11 Lessons I Learned Dancing #FTK
Start writing a post
Arts Entertainment

11 Lessons I Learned Dancing #FTK

After two years of dancing for 24 hours straight, I know a few things.

Noah Brown
Sep 10, 2018
Bowling Green State University
111
11 Lessons I Learned Dancing #FTK
Noah Brown

Dance Marathon is one of the greatest events at BGSU, and being involved in it the past two years has not only been amazing but also it has been a learning experience. Throughout the year you work as hard as you can to fundraise as much money as you can for those miracle children in the hospital, then for a grand finale, you stand on your feet for 24 full hours. This experience is emotional, impactful, testing, but most of all it is rewarding.

After being a dancer my first year, and then a morale captain my second, here are 14 lessons that I learned while dancing #FTK.

1. Always bring the Gold Bond

Listen, chaffing is a real issue and I don't think that we as participants in such an amazing event shed enough light on this. It happens okay, just be prepared for when it does, and bring something to fight back.

2. It's not that deep 

You are going to experience some pain or discomfort around hour 19, or maybe hour 20 — regardless, for you, it's not that deep. There are bigger issues, being faced by kids way smaller and way younger than you, so just keep pushing through, because you're doing this for them.

3. Embrace the colors

Noah Brown

Dance Marathon is one of the most colorful events that I have ever been to, and that is probably because I have yet to attend a PRIDE festival since coming out, but I imagine they look very similar.

4. Marshmallows are for more than just delicious campfire snacks

Although one time I did make a s'more over the stove, that is beside the point. Come hour 22, when your feet are numb, there is nothing like stepping on a bag of fluffy white 'mallows in order to soothe the pain. And for that matter, rolling a tennis ball on your foot is a game changer as well.

5. 24 hours and 2 minutes of your time, changes lives

The 24 hours is the time that you actually spend at the event, while the 2 minutes is about how much time it takes to register. The time that you spend there literally changes and saves lives — take that, Meredith Grey.

6. You learn who your people are

Thank you, Kaylee, for being my person

Noah Brown

Those 24 hours are rough, but having true friends that bring you jimmy johns at midnight, or coffee at 8 a.m. are the ones that help you get through it.

7. Invest in a portable charger

There aren't many outlets in the field house, plus you aren't allowed to be posted up against a wall. Having a charger that allows you to still walk around and not let you stand long enough to lock your knees is essential.

8. Raves at 5 a.m. are IMPORTANT

First of all, a rave at 5 a.m. surrounded by a bunch of miracle makers is so energizing and helps you forget about the fact that you still have twelve hours to go. Plus, it is just fun.

9. Miracle kids are so loving

Kristi Coe Frederick

At my last Ziggython, I spent 50 dollars to sit in a ball pit for 50 minutes, and the whole time, I sat in there with a kid who didn't even know me, but still played and laughed with me like I was his older brother. *Sheds tear*

10. The days following... well- good luck, Charlie

Nick Drown

Your feet are swollen, your limbs are sore, sitting and standing suddenly is challenging and takes a lot of mental preparation, but remember, it is all FTK.

11. Fundraising is not that hard

Fundraising page after Ziggython 2018

Noah Brown

Have you ever wanted to be a Youtuber? Or maybe start a vlog? Well, being involved in Dance Marathon gives you that shameless plug you need to do all of that. You can vlog throughout the year or maybe for one full day with different challenges to raise money, or you can create a video with all of the footage you capture from the event, or you can share your experiences throughout the event. All you have to do is register!

Listen, all I am saying is not only is this a life-changing experience for those that decide to get involved but also you are changing the lives of the miracle children that we sponsor. Keep an eye out for when registration for Dance Marathon at BGSU opens, because who wouldn't want to be involved in such a great organization, especially at one of the founding five schools!

social life
Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

19 Lessons I'll Never Forget from Growing Up In a Small Town

There have been many lessons learned.

Siena College
16600
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
small towns
Relationships

Grateful Beyond Words: A Letter to My Inspiration

I have never been so thankful to know you.

University of New Haven
294423
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

Smith College
90664
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
waitlisted
Swoon

Navigating the Talking Stage: 21 Essential Questions to Ask for Connection

It's mandatory to have these conversations.

National Writers Society
152969
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
single life
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

Marist College
62463
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less

Trending Topics

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments