A Message From the Spirit Team
The Marathon
Imagine running with hundreds of other students under the "Go Blue" banner to take on a challenge that will be exciting, fun, and inspirational. The Dance Marathon features these students standing valiantly for 30 hours to symbolize the difficulties that the UMDM children cope with everyday. However, these 30 hours are so much more than standing. These 30 hours feature DJs, cultural shows, local performers, games, food, crafts, and dancing that combines into one giant party. However, the real stars of the show are our families and children, who take the stage to share their inspirational stories, cheer on the teams, and do a little dancing along with our dancers.
Click here for directions (pdf)
Marathon Preparation
It is very important that you start to get ready for the Marathon. Besides gathering your clothes, toiletries, costumes, it is even more crucial that you start to get your body ready for the Marathon. During the next week you are going to want to cut out the caffeine in your diet, you are not going to be able to drink it at the Marathon and your body will be prepared if you start to cut it out today. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! Water is going to be your best friend in the next week. You also want to catch up on sleep. Staying awake for 30 hours is physically challenging, but if you are well rested your body will able to take on the Marathon and you will enjoy it to its fullest!
Entertainment: What will I do for 30 hours?Dozens of performances by your favorite campus groups and talented community performers Activities, decorations, crafts, and competitions for each theme hour A rave in the middle of the night that is the biggest party this building has ever seen Performances and speeches by our fantastic families and lots of activities to spend time with the kids The most exciting and energetic linedance of any dance marathon 6 delicious meals And tons of other traditions we share with past participants and surprises to keep you on your toes for the full 30 hours!
Morale
Do you want to come to Dance Marathon but forgot to register to be a dancer? Do you have a friend dancing that you want to come visit? Or are you just curious to see what the Marathon is all about?
If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, you should think about registering to be a UMDM Moraler! Moralers are an integral part of the Marathon. While the 30 hours Dancers spend at the Indoor Track and Field Building will be the best time of Dancers' lives, they could also use the support of a Moraler to keep their energy flowing and to join them for huge amounts of fun. As a Moraler, you will be responsible for making sure UMDM Dancers have the best experience possible by doing easy things like getting them water, giving massages, and helping out with some Marathon events. The best part is, while you are there helping all of the a-maize-ing Dancers, you will also be participating in the BEST event at U-M all year!
Registering to Morale is easy. Just click here, sign up, and register for Dance Marathon 2008 as a Moraler. You will be notified via e-mail when your registration is complete.
So, what are you waiting for? The Marathon is just around the corner and you DO NOT want to miss it!
SMORG
Looking for a way to help out with this year's Marathon, but also want a way to gain some great exposure for your student organization? Think about applying to participate in this year's SMORG carnival!
SMORG has always been an important part of the Marathon, but this year we're taking it to the next level. On Sunday, March 22nd, selected student organizations will help us put on the first ever SMORG carnival. You're student group will have the opportunity to host some sort of fun game or event for our dancers, and you can also use this as a venue to raise awareness for your own organization.
What are you waiting for? Fill out the application form and have a blast with UMDM at this year's Marathon. If you want more information, please e-mail Campus Realtions and Recruitment Chairs Ellie Toutant and Tyler Hauck at umdm.crr@umich.edu!
Please visit our FAQ page. You can always visit us in the Dance Marathon Office in the Michigan Union - 4221 or shoot us an email at umdm.info@umich.edu
