DanceBlue is arising at HC. DanceBlue is an entirely student-run organization that fundraises and raises awareness for the University of Kentucky Pediatric Oncology/Hematology Clinic annually. The organization was created by Jennifer Mynear and Susannah Denome, as a way to fulfill the final wishes of Jarett Mynear, Jennifer’s son, who suffered from cancer throughout his life. Kaitlin Gish is the overall committee chair for HC this year.
“[Our plans for DanceBlue 2025 include] the mini marathon on January 24th,” Gish said. “[The committee is] working on getting a store started for some merch, [and] we wanna do some sort of theme [for a spirit week].”
HC DanceBlue over the years has raised a grand total of $46,383.29 for the organization. With just last year’s event, the committee brought in $3,654.12.
“So we usually have sign ups at the end of the year [and] beginning of the year,” Gish said.. “We have three different committees: the dance committee, the fundraising committee and the promotions committee.All of these committees work together to produce this dance marathon.”
Within DanceBlue, students have several different ways to engage in the program. Although applications are closed currently, Gish stated that signups to join the committee typically open at the end and beginning of each school year.
“[On] January 24th we put on a five hour DanceBlue mini marathon,” Gish said. [DanceBlue is]a no sitting, no sleeping, mini marathon where you have to pay a fee to get in. We encourage kids to fundraise that fee because it is a little more expensive.”
Besides being a part of the committee, students can attend the event itself. Although there is an admission fee, it will greatly benefit the cause that DanceBlue is supporting.
During the event, participants are taught a choreographed dance to do, along with a variety of other activities. At last year’s mini marathon there were different crafts, games, food, and even guest speakers.
