It may be too late to show off those dance skills or to sponsor a couple, but this weekend is the time to support hundreds of dancers in the 1990 Interfraternity Council/Panhellenic Dance Marathon.

Beginning tonight, about 500 people will begin to shuffle, twist, sway and strut in White Building, in an attempt to match the $457,000 raised during last year's marathon.

By bringing donations to the door, students can give to the Four Diamonds Fund, which helps families of children with cancer and supports research at the University's Hershey Medical Center. The marathon accounts for 63 percent of The Four Diamonds Fund.

But monetary donations are not the only way students can show their support. High-energy foods, like fruit and candy, help to keep the dancers moving and shaking.

Little gifts, banners and signs of encouragement add to the spirit of the marathon. Just being there keeps the weary dancers awake during the wee hours of the morning, when few people are around and fatigue seems greatest.

The pain, the exhaustion, the wear and tear on a pair of shoes are worth the satisfaction that arises from helping children in need. Sacrificing a Saturday morning sleep-in will probably never feel so good.

All types of dedicated students -- Greeks, members of student groups, athletes and independents -- participate in this Penn State tradition, which is the largest student-run philanthropy in the country. Making new friends undoubtedly alleviates some of the exhaustion that come from stepping and sliding for two days.

Other people besides the dancers have been instrumental in making the marathon possible. Organizers, morale and physical plant committee members and other groups worked to put the marathon together while also balancing full credit loads.

The result is an excellent example of what college students can do to help the community, with cooperation, hard work and dedication.

But this weekend will decide whether the marathon is a real success. The dancers need a lot of encouragement to make it through the next 48 hours.

Bring some food, enjoy the music and above all, keep those dancers moving.