March 31

Dance Marathon Day

Get ready to dance the day away in support of a great cause - join us for Dance Marathon Day and make a difference while having fun!

Yearly Date
March 31
Type
Day
Category
Cause

Introduction

Put on your dancing shoes and get ready to boogie because March 31 is Dance Marathon Day! This fun-filled day celebrates the joy of dance and the power it has to bring people together. The first dance marathon was held in 1923 by Alma Cummings, who danced for 27 hours straight with her partner. Since then, dance marathons have become popular fundraising events for various causes. Whether you're a professional dancer or just love busting a move in your living room, this day is all about letting loose and having a good time. So let's keep the party going all day long!

Dance Marathon Day Timeline

1923
First Reported Dance Marathon
The first known dance marathon took place in Audubon, New Jersey, though they increased in popularity during the Great Depression.
1932
Alma Cummings Sets Record
Alma Cummings, a famous dance marathon competitor, danced for a total of 27 consecutive hours, setting a world record.
1985
First Penn State THON
Penn State holds its first THON, a student-run philanthropy event where students dance for 46 hours straight to raise money for pediatric cancer.
2006
Rackham Graduate School Event
Rackham Graduate School holds a 30-hour dance marathon, raising funds for C.S. Mott's Children's Hospital.
2017
Largest Dance Marathon
The University of Iowa's Dance Marathon sets the record for the largest event to date, raising over $3 million for the University of Iowa Stead Family Children's Hospital.

How to Celebrate Dance Marathon Day

1

Host a dance party

Gather some friends and throw a dance party to celebrate Dance Marathon Day! Put on some upbeat music, break out your best moves, and have a blast with your friends.

2

Attend a dance performance

Support your local dance community by attending a dance performance on Dance Marathon Day. You'll not only be celebrating the art of dance, but also supporting talented dancers in your community.

3

Participate in a dance marathon

Find a local charity or organization that is hosting a dance marathon and sign up to participate. You'll have a blast dancing all day while also raising money for a good cause.

4

Learn a new dance style

Challenge yourself to learn a new dance style on Dance Marathon Day. You can take a class, watch online tutorials, or even just learn from a friend. It's a great way to expand your dance skills and celebrate the day.

5

Join a flash mob

Gather a group of friends and plan a flash mob to perform on Dance Marathon Day. It's a fun and unexpected way to celebrate and spread joy through dance in your community.

Why We Love Dance Marathon Day

A

It's for a good cause

Dance Marathon Day is all about raising money and awareness for charitable causes, often related to children's health and wellness. By participating in this event, you are helping make a positive impact on the world - and what's better than that?

B

It's a fun way to get active

What better way to stay active and get some exercise than by dancing? Dance Marathon Day encourages people of all ages and abilities to participate in dance parties or marathons, making it a great opportunity to have fun while also staying healthy!

C

It brings people together

Dancing is a universal language that can bring people from all backgrounds together. Whether you're participating in person or virtually, Dance Marathon Day allows communities to come together for a common cause and celebrate the joy of dance.

Dance Marathon Day Dates

Year
Date
Day
2023
Mar 31
Friday
2024
Mar 31
Sunday
2025
Mar 31
Monday
2026
Mar 31
Tuesday
2027
Mar 31
Wednesday