Dance Marathon 101

With only 23 days until Dance Marathon 2019, the time for preparation is now. DM at FSU is here with the survival guide to ensure the ultimate Dance Marathon experience.

The Must-Haves:

Water, Snacks, Portable charger, Fanny pack, Medications, Money

These items are going to be your go-to items to keep you happy dancing all twenty hours. With all of the happenings occurring at the Marathon, it’s easy to get swept up in the fun and forget basic needs. Keep yourself as FTK as possible by drinking and eating regularly. Protein packed power snacks like granola bars, fruit, or variety snack packs are great for a boost of energy during the drowsy, late night hours. Refillable water bottles are an awesome way to stay hydrated at all times. Portable chargers are also ideal to make sure you’re capturing memories and keeping up with fundraising pushes-- remember, fundraising does not end at the Marathon! The fanny pack will be your best friend for keeping your small personal items close by and secure. Staying healthy by taking your medications is something you may not think about until it’s too late, so be sure to pack any and all needed medications. Finally, keep a few extra dollars handy to buy some DM merch.

Don’t want to wait until the Marathon to buy merch? We have bundle levels for all your needs at https://squareup.com/store/dmfsu. The link closes on Sunday, February 24th at 11:59PM, so make sure you get your orders in before the deadline and they’ll be ready for pickup at the beginning of the Marathon.

Stay Clean and Comfy:

Makeup Wipes or Baby Wipes, Deodorant/Perfume, Makeup, Hand Sanitizer, Multiple changes of Socks, Undergarments, Clothes, Multiple pairs of Shoes

After hours of dancing and activities, you may not be as fresh as you’d like. These items will help you feel your best and stay comfortable. Makeup wipes or baby wipes are a quick way to refresh your face and body and deodorant or perfume will help you rejuvenate yourself after some sweating. Multiple pairs of shoes and socks will allow you to alleviate some discomfort after standing on your feet for an extended period of time. Bring your favorite tennis shoes, slippers, or fuzzy socks and give your feet a break! Other important things to switch out for your comfort are your undergarments and clothes. All of these items are ways to enhance your marathon experience and make it as comfortable for you as possible.

FTK Fun:

Theme Hour Outfits, Selfie sticks, Tutus, A good attitude

Throughout the Marathon, there will be an opportunity to earn points for your Miracle Team every hour by dressing according to the hour’s theme! These outfits are fun, goofy, and are the perfect picture opportunities. Keep up the spirit by adding to your outfits with tutus, glow sticks, and any accessory you can think of. Overall, the key to a successful Marathon experience is a good attitude. Dance Marathon’s success would not be possible without each and every dancer and this is a time to celebrate your contributions to our movement.

DM Crash Course

What happens when sirens go off?

It’s time for the line dance. Our Morale Team has been working endlessly on this seven-minute long dance, and they’re so excited to teach you! Airplane towards the dance floor from wherever you are in the Civic Center and get your dancing shoes ready, the line dance is performed every hour on the hour. You’ll be an expert in no time!

What do I do during a Miracle Story?

Miracle Stories occur immediately after the line dance is performed every hour. Out of respect for our miracle families, each person at the Marathon takes a knee and politely listens for the duration of their story. Remember, no sitting, but feel free to bring knee pads to protect your knees.

What if I forget something at home?

For an entrance fee, non-participants are welcome to bring forgotten items, outside food or drink, or anything you might need at the Civic Center. However, visitors cannot come into the Marathon between 12-4am for road safety purposes, so plan accordingly if you want to utilize visitors!

Standing for a consecutive twenty hours might sound pretty intimidating, but with the right amount of preparedness, Dance Marathon becomes the experience of a lifetime.

DM at FSU is eternally grateful for all of our participants and their incredible efforts during this Dance Marathon season. We’ve come so far already, and we can’t wait to celebrate with you in just a few short weeks!