Seniors dance their way to the 120-hour mark

At 10 p.m. Friday, Cathy Barrera and Michelle Rheinschmidt are beginning their 93rd hour dancing together.

They are part of the "120 Hour Club," a group of seniors who have danced every song at every Dance Marathon during their time at Northwestern.

Barrera, a Communication senior, said she participated in a dance marathon when she was in middle school. She said she enjoyed it so much that she later helped organize one at her high school too.

Barrera said she convinced Rheinschmidt, a Weinberg senior, to be her DM partner during their freshman year at NU.

"I was a little apprehensive at first, but she talked me into it," Rheinschmidt said.

Barrera and Rheinschmidt said they have raised between $6,000 and $7,000 during their four years of DM.

"We got a fundraising award our first year and we have raised about the same amount every year," Barrera said. "We haven't won any awards since, so I guess other people are stepping up their game."

Barrera said DM has been a memorable part of her time at NU.

"At the end of the 30 hours you say you'll never do it again," Barrera said. "But we still come back every year."

Elise Foley/The Daily Northwestern