THON Line Dance 2023

Story posted February 17, 2023 in CommRadio, News by Brendan Conroy

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - Happy Valley is ready to bring the energy and the dance moves to the Bryce Jordan Center, as the biggest philanthropy event of the year kicks off this weekend to raise money for a great cause.

Penn State’s “THON” is a 46 hour live dance marathon that raises money to fund childhood cancer research, and each year a new line dance is created to keep both dancers, spectators and families awake and energized throughout the long weekend.

The line dance can have special meaning for some, and for third-year international student Senuda Ratnayake it is something he looks forward to and takes part in with his friends every time it comes on.

“Line dancing for me in THON is actually a very large attraction. It gives a sense of happiness, or even a serotonin boost,” Ratnayake said as he recalled his memories of the popular tradition.

The line dance is led by the dancer relations team, and a step-by-step walkthrough is given for the first few dances. Students seem to enjoy the dance, and use it as their main way of staying awake.

“I think the way they are able to reach their goal of including everyone, by referencing recent pop culture, and even inside jokes about Penn State; it really makes me laugh,” Ratnayake said. “The lyrics never disappoint.”

Staying awake and full of energy is one of the most important things for the dancers to do during THON, and participating in the line dance is a great way of showing support and solidarity to a great cause.

For additional information about THON or to support the kids, go to http://THON.org.

Brendan Conroy is a third-year studying broadcast journalism. To contact him, email him at brc5392@psu.edu.