Arts & Entertainment editor Maryia Krivoruchko is still going strong as the halfway point approaches.
Arts and Entertainment editor Maryia Krivoruchko.
Maryia Krivoruchko, our very own Arts & Entertainment editor, will be sending us her comments and rants throughout the 26-hour event. Follow along here to get a firsthand account of Dance Marathon through the eyes of a dancer. Check out fellow dancer Leah Christianson’s thoughts here.
Updated at 1:27 p.m.
Time for a nap. Thanks for following my experience of DM 2011! Be sure to check in next year when UCLA does it all again.
Updated at 1:24 p.m.
The final total raised during Dance Marathon 2011 is $401,530.68.
Updated at 1:19 p.m.
Inspirational speeches from Chip Lyons and founders of the Elizabeth Glaser Foundation are being followed by footage and photos from the last 26 hours.
Updated at 1:02 p.m.
Sitting feels unbelievable. Best part coming up: fundraising results.
Updated at 1:00 p.m.
3-2-1 SIT
Updated at 12:57 p.m.
Last song of Dance Marathon 2011: “Don’t Stop Believing” by Journey
Updated at 12:47 p.m.
I’m screaming the lyrics to “Firework” by Katy Perry, wondering what it will feel like to sit.
Updated at 12:43 p.m.
The audience just jumped and screamed to Blink 182, sang along to “Survivor” by Destiny’s Child, finishing up strong.
Updated at 12:34 p.m.
Floor is packed, less than 30 minutes left.
Updated at 12:10 p.m.
Dancers are in circles, getting back together as a crowd and splitting off again and everyone dances with the kids. The committee is all on stage.
Updated at 11:56 a.m.
A body’s circadian rhythm is unwavering…25 hours in and I don’t feel tired anymore. Exhausted, yes, but not sleepy. Almost at the last stretch!
Updated at 11:33 a.m.
The last 26 hours’ emotional roller coaster is winding down – 30 minutes until the last drop, a.k.a. Power Hour.
Updated at 11:03 a.m.
There’s a dancer on crutches. Now that is perseverance.
Maybe it was fourth-year advanced mathematics student Jordan Lipman
Updated at 10:48 a.m.
We’re more than an hour away from power hour, but everyone is pumped up like it’s noon already.
Updated at 10:25 a.m.
Continental breakfast was pretty stale…It’s okay, 2.5 hours left.
Updated at 10:11 a.m.
Kids from Camp Kindle are speaking about what life-changing opportunities Dance Marathon provided for them.
Update at 10:02 a.m.
Everyone is walking around, looking at each other with glazed over, half-open eyes.
Updated at 10:00 a.m.
Three hours to go!
Updated at 9:40 a.m.
Current status: foot pain = 6/10. Body pain = 8/10. Fatigue = 9.5/10. Excitement to finish for the cause 10/10.
Updated at 9:22 a.m.
They’ve opened the curtains – I can see the light.
Updated at 9:09 a.m.
22 hours down, four to go. Superpower theme!
Updated at 8:51 a.m.
Just watching Zumba instructor Lorraine dance is exhausting, wow! Taught the audience Waka Waka at the end. Impressive six-pack.
Updated at 8:20 a.m.
I think we all just caught our seventh wind (the second wind was about 14 hours ago).
Updated at 8:06 a.m.
Loved Awaken’s rendition of Cee-lo Green’s “(Forget You)”
Updated at 8:05 a.m.
Awaken A Capella is performing. The Daily Bruin’s Andrea Wang is a soloist, but the mic isn’t quite turned up enough. Cleanest a capella performance yet though.
Updated at 8 a.m.
My roommate and I were barely holding each other up on the dance floor when my friend danced up and rubbed our backs, full energy for the whole song. Hero.
Updated at 7:49
Leaned against a wall. Almost fell asleep.
Updated at 7:30 a.m.
I don’t remember feeling this physically ill last year. Result of old age?
Updated at 7:07 a.m.
