We are a day away from THON 2021, and this year’s festivities will look a lot different than in years past.

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, THON will take place virtually through a livestream hosted by 46Live, with dancers tuning in from their living rooms. Naturally, this new format has left a lot of people with questions.

So, to help you navigate the wackiest THON Weekend we have ever seen, we helped compile a list of what to do and what not to do if you’re taking part from home.

Dos

Take A Break — This is a new one this year. Unlike in years past, dancers are encouraged to take part in “designated rest hours” between midnight and 6 a.m. each night. The reason for the rest hours is because THON couldn’t ensure “proper resources” for dancers if they were to stand for the whole 46 hours.

So, don’t be afraid to sit down, take a nap, and relax for a couple of hours. Dancers will still have another 34 hours during THON weekend to remain standing.

Customize Your Dancing Area — THONing from home means you can make your space optimal to your liking. Maybe it’s laying down some nice rugs or putting up some cool lights. Make it your own so you are comfortable where you’re at.

A good piece of advice is to remove anywhere where you may be enticed to sit (outside of rest hours, that is!). Move couches, chairs, and anywhere else you would sit out of the area you’ll be dancing in. It’ll make it easier mentally if you’re not staring at a comfy couch the whole time.

Find Some Distractions — The Bryce Jordan Center itself is a natural distraction at THON, whether it be just talking with some friends or jamming out to some tunes at 4 a.m from your favorite rock and roll cover band. Dancing in your living rooms, dorm rooms, etc., with few people around you will be brutal on the mind and body. So find some distractions.

Maybe set up your Xbox and play some games, break out a speaker and play some of your own tunes, or hell, even read a book. Keeping your mind busy will make it easier to stand for long periods of time, especially when you’re with a smaller group of people.

Be Patient — No one really knows how this weekend is going to go, and if they say they do, they’re lying. So, be patient with people this weekend, especially those putting THON together.

Dance And Have Fun — IT’S THON, PEOPLE! Dance around in your living room like an idiot, wear some funky clothes, and have a blast. We may not be in the BJC, but that doesn’t mean we can’t have a lot of fun.

Don’ts

Break COVID-19 Regulations — It’s important to remember that we are still in the middle of a pandemic. Even though THON is a feel-good event, that doesn’t mean anyone should be breaking borough and state guidelines.

Don’t gather in more than groups of 10 people, and if you are sick or have been exposed to COVID-19, don’t go out. Stay home and support from there.

Also, follow guidelines set out by organizations. If you want to visit a dancer, make sure it’s OK first and find out if you’re even allowed to. The last thing we need with THON is for it to help spread COVID-19 around State College more than it already is.

Tell Dancers The Time/Ask If They’re Tired — Similar to if we were in the BJC, refrain from telling dancers the time or asking how they’re feeling. Standing for long periods of time is a mental challenge, and talking to a dancer like that makes it that much harder.

Some dancers even change the times on their phones to something random so they don’t know the time. If you’re talking to a dancer, take their mind off the fact they’ve been standing for a ridiculous amount of time.

Drink Or Be Drunk — This is a big no-no at a traditional THON, and it’s still a big no-no this year. This weekend is supposed to be about the kids and those who are dancing for a good cause. Drinking and partying ruins the whole spirit of the weekend. You can stay sober for one weekend, we promise.

Be A Debby Downer — THON is usually a spectacle and produces some of the best memories you will have while at Penn State. Just because THON is virtual doesn’t mean it matters less than in years past. Keep up that same energy you would have if you were inside the BJC! It’s going to take everyone to make this year as successful as years past.