THON Weekend is here, folks, and you don’t want to miss out on the slang used during the event.

Whether you’re a dancer, spectator, or committee member, you’re going to want to know what’s being said during the weekend. We have you covered with all the lingo you need to know for the weekend.

FTK

FTK stands for “For The Kids” and is one of THON’s most famous terms. The acronym reminds us why we’re dancing and who we’re dancing for. Throughout THON Weekend, you will hear, see, and say FTK numerous times, especially in the Line Dance. The phrase lives on through the Bryce Jordan Center throughout the entire weekend.

‘Dancer Relations Captains To The Stage’

When you hear the phrase “Dancer Relations captains,” you’re going to want to get to your feet because the line dance is coming up. Every hour, you will hear an announcement for the captains to come to the stage. This announcement causes the Bryce Jordan Center to erupt in cheers and ignite energy in the building.

The BJC

The Bryce Jordan Center, or the BJC, is where all the magic happens. While Penn Staters know the abbreviation, those not familiar with it may be confused. The BJC is the home to THON for 46 hours once every year for the weekend. Dancers stand on the BJC floor for 46 hours straight to raise money for the Four Diamonds Foundation.

IDC

IDC stands for independent dancer couples. While some dancers get the opportunity through their organizations, IDCs raise money independently and enter a lottery system to dance during THON Weekend. If your number is drawn in the lottery, you and your partner will participate in the 46-hour dance marathon.

Final Four

Final Four references the last four hours of THON Weekend, arguably one of the most packed and exciting times of the weekend. On the stage, there is usually a performance that will get the BJC hyped to unveil the total raised. Also during Final Four is Family Hour, which talks about the families and children affected by pediatric cancer.

Portal

No, you are not being transported into another dimension if you walk through a portal. A portal refers to a section of the BJC where spectators enter to watch the event. Each section has a specific number of those who can be allowed in and can close when the section is full. Most portals close during an event such as the national performance or the Final Four.

Hopefully, this guide helps navigate you through THON Weekend and eases you into the BJC. Share the slang with your family and friends who want to learn more about THON.