UTM is taking it one step further in giving a face to Relay for Life.
The Purple Glove Dance video is something that many campuses, churches and organizations participate in every year; however, this is the first year that UTM will produce its own video. Martina Conley, staff assistant in Student Affairs, will be in charge of producing the actual video.
“The overall purpose is to bring more awareness for Relay for Life and to let people know what we’re doing and when we’re doing it. One of the main things is spreading the word,” Conley said.
Students, faculty and all organizations on campus are invited to participate in the video. The purpose of the Purple Glove Dance is to spread awareness for the Relay For Life event that UTM will be hosting sometime in April.
“It is a video that will consist of different groups or organizations, even departments, coming together and coordinating some type of dance that will show their hands,” Conley said.
There will be no specific dance required, just any dance that focuses on hands. There is also no required number of participants in each group.
“It could be one person, one person could say ‘I’ll do the purple glove dance for you;’ it could be five, 15, or 50 people. There is no minimum or maximum,” Conley said.
The Purple Glove Dance will allow the participants to give a face to Relay for Life. Through this video, anyone who will be relaying for someone will be allowed to hold up a sign saying, “I relay for (insert person’s name).”
“I’ve found that when it comes to Relay for Life, you have to make it personal,” Conley said.
Relay for Life is more than just an event to raise money and awareness for cancer. The Purple Glove Dance video will be the kick-off event to the Relay for Life weekend in April.
“When it comes to cancer, it’s one of those things that people try to look past unless it is directly affecting you or someone in your family. I think by us doing this, it is going to open people’s eyes,” Conley said.
Anyone who participates in the video will actually wear purple gloves provided by Conley. The dance should be something “short and quick” as Conley described it.
“It’s just a way for everyone to get active and to be involved,” Conley said.
The video will be featured on the UTM YouTube channel. It will be shown for the first time on Nov. 17, at the UTMfootball game against Tennessee State University.
To participate in the Purple Glove Dance video or for more information, contact Conley at mconley4@utm.edu.
