Kenyan Students Look to Dominate IU Dance Marathon

BLOOMINGTON, IN – The annual IU Dance Marathon is just around the corner, but for a group of students from Kenya, it cannot come any sooner. The Kenyan Cohort has spent the last year on a strict training regimen, often staying up for days at a time to ensure their dance stamina is world class.…

Kirk Woodlawn

Dance Marathon, Global, Indiana University, Kenyans, Riley

BLOOMINGTON, IN – The annual IU Dance Marathon is just around the corner, but for a group of students from Kenya, it cannot come any sooner.

The Kenyan Cohort has spent the last year on a strict training regimen, often staying up for days at a time to ensure their dance stamina is world class.

“We have a reputation to uphold,” said Omandi Wambui. “No matter the type of marathon, it is God’s will that the Kenyan people decimate all competition.”

Since 1989, Indiana University campuses have collaborated with Kenyan schools which resulted in a bilateral student exchange program.

“The Global Learning partnerships have gone a long way to establish mutual respect for different cultures all over the world.” said IU Professor Samantha Jordan. “It’s not surprising that the Kenyan students naturally migrated to a familiar pursuit such as the Dance Marathon.”

Riley Children’s Hospital, the Dance Marathon benefactor, has benefitted greatly from the international attention to the annual event.

“We love those Kenyan kids.” said Riley Director Ken Wilson. “Money flows in from all over the world, which makes my wife very happy.”