The Marathon’s “VIP ALL ACCESS” & “ALL ACCESS” passes are 4-day passes that include all activities. At least a day pass is required to enter any. Be sure to check registration deadlines.
Hotel & Airport
The Sheraton Imperial Hotel & Convention Center is located in the Research Triangle Park (RTP), Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina (919-941-5050). The staff will be going out of their way to make your weekend fun and enjoyable, offering daily meal specials and Marathon room rates of $147.00 (1-4 persons). Reserve your room early (book your room by phoning the number above or from The Line Dance Marathon websiteONLY). Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) is a 15-minute drive via complimentary hotel shuttle.
Driving Directions
From 40E and 40W, take exit 282/Page Rd. Turn onto Emperor Dr. Sheraton Imperial is on the left hand side. Link to Google Maps
Ballrooms
The Marathon will lay over 9,000 sq ft of dance floor in 5 workshops/ballrooms that total over 25,000 sq ft of conference space. One room will be dedicated to Beginner/Improver lessons on Friday and Saturday. Open dancing will be offered several hours each day.
Dance Book & T-Shirt
The Marathon T-shirt and Marathon Stepsheet Thumbdrive will be PRE-SOLD ONLY, so indicate on the registration form if you want to order either or both. You will not be able to purchase these during or after the event. The Stepsheet Thumbdrive will include all stepsheets of dances taught during the event.
Vendors
There will be a variety of vendors on site for your shopping pleasure.
Thursday
Registration opens at 10am and your event package will be waiting. At 12pm, the event starts with 4 workshops per hour from our international staff. Our instructors will be teaching the latest and greatest dances from around the world. Open dancing in the Royal begins at 3pm. A Preview of Friday’s Dances will be at 6pm in the Main Ballroom. The Marathon officially kicks off the dance weekend at 8:00pm with its first of four evening dance parties.
Friday and Saturday
On both days, registration opens at 9am and workshops begin at 10am. There will be 4 workshops per hour plus open dancing throughout the day. On Friday, USLDCC Choreography Championship Prelims will be held in the Main Ballroom from 9:30am to 11:30am. USLDCC Championship Finals, Preview of Saturday and Sunday Dances will be at 5pm. USLDCC Championship Awards and The Show will be presented Saturday at 8pm. The evening dance parties will start at 8pm on Friday and immediately following the show on Saturday. Dance all levels in the Main Ballroom Or choose one of the two Empire Ballrooms, where dancing will be dedicated to the beginner/improver dancer in one, and an all request dance party will be offered in the other.
Costume Party
‘Aloha’ is the theme of Saturday evening’s Costume Party. Come watch the show in costume and dance all night dressed in your best Hawaian shirt or dress, as a Tiki, or Hawaian flora or fauna.
Sunday
There will be 4 workshops per hour from 10am-2pm. Then dance the floor away in the Main Ballroom. Finally, come to the Farewell Pizza Party and Dance at 8pm in the Crystal Coast. Pizza served at 8pm – get it while it lasts.
You may want to arrive a few days before The Line Dance Marathon or stay a couple of days after. Raleigh-Durham has many exciting activities and interesting sites to enjoy, as well as being one of the top golfing destinations in the U.S.A. Check out the links below and be sure to take time to Explore Raleigh – Durham.
