FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Dance Marathon?

Contrary to what it sounds like, DM is not a dance-a-thon where students dance all night long. It is the largest student run philanthropy in the country and involves college students all across the US, whose organizations partner with a Children’s Miracle Network hospital in the vicinity.

The philanthropy first began at Penn State University in 1973. Today, more than 100 colleges and universities have a dance marathon event on their campuses. The DM event at UT began in 1995. Throughout the year, students raise money through various fundraisers. However, DM is best know for the event which is held every February. At this annual event, UT Students give a day in of their lives for the life of a child. Throughout its history thousands of students have raised money for children with cancer and other blood-related diseases making Dance Marathon the largest run event that benefits East Tennessee Children’s Hospital!

Why do you stay up all night long and why can’t I sit down?

Dancers are required to be in constant movement and on their feet for the main event for a reason. We do this to honor the patients who have to stay up, sometimes all night, in order to receive treatments. These treatments are painful, long, and exhausting on their bodies and this is the reason why we stay up and active.

We do it for those who can’t. Although it is exhausting, the small foot pain we are feeling is nothing compared to what the children are facing, so we keep dancing.

What does the money go towards?

Every year, 12,500 children in the United States are diagnosed with cancer. Many of the treatment options are not covered by insurance and financially burden families. Luckily for families of the East Tennessee area the East Tennessee Children’s Hospital will not turn a patient and their family away due to lack of funds.

Dance Marathon raises money to put in ETCH’s fund that gives them the opportunity to not have to turn away a patient. The money is used for big things like equipment or necessary medication for a child to survive that families cannot afford on their own. The money can also be used for smaller things like, a prom dress for a patient who couldn’t afford to go to prom without the fund’s help.

How can I participate as a dancer at the Dance Marathon event?

Please refer to the registration page for all participation and registration information!

How can I participate in the leadership of Dance Marathon?

The Executive Board is chosen in the spring semester, following the event, and the Morale Team is chosen in the beginning of fall semester. Both groups go through an application and interview process. If you want to volunteer with Dance Marathon, however, committees for various positions on Exec, such as Catering, Facilities, and Corporate and Event Development, are chosen in the fall semester by an application process. Also, there are opportunities to work behind the scenes at the event at either the visitor’s table or first aid table. Contact the Dance Marathon office at 865.974.8481 for more information on how you can help.

How do I make a donation to Dance Marathon?

There are 3 ways to give to Dance Marathon:

1.) Mail a check to the Dance Marathon Office:
Dance Marathon
315-A University Center
1502 West Cumberland Avenue
Knoxville, TN 37996-4800

** Checks should be made out to “DANCE MARATHON”. Please make sure to note in the memo line what dancer you would like the donation to go towards.

2.) Bring your check or cash donation to the Dance Marathon Office, located within the Office of Student Activities- University Center Room 315.

* Checks should be made out to “DANCE MARATHON”. Please make sure to note in the memo line what dancer you would like the donation to go towards.

3.) Register and fundraise online

* Check out the registration and fundraising site… it’s For The Kids!