Even as the more than 1,000 dancers embarked on their 25th hour of dancing, they still found their ways to shine in the “Where’s My Spotlight”-themed Block 9. The Daily caught up with dancers from each hour club to talk to them about their Dance Marathon experience — whether it was their first time in the NUDM tent, or whether they would walk into it at 10 p.m. for Block 10 for the last time.

30 hour club:

Veronica Salkin, Communication sophomore

“I wanted to do it last year but I had a show … Its a great way to be connected to the NU community … I don’t actually feel tired at all which is good, I’ll definitely do it again.”

Nicole Schindler,  Weinberg senior: “I didn’t have expectations for DM, but it’s been fun so far.”

60 hour club:

Neeraj Chandra, McCormick junior: “The difference lies in the specifics (of each year). All these things help make it a unique experience … I’m feeling better this time around than last year because I know what to expect.”

90 hour club:

Michelle Kim, Weinberg senior: “Sophomore year I was on food committee and I really wanted to do it last year …  I thought ‘Oh my god this is the worst thing ever, why would anyone want to do this?’ but the last three blocks made up for everything … I wanted to do it again. There are people I would never run into if I didn’t do DM. ”

120 hour club:

Annie Weiss, Weinberg senior: “I’ve known I was going to do this before I even came here … The friendships that I’ve had got stronger because of it .. I love it. If it’s not your thing, obviously don’t do it, but I’ve loved it every year … I’m surprised I haven’t been more emotional. I’m just trying to have as much fun as possible.”

Maria Zdunek, Weinberg senior: “It’s exciting and unbelievable to have danced for almost 120 hours. We’re graduating soon, and this is almost the end.”