When you hear the words “Dance Marathon,” you might picture a gymnasium packed with sweaty college students, electric music and neon lights. But beneath the excitement lies something far more powerful—a movement that exemplifies the strength of community, selflessness and hope.
Non-profit club Dance Marathons have surged in popularity across the country, especially on university campuses. These events challenge participants to remain on their feet, dancing for hours and interacting with children. While it may sound like an endurance test designed solely for the young and energetic, the true purpose is much deeper: raising money for life-changing causes, centered around local children’s hospitals. All for the kids. Every single dollar.
Having participated in Dance Marathon myself through the University of Iowa for many years, I speak confidently when I say it is the most rewarding experience I have ever had. What sets these marathons apart from traditional fundraising methods is their eccentric environment. You do not simply donate money or click a button online; you pour your heart and energy into every minute of the event. You push through fatigue because you understand that your discomfort is fleeting compared to the struggles faced by those you are helping.
I had the honor of attending the University of Iowa’s 31st Dance Marathon and it would be an understatement to say it was one of the best 24 hours of my life. The dancing, crafts and games are fun, but what I love about it is the environment. You are surrounded by some of the best people in the world. You get to meet exceptionally strong families and meet spectacular volunteers who pour their hearts and souls into serving others. Dance Marathon people are my favorite kind of people. They are incredibly kind, loving, selfless, generous and determined to change kids’ health so they have the hope of a future.
Additionally, the stories shared by families and children during these marathons leave a lasting impression. Meeting a child whose life was saved by the very funds you are helping to raise puts everything into perspective. Hearing parents speak about their journey through heartbreak and hope reinforces the importance of the cause. These personal connections transform statistics into faces, making the mission deeply personal for everyone involved. The very air you breathe is overflowing with gratitude, love and hope.
Personally, I believe Dance Marathon is the best club out there. It can be demanding and hard, but the suffering is nothing from the joy that comes from it. I mean, how many people get to say they have truly made an impact on a child’s life? How many times do you get the opportunity to be a miracle maker? This tiny but mighty club cultivates a generation of young people who are actively engaged in philanthropy. This club teaches the true meaning of resilience, empathy and the value of giving back.
Dance Marathon creates a ripple effect, inspiring others to get involved, donate or start their own initiatives. They foster a sense of unity, reminding us that even in our most fatigued state, we can still come together to lift others up. Dance Marathon truly changes the world. I was so impacted by the University of Iowa’s Dance Marathon that I decided to start a Dance Marathon at Northwestern College. So, I did. I saw how much it makes an impact, and I wanted to bring that to Orange City. I think everyone should join Dance Marathon because there is nothing better than being the hands and feet of Jesus and knowing that you saved a life.
The next time you hear about a Dance Marathon, resist the urge to dismiss it as just another party. It is a celebration of children diligently fighting for their lives in the hospital, for children who have survived every obstacle thrown their way, and for the children who gained their angel wings early. Dance Marathon is proof that young people can and do make a difference—one beat, one step and one dollar at a time. You can be a part of that difference. You can be a miracle maker. Join Dance Marathon today. Kids cannot wait. So, neither should you.
