Countdown on for Dance Marathon 21

Hundreds of people are ready to spend 24 hours on the dance floor decked out in lime green attire with no caffeine, no sitting, and no sleep—all “For The Kids.”

University of Iowa Dance Marathon kicks off at 7 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 6. It’s the 21st year for the “Big Event,” which provides emotional and financial support for pediatric cancer patients.

The event will feature a number of entertainment acts, including co-headliner Brooks Wheelan, a UI alumnus, former Saturday Night Live star, and standup comic. Every hour, dancers also have the chance to hear from families sharing their stories

Last year at the UI, more than 2,000 people packed the Iowa Memorial Union Main Lounge and helped raise a record-breaking $1,801,032.20. Over the past 20 years, UI Dance Marathon has raised more than $14.5 million for patients treated at UI Children’s Hospital.

Dance Marathon is the UI’s largest student-run organization and is a year-round commitment with more than 300 students filling executive and committee roles.

“The Big Event is the culmination of everyone’s hard work throughout the year, and we can’t wait to hit the dance floor,” says Erin Larsen, UI Dance Marathon executive director and UI senior from Waukee, Iowa. “Everything we do is truly ‘For The Kids’ and their families. We look forward to celebrating with all the dancers this weekend during what many say is a life-changing event, and hope we will announce another record-breaking donation amount.”

Here’s how you can help:

• Make a general donation

• Search for a dancer to donate to

• Donate to Herky