Coming to the University of Kentucky from out of state was overwhelming, intimidating, a little bit scary. I knew I wanted to get involved and serve others in some capacity, but I had no idea where to start or even what that was going to look like. I was involved in some pretty awesome organizations during my first semester but never really felt the intense passion that comes when you find where you truly belong. I was pretty familiar with DanceBlue before coming to college but continued to hear a lot about it throughout my first couple months of being a student at UK. I was looking forward to getting involved and hopefully participating in the spring of my freshman year. What I thought was going to be just a fun way to spend one of my weekends quickly turned into one of the most influential and transformative parts of my college experience. From the very start of my first marathon, I was hooked. I can not think of a better way to have spent the past 3 years than fighting for the amazing kids and families that we get the privilege of serving in the DanceBlue Clinic.
I love DanceBlue and everything it stands for. I love the people, the mission, and all the ways it has changed my life. The one aspect of this organization that never fails to inspire me year after year is the way it brings together and unifies students across our campus. Every year, DanceBlue brings together students from all different parts of campus, breaks down the walls that so often and so easily divide us, and unites us together against one common enemy. Nearly everyone has been affected by cancer in one way or another and it’s a cause that hits close to home for so many people. Cancer doesn’t care who are or where you come from, it doesn’t discriminate against the color of your skin or your background and when it hits, it hits hard. I think that’s what’s cool about the unity DanceBlue creates. Everyone has their own “why” and a different reason for what got them through the doors in the first place, but once they step foot on the floor and the line dance plays for the first time, we become one campus united in the fight against pediatric cancer. There’s nothing quite like looking out at a room of 1,000+ strangers joining hands in solidarity for kids and families they don’t know personally and may never meet.
It’s electrifying, it’s inspiring, and it’s something the I believe so strongly everyone needs to experience.
DanceBlue has changed my life to say the least, and I can guarantee it will change yours as well if you decide to let it. Lucky for you UK students, there’s still time to get involved and be a part of the best day of the year!
Team Registration is open and will remain open until September 28th at 5 pm! You can register a team for an already established student organization or you can create your own team with you and two other friends. To register, designate a team captain and go to danceblue.org to fill out a simple registration form. After your team is registered your team captain will attend bi-weekly meetings starting in October to keep the team on track and prepared for the big marathon in the spring! If you’re still not convinced that DanceBlue is something you want to be a part of or if you want to get a better taste of who we are come out to DanceBlueU on September 23rd from 3pm-7pm in the Grand Ballroom at the student center! Can’t wait to see you all there!
For any questions, contact Emily Crouch at [email protected].
