THON 2017 is this weekend and everyone is on their toes getting ready for the most exciting weekend of the year. Dancing the full 46 hours during THON is truly an honor and a once in a lifetime opportunity, but it can be a lot to handle. As a former dancer, there are a list of things that I wish I would have known heading into THON Weekend, so here's a survival guide to being a dancer for THON Weekend.
Before THON Weekend:
1. Break in new shoes.
If you bought sneakers specifically for THON, make sure you have them broken in by THON Weekend so you're as comfortable as possible.
2. Catch up on your homework.
Don't procrastinate getting your work done because you won't be getting any of it done during THON...obviously.
3. Tell your professors you probably won't be in class.
I guarantee you won't want to go to class Monday, so make sure you tell your professors that you were standing for 46 hours and you need to rest.
4. Go on a lunch date with your DRCM (Dancer Relations Committee Member).
Your DRCM is going to be with you through your journey during THON Weekend, so make sure you bond beforehand! Help them get to know you better so they know how to keep you going.
5. Pack light.
Your dancer locker is pretty tiny, so make sure you pack enough to get your through the weekend but don't over-pack. You can also ask your friends/DRCM to take some of your stuff home throughout the weekend to make things easier on you.
6. Get plenty of sleep beforehand.
Seriously. Sleep.
7. Bring gloves for the Human Tunnel.
I lost feeling in the tip of my finger for like five months because it was so cold outside during the Human Tunnel, so just bring gloves.
During THON Weekend:
8. Learn the line dance.
You have 46 times to get it down pat; you can do it.
9. Keep your feet moving, even if you're just two-stepping.
Make sure you're moving your feet, be it walking around or just stepping back and forth. The Pep Rally is one of those times where you're going to be in a tight space, so don't forget to keep the feet moving.
10. Change your socks/shoes often.
You'll thank me later.
11. Don't ask what time it is.
Honestly, there's no worse feeling than thinking it's 10 a.m. Sunday, as someone tells you it's actually 10 p.m. Saturday.
12. Make sure you're eating all the meals.
Eat even if you think you just ate; food will give you more energy.
13. Don't break out the tennis balls too early.
Don't start using the tennis balls until you absolutely need them. You don't want to become dependent on them.
14. Same for massages.
Massages are great, but save it 'til you need it.
15. Go to the RIDE.
The RIDE (Real Interactive Dancer Experience) in the South Annex has a lot of fun games to play and gets you away from the craziness of the floor. Ask your DRCM to take you there!
16. Participate in Color Wars games/theme hours/random events.
Color Wars is crazy competitive and has some fun games that will keep you preoccupied throughout the whole weekend.
17. STRETCH STRETCH STRETCH.
Gatorade is great and all, but it's also pretty sugary and can make you crash if you drink enough of it. The ratio of bottles of water to gatorade should be about 5:1.
19. Don't be afraid of Athletic Training/EMS.
Athletic training is available for all dancers to get their ankles and feet wrapped as well as provides ice baths. EMS is also there to assist if you're feeling a little nauseous. Don't be afraid to ask your DRCM to go to either of these places if you need it.
20. Take time to remember why you're there.
We all gather in the BJC to make these kids forget they're sick and give them the weekend of a lifetime. If you're morale is low, always remember what you're doing is FTK.
21. Take lots of pictures.
THON Weekend is the prime opportunity to get hundreds of pictures. Document all of the fun times you have.
22. Stay hydrated.
This goes back to number 18; keep drinking water.
23. Ice baths are a life-saver.
Ice baths are like the massages, they're amazing! But again, don't get one too early in the weekend.
24. Make sure to take it all in.
There's so much going on during those 46 hours and believe it or not, it's going to fly by. Take in everything and don't waste one minute.
25. Play with a Four Diamonds his/her and their family.
THON Salon is open during the weekend for dancers to get their hair washed. Shampoo and conditioner is provided, you just have to bring a towel! It's a great way to feel refreshed.
27. Get into at least one water gun fight.
Water gun fights wake you up and put a smile on a child's face; what more could you ask for?
28. HAVE FUN.
This goes without saying, considering THON is best weekend of the year.