It’s officially 7 a.m., breakfast has been served and I have just stuttered over the word “goldenrod.” The cold has made me have convulsions, but we’re good now.
Updated at 6:27 a.m.
The sun is coming up. Glory, glory, hallelujah.
Updated at 6:20 a.m.
Starpower theme shift! Got my sparkly tights on. Need to stop drinking gallons of water before I start throwing up. Everything in moderation, including hydration.
Updated at 5:57 a.m.
Tip: If you’re not feeling 100 percent emotionally, realize that DM will push you 100 percent physically. And why is it cold right now?
Updated at 5:19 a.m.
“That that that that don’t kill me, can only make me stronger, I need you to hurry up now, ‘cause I can’t wait much longer…”
Updated at 5:08 a.m.
Color Wars – bridal challenge? So confused.
Updated at 5:00 a.m.
Officially only eight hours left!
Updated at 4:42 a.m.
Nasha was the best dance performance so far. So impressed by the blending of contemporary music and traditional dance, precision and energy.
Updated at 4:39 a.m.
Nasha dance troupe is performing Bollywood-style dancing. I want their purple and gold outfits – also major props on the energy level.
Updated at 4:20 a.m.
I officially thought back to the YouTube video of Justin Bieber teaching Barbara Walter how to dougie. J Biebs taught me how to dougie.
Updated at 4:14 a.m.
So counterintuitive, but dancing feels so much easier than standing.
Updated at 4:07 a.m.
Friends are standing, hugging each other. There are massage chains. People are leaning on each other. You need people to get through these tough hours.
Updated at 3:48 a.m.
Everybody is moving more slowly now, trying to pass the time.
Updated at 3:10 a.m.
My feet don’t hurt as much as my head or quads. Everyone’s eyes are dilated.
Updated at 2:48 a.m.
Going back to the game room. Need a chance of pace, here come the crazy hours.
Updated at 2:34 a.m.
Amazing talent from the dance trio though. That was the most entertaining “pa-pa Americano” rendition I’ve ever seen.
Updated at 2:30 a.m.
Technical problems for the Body Poets … they keep playing the wrong song.
Updated at 2:10 a.m.
Currently “whipping my hair back and forth.
Updated at 2:03 a.m.
The delirium is fun … it’s when it subsides that you feel exhausted. But we got good music going, on to hour 15!
Updated at 1:24 a.m.
Overall, the food was much healthier and better planned this year. Subway for lunch, Bibigo for dinner, and then a much-appreciated carb pizza snack.
Updated at 12:55 a.m.
I have never been so aware of the inside of my knees before. Ouch.
Updated at 12:53 a.m.
Last year, Dance Marathon had 842 registered dancers. This year, 1,591 (dancers) registered, according to the walk-through.
Updated at 12:49 a.m.
Finally went to the walk-through upstairs, which conceptualizes the timeline of HIV/AIDs. Very powerful.
Updated at 12:25 a.m.
Great survival technique: lean back to back with your friend and alternate bending forward. Back massage and temporary support in one.
Updated at 12:16 a.m.
Another performance, this time by a musical trio featuring (UCLA) alumnus Arkae Tuazon. Really loud on the mic.
Updated at 12:12 a.m.
I got a confirmation that yes, we’re halfway done. But why wasn’t there any kind of announcement?
Updated at 12:10 a.m.
Wait, or is the halfway point next hour? Oh wow. Numbers have become difficult to process. I need to double check.
Updated at 12:05 a.m.
We’re finally at the halfway point! Here comes the moralers and the mildly dirty music.
Updated at 12:04 a.m.
I heard it’s raining outside. I have no idea if that’s true, but inside Ackerman Grand Ballroom, a new theme shift has begun: “Get Charged.”
Updated at 11:58 p.m.
“What Did She Say” by Imogen Heap. Finally something I can sing to.
Updated at 11:51 p.m.
