LEXINGTON, Ky. (April 19, 2026) \u2014\u00a0\u201cJoy Prevails\u201d this weekend at Rupp Arena as University of Kentucky students celebrated this year\u2019s record-breaking DanceBlue fundraising total of $2,463,650.24. With this year\u2019s total, DanceBlue has raised more than $27 million since it began in 2006.<\/p>\n
Beginning at 8 p.m. Saturday night, more than 700 UK students gathered on the floor of Rupp Arena standing and dancing for 24 hours in solidarity with the patients and families of the UK Golisano Children\u2019s DanceBlue Hematology-Oncology Clinic<\/a>.<\/p>\n In previous years, the home of the DanceBlue marathon has been at Historic Memorial Coliseum. As the organization continues to grow, their hope is to establish Rupp Arena as DanceBlue\u2019s new home to allow more students to participate in the event.<\/p>\n \u201cDanceBlue\u2019s growth and its ability to reach more people each year is something that is truly amazing,\u201d said Josie Bailey, DanceBlue overall chair. \u201cAs we enter a new decade of DanceBlue, we\u2019ve been especially focused on expanding that impact so even more individuals can experience the hope, joy and love that comes from this event.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n Many dancers spent their entire school year fundraising and attending\u00a0DanceBlue\u00a0events to gain spirit points and secure their place in the 24-hour no-sitting, no-sleeping dance marathon.<\/p>\n At the end of the 24 hours, the dancers gather with anticipation as the final fundraising total is revealed live on stage.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m overjoyed watching the reveal,\u201d Bailey said. \u201cIt brings a deep sense of gratitude for the committee, the community and the clinic. More than anything, it is meaningful knowing that the funds raised will directly support the kids and the clinic.\u201d<\/p>\n