UDance is a year long community effort which raises awareness and funds to fight childhood cancer. It culminates in a 12-hour dance marathon at the University of Delaware. Walking down Main Street all you can hear is "DONATE TO UDANCE." This is what it's about. Raising every dollar possible that families can stop hearing the words, "your child has cancer." Every school day, 46 children are told they have an incurable disease. That number is way too high. Students at the University of Delaware work so hard 365 days a year to make sure that contribute as much as we can to lower this number. UDance is of such importance and potentially the best event that happens on this campus. Here are some reasons why everyone should do UDance.
1. It's the biggest student run organization on campus
So many students with so many different areas of expertise get together to make sure this amazing day happens. This is by far one of the most important days on campus at the University of Delaware and your classmates put in every ounce of their effort to make it successful. Show some support.
2. FTK is no joke
UDance supports kids with cancer. That should say enough to make you wanna do it. Joe McDonough make many speeches throughout the year to various organizations on campus and in the speech, he says the words "kids shouldn't die." That simple sentence has stuck with me ever since he said it and that is why we dance; for the kids.
3. It's an amazing bonding experience
The bond you form with every other person required to stand for 12 hours straight is incredible. You're all here for the same person and that's an amazing feeling. You lean on each other, dance with each other, and laugh with each other. This bond will never break.
4. You'll have a new found appreciation for sitting on the toilet
Standing for 12 hours is no easy task. Your legs, your body, your mind; they all hurt. So going to the bathroom is the only place you can sit. Use it wisely.
5. You can be apart of your new sorority or fraternity in a new way
Many people have just received an abundance of new sisters or brothers and this is an incredible way to get to know them. To know that they are there with you and you can represent an organization for this amazing cause is such a feeling. Make sure you have some fun with your new sister/brotherhood.
6. You can be a part of something much bigger than yourself
Everyone always says this and it's cliche, I know, but you are truly becoming a part of something that is so beyond one individual. Everyone in that room is making a difference and so are you. You may have individual pages on UDance and try to meet individual goals but this money is raised together as one.
7. Merchandise
Who doesn't love another T-shirt? UDance always has the coolest merchandise and you should definitely get a thing or to. I know I'm obsessed with my hat from last year, so join the club.
8. The line dance at the top of every hour
The line dance may be corny and annoying after a while, but everyone gets the hang of it by maybe the fifth time (I can't dance, so longer for me). It's a good way to get everyone moving, just participate.
9. Free food
Raise money for kids and get free food. Enough said.
10. Gives you an exciting Sunday
Why do homework when you can dance for kids. Don't lay in your bed, go to UDance.
11. Hero Hour
The Hero Hour is by far the best hour. All the organizations different heros go on stage and are recognized for how strong they are. The amount of love in that room at that time is incredible. You finally see right in front of you why you're dancing for 12 hours, why you raised all that money, and why everyone worked so hard to make this successful.
12. The last hour
Here it is; the last of 12 hours. The clock counts down and each minute feels like an eternity. You almost made it so hang in there. The 12th hour is also the rave hour so it's a lot of fun. Finally the hour ends and the total is revealed. Everyone, as a whole, is excited beyond belief at what we all accomplished. UDance is over and countless families can now be helped.
We dance today to give kids a tomorrow.
