About Dance Marathon...
Stanford Dance Marathon creates, educates, inspires, and mobilizes community to combat HIV/AIDS and support international health, culminating in a 24-hour dance-a-thon. Hundreds of student participants stay awake and on their feet for 24 hours in solidarity with all those battling HIV and AIDS throughout the world.
At the event itself, a variety of crazy activities, costumes, contests, theme changes, student performances, and educational displays keep dancers entertained and inspired for all 24 hours. The year-long planning of this event culminates into an incredible showcase of student energy, unity, creativity, philanthropy, and diversity.
In 2008, Stanford held its fourth annual Dance Marathon and raised $120,402.45 for Partners in Health. Over 600 students participated and danced through a night of glow sticks, swing lessons, karaoke, and more. For the second time, SDM partnered with FACE AIDS and Partners In Health to unite the Stanford and local communities in their fight against HIV/AIDS. This year's event was the most meaningful demonstration yet of students' commitment to service, with a record number of dancer-hours logged.
Stanford Dance Marathon has established the following five long-term goals:
- Introduce students to a lifelong engagement with public service.
- Demonstrate to students that service is possible at all stages of life with any skill set by involving them in one of the largest and most inspirational displays of student commitment to service.
- Position Stanford Dance Marathon to promote these goals in the future in a sustainable and effective manner.
- Raise a meaningful amount of money for our beneficiary.
- HAVE FUN!
Wondering what compels us to stand for 24 hours straight? Check out our cause.
Learn more about the organization SDM is supporting here.