ZOE KIRIAZIS
Special to The Leader
Corey Maher / Photo Editor
Fredonia’s Student Dance Organization held its first annual Dance-A-Thon on Friday Oct. 7 in Steele Hall’s Fieldhouse. A charity event for the Dizzy Feet Foundation created and founded by ‘So You Think You Can Dance’ judge, Nigel Lythgoe.
The night was filled with an array of dance styles: hip-hop, musical theatre, jazz, modern and line dance, to name a few. Student dance groups, such as Orchesis Dance Company, Note Worthy Show Choir, Envied Xpression and Fredonia Dance Team performed and taught various dance workshops throughout the night.
Senior dance major Molly Carriero came out to teach a short line dance sequence in appropriate cowgirl boots. Junior musical theatre major Eva Mancarella held an exciting and sweat-worthy Zumba class. Non-stop music throughout the night allowed people to dance as freely as their bodies allowed.
Numerous clubs on campus that members of Student Dance Organization are a part of were able to donate a wide variety of raffle baskets to select from. A game basket from Black Student Union, a “Netflix and consensual chill” basket from S.T.E.P.S and a “cozy night in” basket from Fredonia Radio Systems were a few of the many selections. Local businesses around Fredonia and Dunkirk, such as Wing City and Lena’s Pizza, showed their support and contribution with gift certificates.
Dance-A-Thon was an event to demonstrate that anyone can dance. Sophomore theatre arts major Kristine Sodergren talked about how important dance is in her life and in her group, Note Worthy. “I was never really the best dancer, but I had fun doing it … If you want to dance, just do it,” she said, smiling.
Senior dance and public relations major Nicole Miller described the event as a complete success. As part of the Student Dance Organization executive board, she went through the process of reaching out to different clubs across campus to donate to the cause.
The end result with donations, performances, attendance, and dance involved surpassed all expectations. Miller confirmed that Dance-A-Thon will make another appearance to Fredonia’s campus next year.