By Beau Bowman
@beauknows2
The University of Iowa Dance Marathon Kiddos Talent Show showcased the best and brightest of the event.
The first to captivate the audience in the IMU’s Hawkeye Room was Aubree Dunn who sung “22” by Taylor Swift.
Aubree is an 18 year-old from Moline, IL. When Aubree was four months old, she was diagnosed with osteoporosis. Aubree moved into the Ronald McDonald House in Iowa City three months later. By time she was 17, she was blind, had two bone marrow transplants, and won a battle against thyroid cancer.
At Dance Marathon 22, Aubree was happy to announce that she had been cancer-free for five years.
She also offered some advice to those inspired by her.
“Always be yourself,” she said. “Dance Marathon has been absolutely unbelievable. Keep doing what you guys are doing. It’s an amazing experience.”
Next up was Charlie McCoy and her sisters, Dakota and Addy, who sang “Fight Song” by Rachel Platten.
After their stunning performance, the kids ran backstage and played in a Sully mascot costume, a character from “Monsters Inc.
Charlie’s sister, Dakota, was the lead singer in the performance, and talked how it felt to be singing in front of so many people.
“It’s awesome,” she said. “It’s my favorite song and I sang it for Charlie.”
She also offered some encouragement for those wanting to go out on stage like her and her sisters.
“You can do it! We believe in you,” she said.
Finally, Calvin Davis from Washington Middle School in Dubuque rocked the ballroom with a snare drum routine.
Calvin has been drumming since he was seven years old. His routine included dramatic rolls and big build-ups. He even dabbed for the audience.
He said he had a single motivator for his performance.
“To beat cancer,” He exclaimed, pointing to the sign on his drum. “Pun intended.”
