Music, children inspire Thon dancers in final hours

Heavy feet, sore backs and throbbing headaches — it’s not a question of if, but when Thon’s 708 dancers felt the pain.

There’s a reason why the Penn State IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon packs its final hours with pick-me-up events for dancers.

Go Go Gadjet, Thon’s final act for several years running, is the adrenaline shot they look forward to the longest.

“People in the stands don’t realize how much they help us when they’re excited,” Navigators dancer Amy Mohler said. “Go Go Gadjet’s energy is what we need, because everyone gets excited for them. I think when they get introduced it gives you the confidence that you’re definitely going to finish.”

Pi Beta Phi’s Hannah Carmody said additional line dances — there were nine performed in the last four hours — helps her. She also made up dances for her organization to mimic during short lulls in the action.

“If it’s something that keeps me moving, I’ll do it,” Carmody said. “I love when everyone is dancing together. That really shows the power of dance and the power of music.”

Omega Phi Alpha’s Julia Tomek said Family Hour, the only time when the dancing is put on hold, puts the weekend into perspective.

Dominique Bigler’s family was one of four to speak. Dominique battled cancer for six years and was 19 years old when she died in 2014.

Her mother, Marsha Bigler, was admittedly nervous as they walked on stage. She began to talk about her daughter and how Dominique had always wanted to speak.

“I’m so glad I did it,” she said. “Something came over me, and I felt the strength to do it. I think Dominique was here with me. If not, I think I would have passed out. She lived for this. She really loved Thon.”

Marsha Bigler read from drafts written by Dominique in 2014 to make one of her dreams a reality.

“It was incredible watching them,” Navigators’ Haley Henderson said. “It brings us right back to why we’re here.”

Thon children on the dance floor, however, give them the most inspiration.

Public Relations Lead Captain Graceanne Domino sang with Hope and Matty Roslevege on stage and held a knocked-out-cold Hope during Family Hour.

Domino and other public relations committee members often visit the Rosleveges on the weekends.

“Their entire family has been an incredible part of our lives this year,” Domino said. “The Rosleveges and PR captains have become an integral part of each others lives. We didn’t know if they’d get nervous or not or if they’d do it. It was really emotionally overwhelming to see them run up and do it with confidence. To have those moments with them are really special. I think a lot of us are experiencing that type of thing today, and it’s really keeping everyone going.”

This story was originally published February 21, 2016 at 7:55 PM with the headline "Music, children inspire Thon dancers in final hours."