Communication junior Ashley Thompson and Communication senior Ned Baker can make or break the biggest charity event on campus. But with their personalities, it’s likely they’ll make the 30 hours of sleep deprivation one of the best nights of the year. The duo beat out numerous others to win the coveted positions of emcees for Dance Marathon, running Friday through Sunday. Before entering the non-stop dance party, Thompson and Baker emailed The Current their thoughts on Johnny Cash, poetic musicians and “Tightrope” dancing.

Excerpts:

The Current: What’s your all-time favorite song?

AT: “Butterfly Kisses” by Bob Carlisle will always make me cry. But “Devil Went Down to Georgia” by the Charlie Daniels Band is quite snazzy.

NB: I guess “A Boy Named Sue” by Johnny Cash. Not very suitable for Dance Marathon, is it? Probably tied for first place but also much more danceable is “Shout!” by the The Isley Brothers.

The Current: Who’s your favorite artist? Why?

AT: Keith Urban. He’s a true poet.

NB: My favorite group is They Might Be Giants. They’re very goofy, poetic, alternative, strange, cool. I tell people that if they listen to everything They Might Be Giants has ever written, then they will understand me perfectly.

The Current: What’s your favorite type of music? Why?

AT: Country. I am from Texas and it was the only station I could find out in east Texas.

NB: Rock and roll! Especially rock with some theatricality, a little bit of flair.

The Current: What song do you listen to help you loosen up?

AT: Anything by Taylor Swift.

NB: “It’s Your Thing” by the Isley Brothers. How can you listen to that song and not feel good?

The Current: How would you describe your emceeing style?

AT: Slapstick, excited, honestly awkward.

NB: Enthusiastic, humorous, self-conscious, casual. Also, theatrical.

The Current: Any dance moves planned for DM?

AT: I hope to recall my “Single Ladies” moves. And the 30-hour dance!

NB: If I can finally master Janelle Monáe’s “Tightrope” dance, then I will feel like such a boss. But don’t hold your breath.

–Kathy Hong