One of the best ways to re-group during THON Weekend and take some time for yourself is to listen to music! Music can help refresh the mind, enhance touching moments of the weekend, and get you on your feet dancing! THON Weekend is filled with energy and intense emotion, so it’s important to have a playlist that can match all of your moods. Here is the official playlist of THON Weekend!

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/03bepYF7n6twMpSY8Lx76g?si=PkQyWTAMTkOKDc_pkl7kNg 

Kill The Lights (Audien Remix) – Alex Newell, Jess Glynne, DJ Cassidy, Nile Rodgers, Audien 

Throwback to the THON 2018 line dance! The energy in this song will blow you away, just like the energy in the BJC all throughout THON Weekend! 

THON Spirit Lyric: I can’t deny the feeling that you’re giving me. You lit the spark that set a fire. 

Don’t Stop Me Now – Queen 

No playlist feels complete without some Queen. This song perfectly highlights the passion and drive of participants during THON Weekend and throughout the year. 

THON Spirit Lyric: I’m a shooting star leaping through the sky, like a tiger defying the laws of gravity. 

Countdown – Beyoncé 

Since we’re counting down the hours all weekend, you might as well listen to a song about a countdown too! Plus, it’s Beyoncé… enough said. 

THON Spirit lyric: Got a lot to learn in this love. Through the good and the bad, still got love. 

I Wanna Dance with Somebody – Whitney Houston 

What kind of a dance marathon playlist would this be without a Whitney Houston song? This 80’s classic will lift your spirits and make you want to move! 

THON Spirit lyric: I wanna dance with somebody. I wanna feel the heat with somebody. 

Never Really Over – Katy Perry 

Another song that will undeniably get you dancing! Plus, it holds true that the spirit of THON Weekend lives on and is “Never Really Over.” 

THON Spirit lyric: Just because it’s over doesn’t mean it’s really over and if I think it over, maybe you’ll be comin‘ over again. 

Faith – Stevie Wonder & Ariana Grande 

This song, from the 2016 animated movie Sing, embodies what it feels like to be surrounded by people you love. 

THON Spirit lyric: You’ve been such a, such a good friend of me, know that I love you somehow. 

1, 2, 3 Dayz Up – Kim Petras & SOPHIE 

Not only does this pop anthem make you want to dance, it’s representative of THON Weekend– up for three days and we never stop! 

THON Spirit lyric: One day up, two days up, three days up… we don’t stop! 

Clarity – Zedd & Foxes 

Who needs coffee anyway? The beat drop in this song will keep you awake and alert throughout the weekend. 

THON Spirit lyric: If our love’s insanity, why are you my clarity? 

Right Where You Should Be (feat. Ashe & Louis Futon) – Quinn XCII 

Another familiar jam! This song was used in the THON 2019 recap video and is perfect for enriching an emotional moment. 

THON Spirit  lyric: Just know that you’re good enough. You are right where you should be. 

Mr. Brightside – The Killers 

Quite plainly, it’s a certified bop. You’re bound to hear it covered by some of the talented musicians playing on stage during the weekend so you might as well brush up on the lyrics. 

THON Spirit lyric: Destiny is calling me, open up my eager eyes ‘cause I’m Mr. Brightside. 

High Hopes – Panic! At The Disco 

Remaining consistent with THON’s message, this inspiring song will make you believe that anything is possible, especially when surrounded by the magic of the BJC during THON Weekend. 

THON Spirit lyric: Didn’t have a dime but I always had a vision. Always had high, high hopes. 

Drift Away – Uncle Kracker 

The smooth melody of this song is great for any time you want to take a moment and “chill out” during the weekend. 

THON Spirit lyric: Give me the beat boys, and free my soul. I want to get lost in your rock and roll and drift away. 

On Top Of The World – Imagine Dragons 

Imagine Dragons have become a staple in any uplifting and powerful playlist. And the lyrics will make you feel like you really are “On Top Of The World”! 

THON Spirit lyric: Been holding it in for a while, ‘ey, take it with me if I can. Been dreaming of this since a child, I’m on top of the world. 

Freedom ‘90 – George Michael 

This song is a 2-for-1: inspiring AND it will get you pumped up! What more could you ask for? 

THON Spirit lyric: But today the way I play the game has got to change, oh yeah. Now I’m gonna get myself happy. 

Don’t Stop Believin’ – Journey 

Possibly one of the most popular karaoke songs ever to exist– this classic is almost guaranteed to lift your spirits and get you pumped up at THON! 

THON Spirit lyric: Don’t stop believin’, hold on to that feelin’. 

Just like award shows or the Met Gala, THON has its own sense of style during the weekend. Whether you wear the same outfit or have a couple of costume changes throughout the 46 hours, it can be daunting to decide what to wear. Here are some ideas that keep the energy high, colors vibrant, and FTK®! 

1.) Tutus! 

Over the years, THON Weekend has acquired a unique fashion style with a staple piece of none other than the tutu! These fun-fabric accessories are usually included in the ‘best outfits’ category throughout the weekend. Not only do they come in fun colors, but they embody the nostalgic childhood spirit THON already provides. They are also an easy accessory to add, cheap, and fun to make! Whether you get crafty with your organization, friends or committee, designing a tutu provides the perfect bonding experience for you and your fellow THON supporters.  

2.) Onesies! 

In just one comfy pajama set, you can be a (Nittany) lion, tiger, or bear, oh my! Not only are onesies comfortable enough to stand in for a while, but they are also so much fun to strut around in at the Bryce Jordan Center. And why not dress like a little kid again during this fun weekend? Maybe you can even find an astronaut or alien onesie to match THON’s Journey Together theme and logo! 

