Imagine 48-straight hours in a mosh pit with no way out. Even the most devout of all punk-rockers would cringe at the thought of their black-and-blue bodies limping away after it was over.

In an effort to save the dancers in the 1994 Interfraternity Council/Panhellenic Dance Marathon from that hellish possibility, Ian Sheridan, overall entertainment chairman, has opted to book bands that will help the dancers feel comfortable.

"(The marathon) is not a time to expose people to things they've never seen," Sheridan said. "They like things that are comfortable because they're uncomfortable."

And the featured eight bands offer some variety, Sheridan said.

"We try to mix it up, break things up a little," he said. "We don't want to lose anybody zoning out."

The bands set to comfort the dancers are: Blindman's Holiday (11 p.m. to midnight Friday); The Unknown (5 to 6 a.m. Saturday); Boxing Oscars (10 to 11 a.m. Saturday); Crossover (3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Saturday); Man Alive (2 to 3 a.m. Sunday); Code Blue (8 to 9 a.m. Sunday); The Dirges (2 to 3 p.m. Sunday); and Out of the Blue (5 to 6 p.m. Sunday).

Cindy Onsa, who danced last year and will brave the scene again this weekend, said she appreciates the bands at the marathon.

"It really helps a lot," said Onsa (junior-nutrition). "You just need constant stimulation to keep your mind off the pain."

As the dancers sacrifice themselves for 48 long hours, the bands also donate an hour of time without pay.

"I like to do it for the dancers," said Dana Hawk, Man Alive drummer. "They come out all year 'round to support the band, and this is our chance to give something back. We put in an hour of our time, but the experience lasts all year."

The Dirges -- the best-local-band winner in The Daily Collegian's survey earlier this year --will also play. Eric Zimmerman, who alternates between guitar, bass and vocals, said his band became interested in playing when members heard about the marathon from drummer, Brian "Scooter" Hassinger, who attended last year.

"It's such a great activity, we wanted to be part of it," Zimmerman said. "It's going to be incredible."

Getting groups to play at the marathon isn't much of a problem because many area bands are interested, Sheridan said, adding that from the list of bands that wish to play, he and the entertainment committee must decide which bands will get the nod.

"A lot of local bands would love to play for exposure," he said. "But the object isn't to expose people to new music, but to give them something they're comfortable with."