Dance marathoners in 2006 find their groove under a rainbow of lights. Courtesy of University Archives.
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Dancing for Dollars
Sore and blistered feet have become a badge of honor on the Evanston campus since 1975, when Dance Marathon -- one of the largest student-run philanthropies in the country -- was launched at Northwestern. Today, Dance Marathon has raised a combined total of more than $9 million for various Chicago-area charities.
"Dance to Give them a Chance"
Cheryl Wexler Scott, the 1973 Homecoming Co-Chair, came up with the idea for Dance Marathon when searching for a philanthropic endeavor to kick off the weekend festivities. Inspired by the film, They Shoot Horses Don't They, which chronicled a Depression-era marathon dance, Scott's brainchild was originally co-sponsored by Alpha Tau Omega and Associated Student Government.
Called "Dance to Give them a Chance," the initial marathon benefited the American Epilepsy Foundation and the National Organization for Retarded Citizens. Only 15 of the 21 participating couples had the stamina to dance for 52 hours. Ultimately, they raised more than $9,000.
Three Decades of Dance Marathon
Dance Marathon has evolved since "Dance to Give them a Chance." The grueling dance time was ultimately decreased to 30 hours. Instead of hosting a handful of participants, today's Dance Marathon includes more than 750 volunteer dancers, each couple raising at least $800. They are cheered on by up to 15,000 visitors who pay to watch them swing and sway to the music. To show their support and school spirit, alumni groups in New York, San Francisco, Boston, Los Angeles, and London held their own mini-marathons.
After its first two years in Blomquist Memorial Gymnasium and Patten Gymnasium, Dance Marathon was moved to Norris University Center, where it continues to be held today. In the early days, Dance Marathon also featured movies, fencing and karate demonstrations, a backgammon tournament, and a mime troupe. A beauty spa was introduced in 1988. Now, hair stylists from the local saloons cut hair at Norris, and other professionals offer massages and manicures. A casino was added in 1999.
Celebrity appearances were also added to the festivities in the 1980's. Attendees who have stopped by to dance include the musical group Sha Na Na, TV celebrities Jeff Probst and Scott Wolf, and Northwestern alumni Cindy Crawford and David Schwimmer.
One of the Country's Largest Student-run Philanthropies
Since 1978, a new primary beneficiary is selected each year. Since that time Dance Marathon funds have also benefited charities such as United Way Crusade of Mercy, United Cerebral Palsy, Chicago Lung Association, Arthritis Foundations, Multiple Sclerosis Society, Juvenile Diabetes, Easter Seals, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Howard Brown Memorial Clinic, and the Leukemia Society.
Students raise money each year from September through March. Fundraising events range from coffeehouses and canning to the final weekend of marathon dancing and other activities, such as silent auctions, and beer and wine tastings. Between the volunteer dancers and the student organizers, nearly one out of eight Northwestern students is involved in Dance Marathon.
With its impressive history and student involvement, Dance Marathon is one tradition that will continue to flourish.