3.) A Good Pair of Shoes! 

There’s nothing more fashionable than functionality! On a real note, having a comfortable pair of shoes is one of the most important items you can wear during THON Weekend. Whether they are bright, black, or even New Balances, your feet will thank you for wearing something with a bit of support. Trust us, people will envy you for your comfy shoes. 

4.) Layers!  

Whether the amount of people in the BJC is packed or a little less so in the bright and early morning hours, the temperature changes throughout the 46 hours. For your upper body, maybe start with a cut-off tank if you’re feeling bold! It’ll feel nice when you’re jumping around during the Pep Rally, but soon you’ll want more comfortable clothes on so layer up. Bright colors are always encouraged, of course, so grab your tie-dyed sweatshirts, fun flannels, or anything else that you feel comfortable in. 

5.) Fanny Packs! 

While fanny packs have been a fashion faux pas in the rest of the fashion world, they will never be questioned within the stadium walls of the BJC during THON. Not only are they useful for storing other necessities, which you can read about here: https://thon.org/2020/02/13/fanny-pack-essentials/, it also adds that pop of color to complete your THON Weekend outfit.  

6.) THON Merch  

This option is one of the most universal fashion pieces of THON. Whether a THON merch item is your main attraction or one of your layers, it’s a great and easy way to show your support for THON. Plus, you could be twinning with volunteers, dancers, parents, students, alumni, you name it! It’s a fun way to not only look great but also be a part of a great and loving community.  

7.) Bandanas  

Keep your hair out of your face with the simple but fashionable accessory of a bandana! Everyone needs a statement piece and a fun colored bandana is just the accessory you need! If you don’t want it on your head, tie it to your wrist, your ankle or anywhere you can show off your sense of style.  

8.) Crazy Leggings or Shorts 

Or why not both? The combination is a daring one, but one that just speaks to your dedication to THON! And there is no better time to experiment with new fashion trends than in the joyful atmosphere of THON Weekend. Not to mention, leggings have their own ability to be comfortable while also being crazy or colorful enough for you to stand out. And don’t think that leggings are just for girls! Just like shorts, they are fun, functional, and universally accepted at THON.  

9.) Temporary Tattoos 

While it may be tempting to permanently tattoo the Four Diamonds to your cheek, maybe wear a temporary one first! They are nice little additions that you don’t have to worry about until you want to wash it off. While being super cute, these temporary tattoos are just another way to show your support for THON, Penn State, and Four Diamonds.  

10.) Anything goes.  

THON weekend is all about coming together and finding a cure. While planning your THON weekend outfit is a fun way to show your creativity and support, don’t stress too much about it! No matter what you decide, if you are standing for, volunteering, or supporting THON, you’ll fit right in. 

While THON embraces an amazing environment for our THON children and families, we can’t forget about the dancers who sacrifice their bodies to help create the magical weekend. Here are a couple of general rules to keep in mind when talking to the dancers.   

Even though it’s courteous in nature to ask, “How are you doing?” we should avoid this and similar questions. When we see our dancers, we must be mindful of the physical toll that THON weekend has on them.    

They know they’re tired and sore, we don’t need to remind them! And remember, most of the dancers won’t know the time throughout the weekend, so make sure not to let the day or time slip while talking to them. Also make sure they don’t see the time on your phone or watch. 

Avoid touchy, emotional subjects. Remember they’ve been awake for hours and probably don’t have the emotional capacity to talk about something draining. Keep it light and fun! 

Have an actual conversation, get to know them! Find out what their interests, hobbies, and studies are. Ask them where they’re from, what career they want or what clubs they’re involved in. Hey, even throw in a wacky question like whether pineapple belongs on pizza.  

Ask them if they need anything! Although each dancer is assigned a Dancer Relations Committee Member, a friendly face asking if they could use something is always a nice gesture.  

Help our dancers focus on the magic of the weekend and, most importantly, do your best to make sure they have a great time! 

By Will Pizii 

It may be an iconic fashion statement from the 90s, but fanny packs are essential during THON Weekend. But once you secure your brightly colored lifeline, what should you pack in it? Well look no further, we have the complete list of everything you need in your fanny pack for the 46-hour weekend! 

1. Portable charger– Unfortunately, the BJC does not have any public outlets. Plus, no one wants to miss any part of THON weekend waiting for their phone to ween off low power mode. Get yourself a portable charger! This way you can charge your phone, keep it on your person, and snap pics of the whole weekend! 
2. Gum/mints– Fresh breath is essential. Whether you’re in the stands or working on a committee, you’ll be doing a lot of talking, yelling and maybe even singing! So do your friends a favor and pack some gum or mints. Plus, the minty freshness can help you stay alert and peppy for the hours to come! 
3. Bubbles– Pack a small container of bubbles in your fanny pack! It’s a fun way to pass time, as well as get that cute candid Instagram post. Plus, if you’re anywhere near kids during the weekend, they will love it! 
4. Dry shampoo– It sounds odd, but you may want to get a travel size dry shampoo. After a long shift in the stands, it’s nice to feel refreshed and clean! 
5. Change of socks-If you have room, bring a change of socks in your fanny pack! Knee socks, ankle socks, anything! Changing out your socks is truly an out-of-body experience when you’re tired. 
6. Empty Water Bottle– Many people bring empty refillable water bottles into the BJC. This item is essential to staying healthy and hydrated all weekend long. To make it more fanny pack friendly, secure your water bottle to the strap of your fanny pack with a carabiner or matching ribbon! 

THON weekend is rapidly approaching, so make sure to get your fanny pack and necessities today!