Block 9: Destination Anywhere
March 5, 2016
During Block 9, University President Morton Schapiro told dancers he will be hosting a dinner at his house for Dance Marathon participants and joked that dancers should make sure to shower before the dinner.
“Nothing makes me more prideful, nothing makes me more inspired than being in a room with all of you,” Schapiro said.
Block 9 started with dinner in the tent. SESP junior Mariel Falk, a member of the food committee, said between the snacks dancers bring and the provided food throughout, she was full even before dinner.
Dancers enjoyed performances by Fusion Dance Company and Boomshaka while regaining their energy.
“I kind of expected to walk into a room with (lots) of people swaying and looking like zombies,” said SESP sophomore Sofia Kromis, a dancer in Boomshaka. “But they were actually a lot more alive than I expected, which is awesome. I’m so impressed by them.”
After Boomshaka’s performance, dancers returned to their feet to start the dancing of the block. Spanish-language hits such as “Bailando” by Enrique Iglesias, “Hips Don’t Lie” by Shakira, and “Gasolina” by Daddy Yankee brought energy to the crowd.
Weinberg senior Emily Berson, a 120-hour club member, said her legs were sore but manageable. She said she has enjoyed being able to do Dance Marathon with the highly dedicated 120-hour club while also helping to welcome new dancers to the tent.
Later in the block, Ms. Brandy, a teacher from the South Side of Chicago, discussed the impact of Blessings on a Backpack on her school.
During the block, Dance Marathon leaders announced $606,190 had been raised by the full-money deadline.
The block also featured a celebrity video by Jimmy Butler, a basketball player for the Chicago Bulls.
“Block 9 and 10 are the most fun because everyone’s like really amped up and excited to finish off strong, and all the best music comes on,” Falk said.
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