Frequently Asked QuestionsFrequently Asked Questions

How much dancing is there at Dance Marathon?
However much you want there to be! During all 12 hours of Dance Marathon there is constant music and always space on the dance floor. But don't worry about your dancing skills or lack thereof! Everyone is welcome and all are encouraged to learn some new moves and acquire a sense of rhythm and style. Your morale captains teach pieces of a communal dance, called the Morale Dance, every hour to give all the dancers a chance to dance together. There are also lots of non-dancing activities throughout the entire event, including games, performances, and meal breaks.
What if I don't like to dance, cannot dance well, and/or have no rhythm? Is Dance Marathon still for me?
Yes - don't worry about your dancing skills or lack thereof! Everyone is welcome and all are encouraged to learn some new moves and acquire a sense of rhythm and style. There are also lots of non-dancing activities throughout the entire event, including games, performances, and meal breaks.
Even if I'm not dancing, do I have to stand for 12 straight hours?
No. You are expected to stand during every activity except during your meal breaks. Meal breaks are a time to rest your dancing feet, take a short break with your team, and re-energize for the next portion of Dance Marathon. Besides these meal times, you're up on your feet dancing alongside hundreds of participants. Standing for twelve hours is a symbolic gesture; it represents the struggle through which our Miracle Children and families have persevered. The 12 hours pass much more quickly than one might think: overcoming the challenge is part of the thrill of Dance Marathon!
What am I dancing for?
Dance Marathon and the funds it raises benefit two St. Louis children's hospitals that are part of Children's Miracle Network (CMN). That's why we say "it's for the kids!"
What exactly is Children's Miracle Network?
Please see the CMN portion of the website.
How do I register for Dance Marathon?
You can register here! Dancer registration opens on Tuesday, September 7th and ends on Monday, October 11th.
Must I pay to register for Dance Marathon?
Every DM dancer is asked to pay a $30 participation fee to complete the registration process. $25 of this fee goes goes directly to CMN and contributes toward your personal fundraising goal. The remaining $5 helps DM cover the operating expenses that come with putting on such a large-scale event, such as facility expenses and dancer needs day-of.
How do I pay my participation fee?
The easiest way to pay your participation fee is by credit card when you register for Dance Marathon. To pay by credit card later, you can also register without paying the fee and then return to your online profile to pay. To pay by check or cash, please make the $30 check out to Children's Miracle Network, and hand the check or cash to an Executive Board member during tabling hours, or to your morale captain. Once we record that you've paid your participation fee, you'll be able to see the $25 you've raised for CMN on your dancer profile when you login on the website!
As a Dance Marathon participant, am I responsible for fundraising?
Yes. Raising funds is the primary goal of Dance Marathon; participant fundraising is essential. In 2009, dancer fundraising helped Dance Marathon raise over $130,000 for Children's Miracle Network! We encourage every dancer to set a minimum fundraising goal of $150. Because $25 of your participation fee goes directly toward your fundraising, you will have already raised a portion of your $150 goal just by registering! Everything else you raise through Saturday, November 6th, the day of Dance Marathon, will be part of the grand total we announce at the end of the event. You can track your fundraising progress on your dancer profile when you login to the website.
But how do I fundraise?
Dance Marathon has plenty of ideas for you! The easiest way you can fundraise is by participating in letter writing. There, you can send emails and letters telling everyone you know about your 12-hour commitment to Dance Marathon and asking for their support in your fundraising for Children's Miracle Network. In addition, you can get fundraising ideas from the fundraising co-chairs (fundraising@dmstl.org) and our fundraising page.
What if I cannot commit to the full 12 hours of Dance Marathon?
Volunteer at the event! Volunteers are just as important as dancers in making Dance Marathon a success. We encourage you to volunteer for a 3-hour shift at the event. Please see the volunteer page.
Will there be food at Dance Marathon?
Yes, plenty! Free dinner will be served to dancers, and snacks will be available throughout the event at Dancer Headquarters. Your dinner break is a great time to rest your dancing feet, take a short break with your team, and re-energize for the next portion of Dance Marathon. If you have specific eating restrictions, please contact our Corporate Relations Co-chairs, Claire Pluard and David Lam.
What time do I arrive at Dance Marathon?
Your morale captains will check in with you a few weeks before the event to let you know what time your team is signing in. Since our opening ceremonies begin precisely at 2 pm, we ask all teams to arrive one to two hours early to make sure they are checked in on time. Once you complete the check-in process, you can relax with your team and get excited for the next 12 hours on your feet!
What if I have to miss some of the event?
While we highly encourage you to commit to the full 12-hours, DM is not a lock-in. To arrive late, miss a portion, or leave early from Dance Marathon, please notify both your morale captain and our Dancer Relations Chair, Hannah Snitzer, at least one week prior to the event.