I was so excited to hear “Hotel Room” by Pitbull until even that was techno-remixed. I need lyrics! Only 12 more minutes until the halfway mark.
Updated at 11:45 p.m.
Explosive performance. When I grow up, I want to dance like NSU Modern.
Updated at 11:40 p.m.
And we’re back. NSU Modern is about to take the floor.
Updated at 11:26 p.m.
Taking a locker room break to charge my phone to keep the updates coming. And get away from this DJ’s unwavering music choice. And utilize the tennis ball.
Updated at 11:17 p.m.
At almost the halfway point of the night, the music should be more motivating. This is giving me a migraine and I don’t dislike techno.
Updated at 11:16 p.m.
Green Team won, my team (Blue) didn’t. The techno is back…
Updated at 11:15 p.m.
This edition of the Color Wars makes no sense. Why would you ever know at what age your dancer captain was potty-trained?
Updated at 10:53 p.m.
Bruin Harmony is performing. We’re almost at the end of the twelfth hour. Just had a sudden surge of energy.
Updated at 10:50 p.m.
Will the techno music go all night? Seems like the crowd is getting tired of it.
Updated at 10:35 p.m.
Just made up an autobiographical story about a squirrel that lives in Franz Hall. With each hour, I feel more creative juices flowing. Carpe DM.
Updated at 10:15 p.m.
I’m not sure why the game Uno is so difficult to comprehend right now. Official delirium so unexpectedly early.
Updated at 9:36 p.m.
First erratic outburst due to delirium just hit: sang Rihanna’s “Unfaithful” while hitting the table in the game room after losing a game of 21. Not sure why.
Updated at 9:10 p.m.
Two guys wearing full body leotards covering even the face, and snowboard glasses are freaking each other and doing gymnastics. With each minute, I have more questions.
Updated at 9:09 p.m.
There is a mash up of Lakers and Nasa on the screen, courtesy of the Super Mash Bros (the new DJ). Confusion isn’t ceasing.
Updated at 9:07 p.m.
This marks the tenth hour of dancing. New theme is “Power Outage.” When I figure out what that means, you’ll be the first to know- monsters?
Updated at 8:49 p.m.
Rubbing a tennis ball on the bottom of your foot after almost 10 hours of dancing is a sensation I can’t describe, but let’s just say it’s positive.
Updated at 8:25 p.m.
Took a picture with the team from Millionaire Matchmaker. Hope this means I can go on the show!
Updated at 8:06 p.m.
Fusion has been my favorite performance so far.
Updated at 7:59 p.m.
One of the Camp Kindle kids, Catalina, is killing it on the dance floor.
Updated at 7:50 p.m.
If I watched True Blood, I’d be really excited about the celebrities on stage right now. Instead, I’m confused
Updated at 7:20 p.m.
There is economics homework lying around the locker room. UCLA kids are dedicated.
Updated at 6:36 p.m.
I don’t remember feeling this tired at this point last year. Hope dinner helps. It’s not even 7 p.m. yet.
Updated at 6:12 p.m.
Unfortunately the hardhat was infant-sized. Looks like it’s back to my regular Dance Marathon shirt for the next three hours. No costume change.
Updated at 6:05 p.m.
Officially past the seventh hour. Going to get my hardhat on for the next theme: Power Tools.
Updated at 5:59 p.m.
I decided to only slow dance until dinner. Then Cascada came on and I had to pretend I’m at a rave. I’m also disturbed that I still remember how to do the “Crank Dat Soulja Boy” dance.
Updated at 5:23 p.m.
Jonathan Bennett and the Fly Girls were just on stage. Constant cussing and references to the audience’s sexual attractiveness is inappropriate – kids are around.
Updated at 5:21 p.m.
Jonathan Bennett, who played Aaron Samuels in “Mean Girls,” is here with his “posse.” He’s a counselor at Camp Kindle, another one of the charities that UCLA Dance Marathon supports.
Updated at 5:18 p.m.
