THON 2024 is full of dedicated dancers standing and dancing for a cure. But one independent dancer couple, Taylor and Danielle Sekelsky, is bringing a new unique perspective to the floor of THON Weekend.

As an IDC, the Sekelsky sisters are both alumni of Penn State and are taking to the floor of THON as a part of the Dance Marathon Alumni Interest Group or “DMAIG.” 

After watching little sister Danielle (‘23) dance in THON 2023, older sister Taylor Sekelsky (‘15) knew she wanted to return to Happy Valley. 

“It was definitely experiencing last year and watching Danielle dance,” Taylor said. “It was kind of instantly something that I regretted not doing when I was here.” 

This THON will mark Danielle’s second time dancing in the event, a milestone not many others have experienced. After traveling to the floor last year to support Danielle, Taylor was inspired to join the fight against pediatric cancer.

“I think it didn’t take 30 seconds for the dancers to sit down before we texted each other saying, ‘Hey, you know, alumni can do this. Let’s do this together next year,’” Taylor said. “And she was like, ‘100%, on it!’”

Contrary to the typical independent dancer couple system, the DMAIG selects dancer spots solely based on fundraising totals.

“We had no idea honestly, that was possible until they put up the final screen. The top five had a DMAIG couple,” Taylor said. “Well, behold, it was an alumni couple, so pretty much that day, we committed to signing up and trying to do a DMAIG IDC for this year.”

Making it their mission to dance together in the City of THON, the sisters hit the ground running to fundraise. Ultimately, only the top three fundraising couples each year earn the opportunity of actually dancing in THON Weekend. 

“I think it’s the same minimum as the IDCs have to meet to be eligible, but then it’s top three. There’s no lottery,” Taylor said. “Depending on what they raise, it’s like any org. They could get more or less dancer couples every year.”

The Sekelsky sisters are originally from Behel, Connecticut. After graduation, younger sister Danielle Sekelsky relocated to Tennessee for work and is currently a cheerleader for the Tennessee Titans. 

“I flew in from Nashville to Philly and Philly to State College,” Danielle said. 

During their time at Penn State, both Sekelsky sisters were a part of Penn State cheerleading and valued their passion for collegiate cheer.

“Danielle followed in my footsteps in that sense, but I would say we both had pretty different experiences that kind of just played off of each other’s interests,” Taylor said. 

After first being set on Boston College, Taylor decided to come try out for Penn State cheerleading in a spur-of-the-moment decision. In true sisterly fashion, little sister Danielle stepped in to support her sister.

“I had a competitive cheerleading competition in Baltimore, and I decided the week of that I was coming to Penn State, so I had to miss it,” Taylor said. “So she learned all my parts because she was way better than me, and she filled in for the competition for me, and I came and tried out for Penn State cheer.”

Sticking together as sisters and best friends, the Sekelsky sisters were both sold on Penn State for the community aspect of Happy Valley.

“I feel like being the younger sibling, you want to kind of create your own path and steer away from what your older sibling had done,” Danielle said. “But when she was cheering, our family had come to every single home game for the four years.”

Slowly and surely, blue and white culture grew on Danielle who ultimately committed to Penn State cheerleading eight years after her big sister. 

“I kind of wanted to steer away and do my own thing, but when I had visited other campuses, I had met the coaches and got a look into what their programs would be like,” Danielle said. “It just seemed like nothing else compared.”

During their time at Penn State, both sisters majored in finance in the Smeal College of Business and participated in Greek life. Since then, they have become a key part of the alumni network to represent at THON Weekend.

“You see alumni everywhere, so that was a big thing, too,” Taylor said. “There’s connections all over the world.”

Valuing the power of alumni, it’s no surprise that the Sekelsky sisters drew upon this strength to dance in THON 2024.

“To do it with your sibling is a very different feeling that probably not many people, if any, have experienced,” Taylor said. “If you’re dancing in any capacity or if you’re involved in any capacity, I would just say I’m so grateful.”

Echoing her sister’s appreciation, Danielle Sekelsky reflected on her second experience dancing in THON. 

“I feel like depending on who you’re with, it’s such a different experience, so we’re just going into it very open-minded and very excited,” Danielle said. ”I’m just grateful to be able to do it for a second time.”

From the perspective of a second-time dancer, Danielle is ready to relive the experience with her sister by her side. 

“These people are so strong, these children are so strong, their parents, their siblings,” Danielle said. “If you don’t go to THON, there’s really nothing that you will ever experience that will equal this weekend.”

Ready for the 46 hours of a lifetime, the Sekelsky sisters are grateful to their parents and donors for making their dream a reality at THON 2024. 

“It’s incredible,” Taylor said. “So many people stepped up, and it’s just such an incredible cause.”

“I’m biased, but I think it’s the best cause in the world,” Danielle agreed.