DanceBlue 2026 Volunteer Registration

Join Us for DanceBlue 2026!

The time has come to join in one of Kentucky’s most coveted traditions: DanceBlue! As the largest student philanthropy in the Southeastern Conference, DanceBlue’s fundraising efforts end in a 24-hour no-sitting, no-sleeping dance marathon, all for the families and kids in our DanceBlue Clinic. At DanceBlue our committee members have the privilege of spreading JOY year-round, you’re no exception!

Volunteer for our marathon today, you’ll play a key role in shaping this life-changing experience while witnessing our dedication to Kentucky’s Kids.

Volunteer Details

Volunteer opportunities are open to anyone 16 and older, with 12 different shifts available to choose from. General shift registration costs $20 for UK students, $30 for UK faculty and staff, and $35 for the public. Meal hour shifts are $20 for everyone. All volunteers will receive a free T-shirt, and you must register by Wednesday, April 1, at 8:00 AM to guarantee your preferred size. Volunteering with a friend? Let us know at checkout, and we will do our best to assign you to the same station. If you are interested in volunteering for more than one shift, please email volunteer@danceblue.org.

Volunteer Schedule

Below are the available shifts for DanceBlue 2026. Please review and select a shift at checkout.

Saturday, April 18th

General 1: 5:30 PM - 9:00 PM

General 2: 8:30 PM - 1:00 AM

Meal 1: 10:30 PM - 12:30 AM

Sunday, April 19th

General 3: 12:30 AM - 5:00 AM

Meal 2: 2:30 AM - 4:30 AM

General 4: 4:30 AM - 9:00 AM

Meal 3: 6:30 AM - 8:30 AM

General 5: 8:30 AM - 1:00 PM

Meal 4: 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM

General 6: 12:30 PM - 5:00 PM

Meal 5: 2:30 PM - 4:30 PM

General 7: 4:30 PM - 9:30 PM

Each General Shift is between 3.5 - 5 hours, and volunteers will be assigned to a specific station.

Each Meal Hour Shift is 3 hours long, assisting with food service and cleanup.

Volunteer Shift Descriptions

General Shifts

Volunteers will be assigned to one of the following six stations:

Snack Shack: Stock and restock snacks, remove trash as needed. (Standing required.)

Hydration Station: Set up and refill water coolers/cups. (Standing & lifting required.)

Recovery Room: Monitor dancers who are unwell and retrieve paramedics if needed. (Standing required.)

Charging Station: Oversee device-charging stations. (Standing required.)

Bag Check: Manage dancer bags during designated time periods. (Standing, lifting & stairs required.)

Guest Experience: Help manage public access, direct guests, and deliver food to dancers. (Standing required.)

Note: While you may indicate a preferred station, all placements are assigned the week before the marathon and cannot be guaranteed. If you are unable to meet the physical requirements of a specific station (such as lifting at Bag Check), please email volunteer@danceblue.org so we can ensure you are placed in a role that best fits your abilities.

Meal Hour Shifts

Assist with setting up the food line, supporting meal distribution, and helping with cleanup during meal hours. Five shifts are available throughout the marathon. If you have any food allergies, please contact operationscoordinator@danceblue.org prior to selecting this position to ensure it is a good fit for you.

Pay It Forward – Gift a Volunteer Spot!

Can’t attend the event but still want to support it? Pay it forward by covering a student’s spot for a shift. Your contribution directly secures a spot for a student volunteer, allowing them to participate at no cost.

How It Works:

When completing your registration, please fill in the “Pay It Forward” section on the checkout screen with the following information: Student Name, LinkBlue, and T-Shirt Size. Alternatively, you may purchase a ticket and email volunteer@danceblue.org with the recipient’s name so we can update the registration accordingly.

Volunteer Details & Responsibilities:

You’ll receive an email before the event with all necessary logistics.

It is mandatory to review and confirm your shift details before the marathon.

If you have any questions, contact Christina Smith at volunteer@danceblue.org.

Need to Cancel?

All sales are final. No refunds will be issued.

If you can’t attend your shift, email us ASAP so we can adjust our coverage.

Thank You for Supporting DanceBlue!

Your yes to volunteering supports our efforts to fundraise, support and spread joy for our clinic children and families. We are so excited you’re joining the DanceBlue community. JOY PREVAILS because of selfless volunteers like you!

Questions? Contact Christina Smith at volunteer@danceblue.org.