will be held at the Student Recreation Center on Vanderbilt‘s
campus, located on Children‘s Way adjacent to the Vanderbilt track on
Natchez Trace. Members of the public may attend the marathon and
participate in its activities on a come-and-go basis for a $10 per
person donation at the door. Children of all ages are welcome.
In addition to dancing, activities include an appearance by the
Tennessee Titans cheerleaders, performances by ‘80s cover band Ronnie
Raygun and Vanderbilt a cappella group the Swingin‘ Dores, a mechanical
bull, human foosball, inflatable bouncy castles, karaoke, video game
and basketball tournaments and hip hop and line dancing demonstrations.
Food will be provided.
“The students on the executive board have worked tirelessly to see that
this year‘s Dance Marathon builds on the great tradition we started two
years ago,” said Clayton Arrington, associate director for Greek life
at Vanderbilt and an adviser for the marathon. “I‘m confident we‘ll
raise more money, and the experience for our dancers and the other
participants will exceed expectations.”
“Our goal this year as a board was not only to raise more money, but to
make Dance Marathon something that everyone looks forward to,” added
junior Nichole Moscinski.
In addition to the marathon, students have been raising money toward
their goal throughout the academic year with a letter-writing campaign,
a barbecue dinner during parents‘ weekend and Qdoba Wednesdays, where a
flyer submitted at area Qdoba restaurants on Wednesdays throughout
February will earn Dance Marathon a portion of your purchase. To print
a Dance Marathon flyer or learn more about the event, visit http://www.vanderbilt.edu/dance_marathon/.
Media contact: Kara Furlong, (615) 322-NEWS
kara.c.furlong@vanderbilt.edu