What Past Dancers Think of THON?

Story posted February 15, 2023 in CommRadio, News by Jacob cheris

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa — THON is just four days away and dancers are already preparing for the 46-hour dance marathon.

Even though the focus of the event will be centered on the 707 students who will be standing for two days straight, former dancers still reflect on why they decided to participate in the special occasion.

Jack McCune, class of 2022, was a dancer in 2020 representing LEV, which stands for “Live for Every Victory”. He was asked to dance by his overall chair and it was an easy decision.

“It's something that I experienced that I will never get a similar opportunity for the rest of my life,” McCune said. “I can go back to as many THON’s as I want and I plan on it, but it was just so rewarding.”

Standing for 46 hours straight is no easy task. Some people that dance, or in the Bryce Jordan Center as a spectator, don’t make it for the whole marathon. McCune struggled like any other dancer, but was prepared mentally and physically for the challenge.

“I just always had to remind myself of the overall purpose of the whole thing,” McCune said. “Whenever I stood still for a while, I started to get anxious and started to overthink a little bit… Something I did a lot was put on my headphones, put on some music and just walk around the [Bryce Jordan Center].”

Despite the physical and mental battles of standing for a lengthy period of time, McCune would do it again in a heartbeat.

“I will dance forever if it's going to find a cure for childhood cancer,” McCune said.

THON kicks off on Feb. 17 at the Bryce Jordan Center.

Jacob Cheris is a fourth-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email jacobcheris19@gmail.com