The first dance occurred in 1977 with 50 students. This year more than 800 of the South Glens Falls High students danced – around 90 percent of the student population. During the dance, other fundraising activities were held, including haircuts, a silent auction and raffles.
But this is no ordinary high school dance.
In order to be able to participate in the annual danceathon, a student must raise a minimum of $150 from friends and family in the weeks prior to the dance. They are not allowed to ask businesses to sponsor them.
The dance is held during Spirit Week at the school and students help get ready for the big event by decorating the gym and participating in week-long activities.
Upon arrival Friday night, students must bring their pledge packet, along with a parental permission slip and medical release form. They are then assigned a classroom as a home base and are given a dancer shirt. The dancing begins Friday night at 7:30 and dancers are required to stay on the dance floor throughout the entire danceathon. There are short restroom breaks, and the students are given a snack on Friday night. On Saturday, they are provided breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Once they are registered and in the building, they are not allowed the leave until the end of the danceathon. To break up time, the dance committee plans various activities during the dance, including three costume parties where all dancers are expected to participate.
At 4:30 a.m. Saturday morning, dancers are given the opportunity to get a little sleep – a two hour rest period where they returned to their assigned rooms and try to get some rest. But students do not have to – they are allowed to hang out in the cafeteria.
A strict dress code is also enforced. Students can not wear flip flops, midriffs or short shorts. They also cannot bring in any outside food.
To view images from this year’s dancathon, go to www.shmd.org
