Students laughed and cheered Monday night watching spoofed moments from the “The Goonies” and “I Love Lucy,” as Dance Marathon revealed its block themes during its annual kickoff at Ryan Family Auditorium.
Emcees Anna Staloch and Jake Szymanski entertained the audience during a film introduction to all the the themes including movies, TV shows, popular music and student life: “Moulin Rouge,” “Studio 54,” “Locker Room,” “Where in the World is Carmen San Diego,” “Super Heroes,” “Another One Bites the Dust (One Hit Wonders),” “Smells like Teen Spirit” and “Rewind.”
“I found that the crowd was really excited,” said Stolach, a Weinberg senior. “The people were with us, and everyone on the committees was excited.”
In addition to revealing the block themes, DM’s kickoff also introduced this year’s theme song, Rusted Root’s 1994 hit “Send Me on My Way.”
Louis Room committee co-chairman Justin Hunter said the committee focused on the themes first and the music second.
“We normally would start with the type of music and fit a theme to it,” said Hunter, a Weinberg senior. “(This year) we wanted ideas to work with the themes, and we searched for the kinds of music that would fit.”
Hunter said his committee is especially excited about the “Rewind” theme, which will feature all 28 theme songs from previous Dance Marathons, ending with this year’s theme song.
“It’s a really creative idea that’s great,” he said.
Most of the dancers said they were excited about the themes and the upcoming event.
“The block themes were varied,” said Weinberg freshman Neha Mehta. “As a freshman, I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I think they were creative, and I’m really excited.”
Some dancers expressed confusion about the theme titles.
“I think the themes are original, but I don’t think the titles are self-explanatory,” said Weinberg junior Josh Furman.
Executive co-chairwoman Emily Wessel said the kickoff showed the enthusiasm of the Dance Marathon committees and the dancers.
“We’re excited that we had a great turnout,” said Wessel, a Weinberg senior. “We are looking forward to the next three weeks. It’s all coming together, and we’re ready to go.”