Just danced with Manny from “Modern Family.” No big deal or anything.
Updated at 5:05 p.m.
Six hours ago I was able to put my palms flat on the floor when stretching to the front. Now I can barely touch it. Why does flexibility decrease from standing?
Updated at 4:57 p.m.
Elizabeth Glaser’s son is speaking about his fight with HIV, and how he has recently celebrated his 26th birthday. Good way to celebrate the six hour DM mark.
Updated at 4:48 p.m.
…but my knees still hurt. “Power” was great, but “Teenage Dream” was kind of pitchy. I’ve never heard that from the Scattertones before…
Updated at 4:39 p.m.
The Scattertones are performing Kanye West’s “Power.” My ankles just stopped hurting, I’m so excited.
Updated at 4:33 p.m.
And now “Single Ladies” is playing. This doesn’t make sense.
Updated at 4:32 p.m.
There was just a marriage proposal on stage!!
Updated at 4:07 p.m.
I find it odd that there are couples at DM, freaking. Not the right event to spend making out either, in my opinion.
Updated at 3:55 p.m.
Band thatwasthen is getting the crowd moving with a rendition of “Twist and Shout.”
Updated at 3:51 p.m.
Speaking of wearing pajamas, after this night I will have slept a total of nine hours in three days. Kind of excited for the delirium to kick in.
Updated at 3:02 p.m.
Four hours down, 22 to go. Feeling a new surge of energy in my pajamas for the next theme: “Power Nap.” How ironic.
Updated at 2:49 p.m.
A man in a unicorn suit is dancing next to me while “Jizzed in My Pants” is playing. Carpe DM.
Updated at 2:35 p.m.
“Be a Man” from “Mulan” is on. I feel as swift as a coursing river, with all the force of a great typhoon all of a sudden.
Updated at 2:22 p.m.
Who knew a song about pulling out could be so effective to educate about HIV and pregnancy prevention?
Updated at 2:20 p.m.
The UCLA Sex Squad is performing a song about the five fluids that transmit HIV. All I hear is “vaginal fluid” and “pre-come.”
Updated at 2:01 p.m.
Time is going by fast, feet kind of hurt. Three hours down, 23 to go!
Updated at 1:57 p.m.
Kimberly Caldwell is the first celebrity guest, but I’d rather listen to the founder of One Heartland, speaking now!
Updated at 1:49 p.m.
There’s an arts and crafts table here, but I just want to dance.
Updated at 1:07 p.m.
Doc Brown and his flying DeLorean are one of the winners of the costume contest.
Updated at 12:56 p.m.
Loving some of the throwback music. “Baby Don’t Go” by Fabolous is my jam. “Carry Out” by Justin Timberlake is not.
Updated at 12:42 p.m.
Color wars: Team Blue places third, Team Purple wins.
Updated at 12:20 p.m.
Speeches from the kids affected with HIV, whom this event helps, are what keep you going from beginning to the end.
Updated at 12:14 p.m.
First shift theme costume change: about to put on a hot pink zebra shirt and some orange shorts to take it back to the ’80s for “DM to the 10th power.”
Updated at 12:06 p.m.
The skit videos are a lot funnier this year, I am busting up. And the moralers have just arrived!
Updated at 11:53 a.m.
Everyone just learned the morale dance to “Can’t Stop the Beat.”
Updated at 11:09 a.m
I feel like I’m clubbing at 11 a.m. I like it.
Updated at 11:02 a.m.
Dance Marathon has officially begun!
Updated at 10:56 a.m.
UCLA Aids Institute Director David Gere is opening with a speech: “We are artists, we are dancers.” So excited to leave it all on the floor and “power up!”
Updated at 10:37 a.m.
Three-time Spring Sing winner Katie Boeck is singing the National Anthem.
Updated at 10:30 a.m..
Hundreds of people are sitting in Ackerman Grand Ballroom, stretching out. I’m treasuring every sitting moment ““ 30 minutes until Dance Marathon begins.