Prevailing Joy: Being a Part of Dance Blue

By Josie Bailey
CHS Contributor

I still remember the feeling I had leaving my high school’s mini marathon for pediatric cancer. It wasn’t just excitement — it was a pull to do more.

That’s where my journey with DanceBlue began.

Back then, I didn’t know just how deeply this organization would shape my life. I just knew I cared. During my senior year of high school, I helped lead our mini marathon through student government, and together we raised over $5,000 — the most our school had ever raised. But more importantly, we were part of something bigger: We were educating our community about pediatric cancer and showing that even in the hardest circumstances, joy and hope can still exist.

That same mission is what defines DanceBlue today.

My name is Josie Bailey, and I’m a senior here at the University of Kentucky, where I study Clinical Leadership and Management in the College of Health Sciences.

When I came to UK, I was encouraged to apply for the DanceBlue committee. Saying yes to that opportunity changed the entire trajectory of my college experience. I joined the morale committee, where I had the privilege of leading a group of dancers through marathon. I stood beside them during some of the most physically and emotionally challenging moments, encouraging them to keep going.

But what impacted me most that year wasn’t just the dancing — it was the people. Older students showed me what DanceBlue joy really looks like. It’s not about ignoring the hard things. It’s about choosing joy in the middle of them. One of our slogans says it best: “In a moment of joy, there is healing.” And I’ve seen that play out in real time.

Now, as a senior, I have the incredible honor of serving as Overall Chair for DanceBlue 2026. Through this role, I’ve gained firsthand experience leading what is, at its core, a healthcare nonprofit, one that is driven by students but powered by a mission much larger than ourselves.

That mission comes to life during our 24-hour, no-sitting, no-sleeping marathon, which this year takes place April 18–19 at Rupp Arena. For me, and for so many others, this isn’t just an event, it’s a culmination of a year’s worth of fundraising, advocacy and community-building, all in support of children and families affected by pediatric cancer.

The truth is, once you experience even a small piece of DanceBlue, it’s hard to stay away.

So, I invite you to be part of it. Come to Rupp and watch hundreds of college students stand for something bigger than ourselves. Volunteer your time and meet the faces behind the movement. Or support our mission by donating and helping us continue the fight. (To donate: https://ukdanceblue.com/pages/home-2691. To volunteer: https://vivenu.com/event/danceblue-volunteer-registration-2026-f0lfxb?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAdGRleAQ5BO9leHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZA8xMjQwMjQ1NzQyODc0MTQAAacWVZVT1ePa5e71UDJuqg5Ld777Do7UQvQFwZE-G6TQuG85I0TtlfIFP_ynSg_aem_qtkIyHwUO5RLyxVlchFYUQ)

We need Lexington and the entire Bluegrass community to show up — to stand with us, to believe with us, and to help us prove that even in the face of pediatric cancer, joy can prevail.

Because here, it always does.

For more information about DanceBlue, visit https://studentsuccess.uky.edu/student-organizations-and-activities/services/danceblue