BALYMPICS
This info is from 2024! But don't worry - we will be doing something fun in 2025, too!
In 1904, St Louis hosted the Olympics. 120 years later, MO Bal will be hosting the Balympics.
Participate by completing events listed below. Earn points and receive a friggen adorable medal (sticker) designed by our very own, Natalia Eristavi. What can't she do?
3 Points = Bronze Medal
5 Points = Silver Medal
9 Points = Gold Medal
You can do this!
Attend NO Bal
Points: 1 point.
When: Friday evening.
Where: Bluewood Brewing, Cherokee St
That's it! Come hang out with us at Bluewood between 7 and 10 PM on Friday Night. Check in and get your point.
The Longest Slide
Points: 1 point if your slide is longer than Veronica's. 2 points if your slide is longer than Xander's.
When: Between Saturday morning and the first band break of the Farewell Dance on Sunday
Where: At the registration desk in Empire Hall
Behind the registration desk is your opportunity to show off your slide! Try to stop by outside of busy check in times, someone will be there during lunches as well.
The Toss Out Relay
Points: 1 for participating. 2 bonus points for winning!
When: First band break of the Farewell dance
Where: Empire Hall
Participate with a team of four or more as you toss out across Empire Hall. One person will follow as they get tossed out one lead at a time until they make it across the room. Leads - remember to give the follows spin breaks! Everyone on the team will earn points. Make sure to let the registration desk know you participated.
Bring Your Water Bottle
Points: 1 or 2.
When: 2 points if you have it when you check in for the first time, 1 point if you forgot and remember later. Must show your water bottle by the end of the first band break of the Farewell Dance on Sunday.
Where: Registration desk
Don't forget your water bottle! Stay hydrated and earn points.
Eat on Cherokee Street
Points: 1 point for eating on Cherokee Street. Bonus point if it's Mexican food.
When: Between Friday and the end of the lunch break on Sunday
Where: Upload your photo to THIS Google Photo folder*. Make sure the photo file name includes your first and last name and the event it is displaying.
Not really a bad option on Cherokee Street. If you're looking for suggestions, check out THIS page.
Xander Says
Points: 1 point for participating. Bonus point for making it to the end of the song.
When: 7:30 PM on Saturday night
Where: Empire Hall
Find a partner and join a rapid game of Xander Says. Stay in the game for one song and you'll earn an extra point. Let the registration desk know that you participated.
Practice Something You Learned
Points: 1 point.
When: During lunch breaks or before the Live Wires performance on Saturday night.
Where: Empire Hall
Start reviewing the material while it's still fresh! Let the registration desk know you've been working on it to earn the points!
Take Sustainable Transport
Points: 1 point per activity, up to 3 points.
When: Between Friday and the first band break at the Farewell Dance on Sunday.
Where: Add a photo of you doing the thing to THIS Google Photos folder*. Make sure the photo file name includes your first and last name and the event it is displaying.
Take a form of sustainable transportation to (or during) the event. This includes taking Amtrak, carpooling with 3 or more people, taking bus or metro while in STL, biking in STL, or walking from your accommodation to the venues.
Logo Pose
Points: 1 point. Bonus point if Veronica can recognize where in STL you are.
When: Between Friday and the first band break at the Farewell Dance on Sunday.
Where: Add a photo of you doing the thing to THIS Google Photos folder*. Make sure the photo file name includes your first and last name and the event it is displaying.
Recreate our logo pose anywhere in STL and share it with us!
Do a Torch Dance
Points: 2 points.
When: Between Friday and the first band break at the Farewell Dance on Sunday.
Where: Add a video of you doing the torch dance to THIS Google Photos folder*. Make sure the photo file name includes your first and last name and the event it is displaying.
Add to our collection of torch dances by creating your own. The torch must be kept in site of the registration desk! Follow the basic format - enter the frame from the left of the screen, do a little dance, exit the frame to the right, dancing to Minor Swing by Django Reinhardt. Check out our Instagram for more inspiration.
Support MO Bal
Points: 3-7 points.
When: Between Friday and the first band break at the Farewell Dance on Sunday.
Where: Venmo @vwhittem with "BALYMPICS - Hitchhiker" in the memo field
You can’t make up the story of the 1904 Olympic marathon (seriously, check this out), but this is your chance to recreate history. Just like Fred Lorz, after just a little work, you can “hitchhike” your way to gold by donating to Dance MO Bal! Donate $15 - 3 pts. Donate $50 - 7 points.
7 points will get you a silver medal. If you complete additional events and make it to gold as a hitchhiker you will receive one of each medal. This is the only way to get one of each medal!
Dance MO Bal was meant to be accessible to as much of the Midwest as possible, and these donations help us operate! Please only participate in this event if you have the means and desire.
*Photos and videos may be used in future social media posts, on our website, or for other marketing purposes.