​My name is Sophie Brown and I have the honor of serving as the Dancer Relations Chair for DanceBlue 2023. Coming from out of state, I was unfamiliar with DanceBlue and decided to check it out with some friends. Little did I know that this organization would bring me a home away from home and the incredible opportunity to serve the most deserving kids and families. After serving on the Programming Committee for DanceBlue 2021, then again in 2022 as the Returning Teams Coordinator, I am thrilled for the opportunity to introduce DanceBlue to students all over campus this year. 

​There are so many ways to get involved with DanceBlue this fall. Team Registration is open for DanceBlue 2023 and we are working hard to gather team captains to lead teams on campus and fight against pediatric cancer this year. To participate in the marathon, you can register your team and serve as the team captain with two other friends or you can join an already existing team later in the year. We are so grateful to have so much of the UK community involved with DanceBlue. Our teams include student groups from dorms, student organizations, Greek life organizations, and more. Once you have created or joined your team, the next step is to attend events for spirit points and fundraise. This is important to try to qualify for a dancer spot at the marathon this spring. 

​If DanceBlue is completely new to you, no worries! We also have many amazing events to get you acquainted with DanceBlue this year. Whether you are new to campus or a returning student, all are welcome to join us. This month, DanceBlue U will take place on September 22nd from four to six p.m. in Barker Plaza. We will have fun programming activities, a flashback to our 2022 marathon line dance, a merchandise giveaway, and so much more! This is a great way for students new to DanceBlue to get to know our organization. Later this fall, students can also participate in Blitz Week from October 10th to the 14th, the DanceBlue Silent Auction on October 15th, and The DanceBlue 5k on November 5th. Make sure to follow us on Instagram @uk_danceblue to stay up to date on important information, like our upcoming events, registration deadlines, and more. 

​I encourage each of you to take the step to join us in our fight against pediatric cancer. The brave children of the Kentucky Children’s Hospital need our help now more than ever, and you have the opportunity to be part of something so much bigger than yourself. When life feels busy or you are tired and don’t want to serve anymore, remember that cancer doesn’t stop, so we won’t either. Join us in our fight till’ the battle is won! 

Team Registration will be open until October 14th. ​If you are interested in registering a team, you can find the link here: https://uky.campuslabs.com/engage/submitter/form/start/547782.

For those thinking of becoming a team captain, stop by the Team Captain/AAF Interest Meeting on September 27th at six p.m. in Whitehall room 204. Please feel free to reach out to me at 812-212-6834 or [email protected] with any questions. I would love to help you get involved with us. 

For the kids, always!

Sophie Brown​

Dancer Relations Chair