Northwestern Dance Marathon raises $190,000

Northwestern University Dance Marathon (NUDM) returned for its 51^st year over the weekend as one of the largest independent student-run philanthropies in the nation. The event took place overnight from April 4 to 5 at Welsh-Ryan Arena, the university sports venue at 2705 Ashland Ave.

Students hit the arena floor at 6 p.m. for 15 consecutive hours of dancing to raise awareness and funds for its primary beneficiary, Chicago HOPES for Kids, the only Chicago area nonprofit that provides educational support directly to elementary school children experiencing homelessness.

NUDM Communications Director Tsion Carnielli, a junior, said 10% of donations go to the group’s longterm beneficiary of 28 years, the Evanston Community Foundation (ECF). The rest goes to a primary beneficiary, which changes each year.

Minutes ahead of the start time, the arena was filled with energy and excitement. For Carnielli, it was the culmination of a yearlong philanthropic effort. When asked what she wants community members to know about NUDM, she replied that “it is one big event, but we’ve been doing fundraising and working on this since last April.”

Executive board positions such as Carnielli’s require a commitment of five to 10 hours per week. “For us, it’s been almost a year, and I think that’s something we really want people to know, so they realize how much work goes into planning this,” she said.

More than 600 students participate annually in NUDM, a Northwestern staple that has raised more than $23 million for more than three dozen charities since 1975.

NUDM offers a range of ways for students to get involved. They can participate by serving on committees, fundraising, attending special events, helping to raise awareness of the cause and, of course, by dancing.

Students danced the night and early morning away, demonstrating the power of collective action and inspiring others to support a worthy cause.

Emcees Goldie Beck and Jared Silver delivered nonstop energy from start to finish. The 15-hour event was divided into five blocks, each with its own theme, games and guest performances by DJ STRFRY, NU Drumline, a cappella groups ShireiNU and Purple Haze and many others. One tradition each year is students dancing to Sandstorm by Darude in Block 4 at 3:30 a.m.

In-person visits from Northwestern student athletes and celebrity shout-outs in video messages from alumni Julia Louis-Dreyfus and Stephen Colbert inspired participants.

More memorable moments

Special highlights were in the opening and closing hours of NUDM, when visitors were allowed inside the arena.

Early Friday evening, a group of 12 to 15-year-old students served by the Chicago HOPES for Kids Rising Star Youth Club in Chicago’s Austin neighborhood joined dancers in the arena. NUDM also provided opportunities during the school year for students to engage with children served by Chicago HOPES for Kids.

The visiting students were accompanied by Chicago HOPES for Kids Executive Director Rita Kahn and Volunteer Administrator Kimberly King, who said their students were invited to the first two hours of the event.

“It means so much, allowing us to bring our kids here to party with them and dance with them,” said King. “They [Northwestern students] learned about what our kids want to do when they get to college. They really connected with them.” She added that she worked directly with student volunteers during the school year.

“It was a really great experience. The students who dedicated their time in the midst of having classes, extracurriculars, jobs — and dedicating that to us means so much. It’s more than words can say,” said King.

“I know how much work they put into this, and seeing it come together for causes, not just ours, but all across Chicago. I see them crying now and I know it’s good tears, tears of joy. These are memories they’re going to carry with them their whole lives.”

Closing time

At 8 a.m., with just an hour to go, Northwestern alum and photographer Justin Barbin was on site, motivating dancers with his annual performance to Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen. Barbin said his involvement with NUDM started when he registered as a dancer his freshman year.

“I started photographing every hour, every single year since then,” said Barbin.

After nearly 15 hours of dancing, Yellow by Coldplay closed out NUDM for 2025. Students locked arms and swayed to the song.

The event concluded with the presentation of a check to Kahn and King to support Chicago HOPES for Kids. It was a reassuring reminder that NUDM has evolved over the decades, adapting to changing times while remaining true to its core mission of raising funds and awareness for worthy causes.

In an Instagram post, NUDM wrote, “After a year full of long meetings, countless fundraising events, and endless amounts of passion, we know that NUDM 51 has made a difference. Thank you to everyone who supported us throughout this journey, see you next year!!”

“Through all of the fun this weekend, it’s important to remember why we dance!”

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