Bad Dancing
Save Lives.
Interested in becoming a dancer…?
Why Dance?
Get ready for a memorable experience you’ll never forget.
Hang out with your friends and meet awesome new people.
Lend a hand and make a real difference in the community.
Be part of something bigger than yourself.
Pick up some leadership skills and learn new things.
Give your resume a little extra sparkle.
And most of all—have fun and BEE-lieve in the Kiddos!
FAQs
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The first step is to register! After registering, you’ll be in contact with Michael Taylor, our Recruitment and Dancer Relations Director, who can answer any questions and guide you through the next steps. He will also help you get assigned to a Morale Captain (MC), who will support you throughout your Dance Marathon journey.
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Each dancer is asked to fundraise $150 to support the cause. Don’t worry—there are lots of ways to reach your goal! From hosting small events to sharing your story with friends and family, every dollar makes a difference. And remember, it’s not just about the number—it’s about the impact you’re making in the lives of the kids we’re supporting.
Read more about ways to fundraise money on our 'Resources' page.
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No worries! Dance Marathon is all about community, so you’ll meet tons of people who are just as excited (and maybe a little nervous!) as you are. There are opportunities to join teams, attend events, and participate in social activities where you can make friends quickly. Everyone starts somewhere, and before you know it, you’ll feel like part of the family.
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Don’t worry about your dance moves—Dance Marathon isn’t a competition! In fact, we like to say that bad dancing saves lives. It’s all about showing up, having fun, and supporting an amazing cause. Everyone is welcome, whether you’ve got two left feet or are a dance floor pro. The important thing is your energy, your enthusiasm, and your heart.
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Yes! Dance Marathon is a 13.1-hour event, and participants stay on their feet—dancing, moving, and celebrating—all day. But don’t worry: there are breaks, water stations, and plenty of ways to keep your energy up. And remember, if these kids can go through what they do every day, we can stand—and dance—for 13.1 hours to support them!
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No! The day after the Big Event, the next Executive Board gets to work planning the new year! DM is most known for our Big Event in April, but we are busy with activities YEAR ROUND!
Throughout the year Dance Marathon hosts family events, social activities, and fundraising activities. Dance Marathon is what you make it. You can be as involved as you like! Follow us on Facebook to receive notifications of our upcoming events! -
The families that Dance Marathon supports are QC Area families that have a kiddo with pediatric illness who has been treated at our local Children's Miracle Network Hospital, at The University of Iowa!
You will have the opportunity to meet some of our families and the kiddos at various events throughout the year AND many of them join us at our Big Event!
Read more about our families on our 'Families' page.
The Kayla Decker Award
April 15, 1996- December 10, 2017
St. Ambrose Dance Marathon 6 Morale Director, Kayla Decker, gained her angel wings on December 10th, 2017. She left a legacy on all the hearts of the individuals she encountered.
Throughout Kayla’s 4 years at SAU she was an active member in the Dance Marathon family and was the prime example of what it meant to be a dancer.
We continue our Dance Marathon with the values that Kayla exhibited in her everyday life, as she encouraged everyone she knew to laugh more, give bigger hugs, love more deeply, and simply “doing more” in everything we do, especially for our miracle kiddos.
The Kayla Decker Award was first presented at DM6 and is a tradition that will continue for years to come. This award is presented to the individual who has fundraised the largest amount out of the SAU student body for kiddos at the University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital for that year. This award recognizes the strong commitment and hard work that the recipient has given to SAU Dance Marathon, to our hospital, and to all of the kiddos and families that we represent.
The Kayla Decker Top Fundraiser Award Recipients
*The 2025-2026 Kayla Decker Award Recipient, Addie Hendrick.
Congrats, Addie!