Sara Bordeaux has led many choreographed dance moves in her career as captain of the University of North Carolina Dance Team.

This time, she was leading not only the dance team, but a team of our own UNC physicians, nurses, researchers, and staff – about 35 people who came together to participate in the "Diabetes Dance Dare."

The dance dare is a social media challenge hosted by the American Diabetes Association to raise awareness about the impact of diabetes in the United States. Participants dance for 23 seconds on video, as every 23 seconds someone in the US is diagnosed with the disease. Since October, the challenge has had celebrities like Kelly Clarkson and Shaquille O'Neal taking part.

When UNC's John Buse, MD, PhD, Director of the Diabetes Center, and Chief of the Division of Endocrinology, heard about this challenge, he wanted to get involved with his team of researchers and physicians.

So how would a university group of professionals trained in diagnosing, treating, and researching diabetes, put together a dance video?

The UNC Dance Team agreed to help. The team, which is a student organization of about twenty dancers, is well known for dancing for crowds at the football and basketball games. Sara Bordeaux wrote some choreography moves, and the team all came out to guide the diabetes group.

They enjoyed a smooth rehearsal and a great turnout, thanks to the efforts of clinical research assistant Lauren Kiker, who organized the endeavor. After enough practice, everyone knew the routine well enough to dance together and have it recorded for all to see.

"We're happy to raise awareness about diabetes by joining in this Diabetes Dance Dare," said Dr. Buse in the video introduction.

Participating in the dare means getting to challenge three others to dance for the cause. Dr. Buse chose three nearby university diabetes centers to participate.

"We'd like to dare our colleagues in endocrinology in North Carolina, particularly at East Carolina, Duke, and Wake Forest to join us in this challenge," said Buse.

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Many thanks to the UNC Dance Team dancers and to Chris Polydoroff, who filmed the video.

About the American Diabetes Association
The American Diabetes Association is leading the fight to Stop Diabetes® and its deadly consequences and fighting for those affected by diabetes. The Association funds research to prevent, cure and manage diabetes; delivers services to hundreds of communities; provides objective and credible information; and gives voice to those denied their rights because of diabetes. Founded in 1940, the Association's mission is to prevent and cure diabetes, and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes. You can donate here.