University anticipates Dance Marathon 2013 theme

Mackenzie Bartels/Contributing writer

While 25 consecutive hours of dancing may sound like an exhausting and daunting task to many people, to students at FIU it sounds like another opportunity to give back to their community.

Dance Marathon, a daylong philanthropic event, is an effort to raise money where students pledge to remain on their feet for the event’s entire duration, participating in activities such as line dancing and games.

One hundred percent of the proceeds go to the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals program at Miami Children’s Hospital Foundation. Last year, the dancers surpassed their $70,000 goal. This year’s goal: $85,000.

Although the multiplying money is a huge motivation for the dancers, it’s not the only thing that keeps these students dancing. Students return to FIU’s Dance Marathon to enjoy the new theme that its Steering Committee votes on each year.

“The theme provides the population with something to look forward to, energizing the event with a sense of fun and excitement,” said Christian Chavarro, director of communications for the event.

In fact, committee members say that the theme is the most important aspect of the planning process.

“It is not an easy decision because everyone has their own idea on what they want Dance Marathon to be,” said Campus Promotions Chair Marlena Bruno. “However, the committee always comes together and decides what the student body and our miracle children would want at the event.”

Chavarro said the theme sets the tone for the event’s decorations and songs, as well as all promotional material such as Dance Marathon t-shirts and videos.

Within the past five years, dancers enjoyed themes such as Disney, Dr. Seuss, Toy Story, Lion King and Looney Tunes.

The committee chooses themes that remind Dance Marathon participants of their childhood. Chavarro said the theme helps to serve as a tie to the children students are dancing for.

“The idea behind Dance Marathon is to dance for the kids, as they are the source of inspiration to stay on one’s feet throughout the 25 hours,” said Chavarro. “The children serve as a reminder that every single minute spent planning and every dollar raised is for the kids.”

Even with an overload of excitement, the committee is keeping its lips sealed tight about the 17th annual Dance Marathon theme.

The eager FIU population will have to wait to hear the decision until the Theme Revelation, which will be held on Aug. 28, 2013 in the GC Pit between the hours of 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.

Until then, participators can anticipate a theme that will keep students on their feet and a smile on every child’s face.

– news@fiusm.com