Frequently Asked Questions

Do participants have to raise $65 individually or as a team?

• Each participant must raise a minimum of $65. Whether you are dancing in a team of 6 people or by yourself, each participant must raise $65.  If you are registering at check-in on March 1st, you must raise $80.   

What is the $65 for?

• The $65 raised goes to benefit STRIVE, a nonprofit located in South Portland that serves teens and young adults (ages 15-24) with developmental disabilities. STRIVE relies on fundraisers, like the Dance Marathon, to continue offering programs to over 500 young adults in Maine with developmental disabilities.

Is there a limit to how many people can be on a team?

• Yes. Teams may have no more than 6 people.

If I dance as an individual, do I still get to participate in all the other fun activities?

• For individual dancers to be eligible for a prize, you will need to stay on the dance floor at all times (minus restroom breaks).

Is there an age limit to participate in the STRIVE Dance Marathon?

• No. The STRIVE Rocks Dance Marathon is a family friendly event. There is no age limit to be a dancer.

Will there be security on site?

• Yes. STRIVE has a contract with the University of Southern Maine that will provide a police officer for the entire 14 hours.  There will be staff monitoring entrances and exits throughout the entire event.  All STRIVE staff and USM security officers are CPR certified.  This is a heavily staffed event, which will include STRIVE staff, volunteers and parents. We want every participant at the Dance Marathon to have fun and feel safe, so please remember that this is a chem-free event. Anyone that brings illegal substances to the DM will be asked to leave, no questions asked.

Can my parent/ guardian/ school advisor come and watch me dance?

• Sure!  Parents and school advisors are welcome to come to the Dance Marathon to support you, however they will need to sign in and are asked to hang out in a special “Friends & Family” section that is located off the dance floor.  Visitors will not be allowed to participate in any Dance Marathon activities.

Do I have to stay for the entire 14 hours?

• No. You may dance for as long as you like BUT once you leave the USM Sullivan Gym you will not be allowed back in. There is no re-admittance to the Dance Marathon! Please arrange your rides in advance. (The Dance Marathon kicks off at 8:00pm on Saturday March 1st and ends at 10:00 on Sunday the 2nd.) Registration and check-in will begin at 7:00pm.

How many dancers will be at the Dance Marathon?

• Last year there were around 600 participants in the STRIVE Rocks Dance Marathon. This year we are expecting close to 750 dancers!

Do I have to pay for food?

• No. Food and beverage will be provdied free to all dancers and will be available throughout the 14 hour event. However, it is suggested for dancers to bring a few extra dollars to have on hand if they would like to make additional purchases during the Dance Marathon.

What is the night like?

• Dancers from all over the state will start arriving at the USM Sullivan Gym in Portland around 7pm on March 1st. Participants will line up for check-in. There will be two lines, one for pre-registered dancers and a line for those registering.  All dancers turn in their pledges and will receive a STRIVE Rocks t-shirt and a dancer number.  Shannon Moss of News Ch. 6 will kick off the event at 8:00pm followed by a performances from the first three bands.  Live music will play until 11:15pm when DJ’s continue with the jams. Throughout the 14 hours food and beverages will be available; there will be special guests, craft tables, a moon bounce, pool table, foos ball etc. and many other forms of entertainment, including dance instructors, make-up and Caricature artists and massages. At 10am Shannon Moss will be awarding the top dancers and fundraisers with prizes/awards. It is an action packed 14 hours with many prizes and surprises! Get ready to dance the night away and remember you are dancing for STRIVE!

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