UCLA Dance Marathon: A Tradition of Dancing for an AIDS-Free Generation
The UCLA Dance Marathon is an annual tradition at UCLA where students, faculty, and community members unite to raise funds and awareness in the fight against pediatric HIV/AIDS. Over the years, it has evolved into UCLA’s largest student-run philanthropic event, raising millions of dollars for beneficiaries like the UCLA AIDS Institute, the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, Camp Kindle, and The Laurel Foundation. This article explores the history, impact, and significance of the UCLA Dance Marathon.
A History of Passion and Purpose
The seeds of the Dance Marathon were sown long before its official inception in 2002. A passionate professor in UCLA’s World Arts and Cultures Department (WAC) was already raising awareness through a class called MAKE ART/STOP AIDS. This initiative highlighted the power of art and activism in combating the stigma and misinformation surrounding the disease.
The UCLA AIDS Institute was established in 1992, following the discovery of AIDS at UCLA in 1981. It serves as a multidisciplinary think-tank, bringing together over 200 researchers from various fields to tackle HIV from diverse angles. The Institute is a global leader in the pursuit of a safe and effective HIV vaccine and actively researches gene therapy as a potential cure.
The Pediatric AIDS Coalition (PAC) at UCLA was founded with a central purpose: creating a world free of pediatric HIV/AIDS and advocating for the health of those involved with and affected by the cause.
From Humble Beginnings to a Campus-Wide Phenomenon
Since its inception, the Dance Marathon at UCLA has become a tradition, growing each year in size, fundraising, and awareness. It is now UCLA’s largest student fundraising event. The Dance Marathon has raised roughly $3.5 million in just a dozen years to fight pediatric HIV/AIDS.
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One of the early dreams of the organizers was to move the event to Pauley Pavilion. With its open atmosphere, Pauley offers space for supplementary activities like educational sessions on HIV/AIDS and dance lessons from UCLA’s biggest dance groups.
Dancing for a Cause: The 26-Hour Experience
The Dance Marathon is a unique and unforgettable experience, traditionally lasting 26 hours. Participants dance through the day and night, becoming advocates for those affected by HIV and AIDS.
The event is more than just dancing. It’s an immersive experience filled with themed hours, performances, and opportunities to connect with the cause. Themes like "90210," "Beachin'," "Hollywood," "1984 Olympics," "Club DM," "Disneyland," "Downtown L.A.," and "UCLA School Pride" keep the energy high and the spirits lifted.
The marathon also includes a vigil, showcasing stories from advocates and first-hand survivors of pediatric AIDS. These stories highlight the personal impact of the disease and the importance of continued support and research.
Beneficiaries: Making a Tangible Difference
The funds raised through the Dance Marathon go to several beneficiaries, each playing a vital role in the fight against pediatric HIV/AIDS.
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- UCLA AIDS Institute: 15% of the total amount raised goes to the UCLA AIDS Institute, supporting its research efforts to develop a vaccine and find a cure for HIV.
- Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation: The Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation is committed to a comprehensive response to fighting HIV and AIDS through research, global advocacy, strengthening of local health care systems, and growing the capacity of governments and communities in the world’s most affected regions to respond to urgent needs. The foundation makes a huge difference in research, advocacy, and education.
- The Laurel Foundation: The Pediatric AIDS Coalition at UCLA has joined forces with The Laurel Foundation in an effort to forge connections with organizations that serve local communities of children affected by HIV/AIDS. For 25 years, the Laurel Foundation has served children and youth affected by HIV and AIDS through year-round education and camp programs. Laurel empowers children affected by HIV/AIDS from across California to embrace who they are, build successful lives and educate their peers on HIV and transgender issues.
- Camp Kindle: Camp Kindle only accepts youths up to age 16. A portion of funds will now go toward a weekend-long Life Skills Retreat that UCLA students will lead for older teens.
These organizations provide critical support, treatment, and resources for children and families affected by HIV/AIDS.
Impact: Beyond the Numbers
The impact of the Dance Marathon extends far beyond the dollars raised. It creates a community of passionate individuals dedicated to making a difference.
Participants gain a deeper understanding of HIV/AIDS and the challenges faced by those living with the disease. They become advocates, working to destigmatize HIV/AIDS and promote awareness and education.
The Dance Marathon also provides a platform for beneficiaries to share their stories and connect with supporters. These personal connections reinforce the importance of the cause and inspire continued action.
Language and Activism: The Power of Words
Language and activism have a necessarily fraught relationship: the right words can define successful activism just as the wrong ones can undermine it. For activism like that in the fight against HIV/AIDS, one unfortunately inextricable from misconception and stigma, language proves especially significant. Put simply, how we talk about HIV/AIDS matters.
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AIDS has always been political. From its beginning, the AIDS epidemic in the US has carried with it marginalization and stigmatization. Disproportionately affecting queer individuals and people of color, HIV/AIDS is inextricably linked to the systems of oppression that render these communities particularly vulnerable.
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