Students

Dancer FAQ

How much money do I need to raise?

Each dancer needs to raise $150 by the date of the marathon (Feb. 15, 2013), but we encourage you to set your fundraising goal at $500. It's much easier to reach $150 if your supporters see a much higher goal, and if you reach or surpass $500, you'll be well on your way towards being a top fundraiser!

Will someone help me raise the money?

Yes! Your dancer team captain will help you raise funds during the four months leading up to the marathon. UNC-DM will provide you with tools to make raising money easier, and your dancer team will hold fundraising events, the proceeds of which will be divided amongst the members of the dancer team that assist in hosting the event.

Where does the money go?

The funds raised by The UNC Dance Marathon are used to improve the quality of life of the patients and families of N.C. Children’s Hospital. The money goes toward programs such as the For The Kids Fund, which helps cover things that aren’t covered by insurance or Medicaid, like paying electric bills for families who don’t have enough money or providing phone cards for patients who can’t afford to call home. It allows families to focus on what really matters: caring for their sick child. Parents’ Night Out is another grant that provides families with a hot meal served by volunteers once a week. To read more about these and other grants provided by The UNC Dance Marathon, click here.

Do I have to actually dance for 24 hours?

No! During the marathon, we only ask that dancers stand for 24 hours. In addition to having awesome bands and live performances that you can dance to, we also have an entire gym filled with games and activities you can take part in. This year, we’ll have basketball, cheer pong, video games, football and even sports games on for you to enjoy. We also have dance teams, comedians, a capella groups, and more come perform! So even if you aren’t the best dancer or a dancer at all, you can still have a great time.

What will happen at the marathon?

During the marathon, you will be part of a team! With your team you will get to dance, participate in activities and competitions and take to the dance floor. You will have time to enjoy some of the University’s best performers, partake in games and activities (like four square and knock out) and eat some delicious catered food! The entire marathon isn’t just about dancing. Think of it as 24 hours of free, AWESOME entertainment. Throughout the marathon, you will also meet patients and families from N.C. Children’s Hospital and hear first-hand how your contributions have made a difference in their lives.

How do I sign up?

You can sign up all week in the Pit or online during Dancer Recruitment Week! But hurry, there is limited space for dancers, so don’t wait until the last minute! 

Can I be on the same team as my friends?

OF COURSE! Decide with your friends on a team name (or use the name of your mutual organization) and when registering to be a dancer, put that name in the “group” section of the registration form! You can even just write the name of one friend you want to dance with.

I heard there’s something special for seniors. What exactly is that about?

You heard correct. In 2011, we created a separate team JUST FOR SENIORS, and we are continuing that this year. So, if you are a senior signing up to dance, sign up under the “Senior” dancer team choice. As a dancer on the senior team, you’ll have a special senior dancer shirt, receive cool senior dancer gear (koozies, Senior buttons, and more!). PLUS, you’ll qualify to win great prizes, which include gift certificates to restaurants on Franklin Street, one team autographed men’s basketball, and one team autographed football.

If I’m a senior and want to dance, but don’t want to be on the senior dancer team, do I still qualify for all the cool gear and prizes?

Yes, you definitely do! The only difference is that you won’t get to wear the senior dancer T-shirt at the marathon. But you’ll still qualify for all the cool prizes and receive a senior dancer button.

I heard Will Ferrell came a couple years ago. Who is coming this year?

That’s right! Will Ferrell came to the 10th annual marathon in February 2008. We try to keep our celebrity guests under wraps, so you’ll just have to sign up to dance and come to find out! :)

If I don’t think I can stand for 24 hours, are there other options for me?

 YES! If 24 hours is too much, remember that we need moralers, who stand for 6 hours, and volunteers, who help manage behind-the-scenes tasks for about 3 hours. Recruitment for these positions happens in January.