The Penn State IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon (THON) is a year-long fundraising and awareness campaign that culminates in a 46-hour no-sitting, no-sleeping dance marathon every February. More than 15,000 student volunteers dedicate their time and effort to THON, making it the largest student-run philanthropy in the world.
Whether you know them as the official Fun-Suckers of THON or the Behind-the-Scenes Heroes, we’ve probably all had a bone to pick with the Rules and Regulations committee at one time or another. With a new bag policy, line system and the ever-pressing concerns surrounding floor passes, it becomes easy to point fingers at the Rules and Regs team as Public Enemy Number One.
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THON Weekend is full of fun activities, performances and crazy wacky hats. Valley took to the floor to snap some of THON’s greatest moments and –greatest hats.
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For the past six years, THON has been partnering with Wigs for Kids in order to “help kids feel like kids again.” Unique to other companies who produce wigs for cancer patients, Wigs for Kids has dedicated its mission to providing families and children with hand-made, custom wigs at no cost to the family. Now that’s FTK!
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There are a ton of components that make up THON – canning, bake sales, organizations, committees and performers, oh my! But there’s one thing that stands out from the rest. Dancers would suffer without them, tudents all across campus spend a majority of their time looking for the perfect one and yes, they’re usually bedazzled. That’s right – it’s the fannypack.
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THON is all ‘For the Kids,’ and what better way to tap into your inner child than through your outfit? 46 hours is a long time to be on your feet, so decking yourself in dancer gear to the max adds some fun to the hard work. Between the tutus, fanny packs, hats and sneakers, Valley couldn’t get enough.
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If any of you out there are THON chairs, you’ll know how absolutely frustrating and rewarding the job is THON weekend. We have worked our fannies off the past six or so months, and now we’re basking in our hard work that’s paying off.
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We asked the dancers: “What are you craving and how many calories do you think your burning this weekend?”
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Everyone brings out their wackiest socks and sneakers for THON. Valley scoured the floor at THON to find the best socks and sneakers of THON 2014. Which is your favorite?
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THON is one of those very few times you can wear a tutu and not be judged. Valley hit the floor at THON to find the best tutus of THON 2014.
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Whether you’re a THON rookie or have out-of-town guests scratching their heads at your THONese (the language of the dancers), you may find this glossary helpful for getting to know the 46-hour dance marathon better. It’s a lot of words, but they’ll grow on you and roll off your tongue in no time.
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Whether you’re on the floor for all 46 hours or just visiting for a short while, it’s important to stay healthy while you’re inside the BJC this weekend. Here are a few tips just for you no matter what you’re actually doing during THON.
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Every February, Penn State students come together in the Bryce Jordan Center for a magical weekend full of dancing, crazy outfits and a mission to end pediatric cancer. That’s right, I’m referring to THON.
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Show some THON support with your fingernails this weekend. This quick and easy manicure will look great paired with all of the diamond hand-signs you’ll be throwing up in the air.
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We’re less than a week away from THON and a lot of us are getting pumped for the moment when we begin the trek to the BJC. If someone is new to Penn State, isn’t part of THON in any way or just doesn’t know, it can be hard to explain. So here are 10 things you need to know about THON.
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All a THON dancer wants for THON mail time is… a lot of stuff actually. Every dancer is different and their wants and needs can range from the practical, to the silly, to the inspirational to the weird. For those of you who are still wondering what to get, here are a few tips.
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Because of the lack of showering and constant sweating, every girl’s hair at THON at one point will get a little greasy. But what’s a better way to distract from this inevitable imperfection than a big beautiful bow?
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As THON weekend is approaching faster than we think, and as today is the 100 Days til THON celebration, Valley asked for some words of wisdom from past THON dancers on how to prepare for the 48-hour dance marathon.
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As the dignified brief moment of silence filled the colorful Bryce Jordan Center, 46 hours into what would later be the most successful student-run philanthropic movement in history, a closer bond was formed. These hundreds of students, that put their
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It’s the little things that help dancers get through THON- snacks, socks, friends visiting from the stands…and mail call. We went down to the floor after mail was distributed to hear about the letters received.
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Some might say that Morale keeps the soul of THON alive. Goofy, energized and fun! We’ve captured some of the perkiest moments of the weekend.
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