The music of Michael Jackson and Beyoncé mingled with the chimes from Century Tower's bells as about 45 participants from Dance Marathon at UF lined up and danced on Turlington Plaza Wednesday afternoon.
Members of student and Greek organizations completed 10-minute performances between classes from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The dances were part of the marathon's Dancer Week activities, which help Dance Marathon at UF participants show their spirit and raise awareness for the Children's Miracle Network.
Money from Dance Marathon at UF, a 26.2-hour event, goes to the Children's Miracle Network at Shands UF to help sick children and their families. The marathon will take place on April 10 and 11.
But Kristen Gillis, the overall morale director for Dance Marathon, said the dances are meant to remind people of the children who continue to suffer year-round.
"We can have one event once a year and then focus on it, but Children's Miracle Network demands 365 days of awareness," Gillis said.
Angela Daly, a Dance Marathon morale captain, joined Gillis during a dance at 12:35 p.m. She said the Turlington Plaza dances represented an opportunity for members of Dance Marathon teams to earn spirit points that could help them win awards at the marathon.
Daly said participants are required to stand for the entire 26.2 hours to help them understand the pain suffered by the sick children and their families.
Participating in last year's event helped her to realize the impact the marathon has on these families, she said.
"You're doing something beyond yourself," Daly said. "You realize what a good cause it is."
Last year, Dance Marathon at UF had more than 1,500 participants and raised about $413,000, Brighton said.
