It’s that time of year.
In case you have not checked Facebook or walked through Turlington at all since September, this weekend is UF Dance Marathon 2016! As a current captain and former dancer, here are some insider tips I have for making the most out of the big day(s).
Interact with the Miracle Children.
Get to know and hang out with the Miracle Children. Here’s the kicker, really listen their miracle stories every hour. Not only will it be incredibly inspiring, but you’ll get a much needed morale boost that will get you through those wee hours of the night (or day? Really all of the hours disappear under those fluorescent lights). The families are nervous enough to speak in front of hundreds of college kids, so give them the attention they deserve. This will be a good reality check for why you’re there giving your time (and money) to such a worthy cause.
When I was a dancer my favorite time was spent playing foursquare with the miracle kids. By foursquare I mean an obsessive-compulsive, demonic game of mental agility that I treated like my actual child and got upset over. It was a low point in my life. I don’t want to talk about it. Pet peeve: don’t just get an Instagram photo with them. Yeah, they are SO cute, but they are also really awesome to talk and play with. I hear some have kick-ass dance moves.
Don’t act like you’re too cool to do the silly stuff.
What I mean by this is, act as weird as possible. Go all out for the theme hours. No one cares if you want to act like a five year old, it’s actually encouraged. You’re going to be envious of how much the Morale Captains act energized, so join in! Bonus points: challenge their extroverted behavior. Proceed with a dance off. Come out a champ. Embrace your inner child and have at it.
Last year I pretended like I was one of the aliens being lifted by the claw in Toy Story. It was chill. Sure, people may look at you strange, but inside they just wish they could be as cool as you. Dressing up, dancing and acting silly will make you feel better and the whole process will be a lot more enjoyable. Captain, dancer or FTKrew: be goofy.
Everyone is experiencing the same rollercoaster of emotions that you are.
As a dancer, you’re going to feel pain. As a captain, you’re going to feel stressed. As an overall, you’re going to want to cry 24/7. Don’t suffer alone! Let people know how you’re feeling, and tune in to your emotions. I went to a dark place for a good five hours last year and had to eat a bag of Doritos alone in a corner. If you are a dancer and start to go into a deep part of your mind (ie: thinking about the creation of everything), find a captain. No matter what team they’re on, they’ve likely been in your shoes and know what you’re feeling. The captains and FTKrew are there to give piggyback rides, motivational pep talks and maybe a slip of coffee if you’re feeling lucky (ha! just kidding…).
Talking about all the feels with others will create a cool DM-BFF bond. Have a mini dance party with them and sing Hannah Montana. I still talk to the people I lucidly befriended on the dance floor. Being upbeat around others will make or break your experience at Dance Marathon, no matter your position.
These are just a few key ways to make the most out of your UF DM 2016 experience. It’ll be one of the most rewarding experiences of your college career.
For The Kids, amirite?
Featured photo courtesy of: UF DM Facebook
