Mini Dance Marathons are student-led fundraising events held at high schools and other campuses across Iowa, all in support of University of Iowa Dance Marathon and University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital. These events are part of the larger Dance Marathon movement through Children’s Miracle Network, but their impact is felt right here in our state by helping local kids and families facing pediatric cancer.
Across Iowa, over a dozen collegiate Dance Marathon programs serve as mentors to nearby high schools, building meaningful relationships and developing the next generation of Dance Marathon leaders. The University of Iowa Dance Marathon works closely with many of these high schools to support their planning efforts, foster leadership skills, and strengthen our shared commitment to the kids.
Planning a Mini Dance Marathon starts with building a passionate student leadership team who care deeply about making a difference.
Throughout the year, they focus on:
Recruiting classmates to join the movement
Raising funds through peer-to-peer efforts
Spreading awareness about our mission
Planning the Main Event, typically 2–6 hours long, filled with dancing, games, family stories, and the reveal of their fundraising total
Each Mini Dance Marathon is a celebration of hard work, compassion, and community, and every dollar raised directly supports kids at UI Stead Family Children’s Hospital. Together, these efforts fuel hope, healing, and the future of Dance Marathon at the University of Iowa and beyond.
Last year UIDM had 13 high school and 8 elementary school mini events. DM31 high schools alone raised over $114,000! Since 2010, our Mini Dance Marathon Programs have raised over $1,130,000!
Mini DM Quick Links:
All money raised will go to UI Dance Marathon and directly benefit kids and their families fighting cancer here at the University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital. For elementary and middle schools, these events are usually planned by a teacher or administrator, although students can definitely be involved in the planning! While for high schools, these events are usually planned by students, typically by Student Council, NHS, or separate DM group. Feel free to check out our current Mini Dance Marathon Programs here.
If you are interested in starting a Mini Dance Marathon at your school, or with your organization, contact our Mini Dance Marathon Co-Chairs: Graham Crippen and Tayler Long at dm-minidmcochair@uiowa.edu