By Beau Bowman
@beauknows2
Every year, thousands of students participate in the Big Event and think they understand what the experience is all about, but what is the meaning of Dance Marathon?
Some might say the meaning of the event comes from the powerful synonymously Dance Marathon acronym — FTK — constantly chanted throughout the building, “FTK, FTK, FTK.”
What is FTK?
FTK stands for “For The Kids,” which represents everything that Dance Marathon is and for. The acronym revolves around the kids supported by Dance Marathon, everything that takes place during the Big Event, and how it should be on behalf of the kids.
“Dance Marathon is all about the kids,” Liz Gavin, a freshman at the University of Iowa, said . “And it’s not only about raising money for them, but also supporting them and their families and making a personal connection.”
The UI Dance Marathon emulates the “For The Kids” campaign to perfection.
The climax of the night was a little after 1 a.m. when a collaborative group of UI a cappella singers from Intersection, Hawkapella and Old Gold performed the hit song by Michael Jackson, “Man in the Mirror”.
Some consider “Man in the Mirror“ to be the anthem of Dance Marathon because of the lyrics of the song. The song is a ballad about the singer trying to change himself —the man in the mirror— into someone who can make a difference in this world.
The performance of the song sent chills down the backs of of everyone in the room when the entire crowd belted out the chorus, and even brought tears to the eyes of a mother who had to excuse herself from the room.
Before the singing performance, mother of Brady Jorgensen — one of the many kiddos who were at the event— spoke and told Brady’s story and delivered the most impactful speech of the night.
“Thanks to Dance Marathon, Brady will be able to go to college,” she said. “At the University of Iowa.”
The uproar of cheers was incredible and inspiring.
UI freshman Mackenzie Intlekofer talked about what Dance Marathon meant to her.
“It’s about making sure the kids are having the time of their lives,”Intlekofer said . “This night is their night. And it’s our job to make sure it’s the best night of their lives.”
