DanceBlue is an annual tradition that started at the University of Kentucky in 2006, where the year-round fundraiser accumulates into the 24-hour no-sit, no-sleep dance marathon. All the money attendants raise at DanceBlue is donated to the “Golden Matrix Fund,” a clinic that helps fund and provide care and support for pediatric cancer kids. The long-awaited Lafayette DanceBlue took place on February 22nd, 2025. Ms. Ford and Ms. Schwab, along with the Student Council’s DanceBlue committee, were hard at work.
Lafayette’s DanceBlue is a shorter and smaller version of UK’s Dance Blue, a fundraising event for the University of Kentucky’s child cancer clinic that raises tens of thousands of dollars annually. Lafayette raised over $46,000 last school year. Senior Joleigh Buckingham, head of the DanceBlue committee, told the Times that the DanceBlue committee would like to raise more than $48,000 this year.
DanceBlue is not just a fundraiser but also a dance. The $25 ticket students had to buy for entry was worth the cost. Not only did students get a t-shirt with their purchase, but when they arrived at the event, they were also met with entertainment, such as bouncy houses and photo booths. On top of that, students also had the opportunity to feast upon a food buffet provided by catering restaurants such as Moe’s, Canes, and Orange Leaf.
Last year, DanceBlue was stressful for the Student Council and the teachers in charge of the event. Most of the stress revolved around the buffet dinner. Students were rushing to get food before the cafeteria was set up with the caterers. Crowds formed at the door to the point that they had to limit the amount of students that could enter at a time. This year, steps were taken to prevent this event from repeating, including when the cafeteria opened. This year's big stressor was the winter weather that kept kids out of school and dropped ticket sales.
For the first hour, those who attended DanceBlue learned and participated in a line dance that changes every year. This line dance is a collection of songs that all participants learn a dance to that they do at the top of every hour. The second hour was when the cafeteria opened, and participants had the opportunity to eat and hang out. The cafeteria remained open for the rest of the night. The third hour was the Tropical Hour, where Kona Ice provided flavored shaved ice for those who wanted it. The next hour was Competition Hour, during which attendees could participate in games like Rochambeau and basketball shot competitions. Glow Party occurred at the fifth hour when the gym lights were turned off, and students were given glow sticks and various other glowing accessories, allowing for the night to become more of a dance than the rest of the night. The night ended at the sixth hour when the dance concluded and the Student Council Heads gave a speech and revealed the total amount raised towards UK’s Golden Matrix Fund.
At the night's end, students waited to rest their aching feet from standing and dancing for six hours while listening to a few presentations. Dr. Badgett, a doctor from the DanceBlue Clinic, presented why DanceBlue is important and why we do so much to support it. He provided statistics and information on pediatric cancer and how they treat it at the DanceBlue Clinic. Then, our very own theatre teacher, Ms. Gorrell, gave a heartwarming and inspirational speech on a former student of Lafayette and friend of many, Alex Simpson, who bravely fought cancer in the DanceBlue Clinic before sadly passing away a few years ago.
After these speeches, Ms. Schwab gave a few final words. Then, finally, the night ended when the grand sum of $52,648.25 was revealed to be the total amount raised toward DanceBlue, blowing their goal for the year out of the water. Head Council member Logan Gwynn told the Times, "It was very overwhelming yet rewarding to see our hard work really pay off. To know that we could not only beat but surpass our goal was so amazing and I'm glad we got to share that feeling as a school. It was really special getting to see everyone cheer together to support the fundraiser we have all worked so hard to support. We are all excited to see how much we can raise next year!"
All together, Dance Blue was a success. It went smoothly, and Lafayette raised an incredible amount toward pediatric cancer research and treatment. We are looking forward to next year being even better.
