UI Dance Marathon 2022 goes virtual

The University of Iowa’s Dance Marathon announced its Big Event will be online for the second consecutive year in February.

Dance+marathon+Morale+Captains+dance+alone+in+the+Iowa+Memorial+Union+on+Saturday%2C+February+27th%2C+2021.+Due+to+the+pandemic%2C+the+annual+charity+event+which+normally+packs+the+entire+building%2C+has+been+converted+to+a+digital+live+stream+leaving+the+Iowa+Memorial+Union+nearly+empty.

Tate Hildyard

Dance marathon Morale Captains dance alone in the Iowa Memorial Union on Saturday, February 27th, 2021. Due to the pandemic, the annual charity event which normally packs the entire building, has been converted to a digital live stream leaving the Iowa Memorial Union nearly empty.

Eleanor Hildebrandt, News Editor


The University of Iowa’s Dance Marathon “Big Event” will be virtual this February for the second consecutive year.

The student organization made the announcement on social media Wednesday morning. UI Dance Marathon initially planned for an in-person Big Event. 

“After careful consideration and consultation with health care experts, the decision was made,” the release said. “… Dance Marathon serves some of the most vulnerable members of our community, and every precaution should be taken to protect their health.”

On Facebook, several followers of the Dance Marathon page voiced their support of the organization’s decision. 

Dance Marathon held its first virtual Big Event in February 2021. The student organization raised more than $1.4 million last year, down from 2020’s almost $2.9 million. 

RELATED: ‘Big Event’ energy persists despite Dance Marathon operating virtually

The UI Dance Marathon 18 Executive Council plans to implement similar aspects from its first virtual dance marathon, according to the release.

“The event will again be live-streamed on the Dance Marathon website to provide the community an opportunity to gather together in celebration,” the release said.

Dance Marathon has not released any additional information, but the release said the organization will share details as soon as they are available. 

The Big Event is set to commence on Feb. 4 and 5, according to the organization’s website. It will be UI Dance Marathon’s 28th Big Event.