Morgan Watson will combine her passions for dance and for her work as she competes in Reason to Dance.
By Maureen Gilmer, Riley Children’s Health senior writer, mgilmer1@iuhealth.org
As a little girl, Morgan Watson loved nothing more than floating across a stage performing a dance routine.
From the age of 5, she soaked up all the lessons she could in ballet, jazz, tap and contemporary dance – competing straight through college at Illinois State University.
Now a certified child life specialist at Riley Hospital for Children, she is donning her dance shoes once again to compete in Reason to Dance, an annual fundraiser for the Riley Children’s Foundation, modeled after “Dancing with the Stars.”
“I have done everything but ballroom, which is what I’m doing for this competition, so I’m excited to learn something new,” the 27-year-old said.
Fortunately, her role as a local “celebrity” dancer pairs her with a skilled, professional dancer who will work with her for several weeks to perfect the two dances they plan to perform.
The chance to come out of retirement as a dancer and to raise money for Child Life services at Riley means everything to Watson, who is also training for her first marathon this year.
“I probably have an abnormal love for my job,’ she said, laughing. “I love working at Riley. It’s one of the few hospitals where Child Life is integrated really well and respected. And I’ve found my perfect fit on 5 West and stem cell. I love my patients, I love the team, and I love the work I get to do every day.”
This year’s Reason to Dance, which features eight pairs of dancers, is set for March 13 at the Indiana Roof Ballroom. While there will be judges who give overall awards for dancing, as well as a kids’ choice award (Riley patients will be able to watch the freestyle dance on CCTV), the grand champion will be the couple who raises the most money for Riley.
Watson is taking her duties seriously, wanting to wow on the dance floor and take a bow as the highest fundraiser. Her goal is $20,000. Already, fellow team members have made contributions and purchased a table to watch the performances, and Watson is working with area businesses to gain more support.
“I think when a lot of people hear the name Riley, they’re like, ‘of course, how can we help?’ Every bit of support has been encouraging.”
Family members from Illinois, Kansas and St. Louis also will be front and center to watch and cheer, as will Watson’s boyfriend. Together, the couple have a cat (Jupiter) and a Blue Heeler (Maverick), who loves to herd Watson on her training runs.
Even though she is new to ballroom dancing and will perform a traditional ballroom routine and a freestyle routine with her partner, Watson said competing on the dance floor is not her biggest worry.
“I’m not just showing up for myself. I’m showing up for what I know is a great cause, and I’m showing up for my patients and my team. I’m going to give it my all as a dancer and a fundraiser.”
The Child Life program at Riley, which touches every patient area at the hospital and the outpatient center, is supported through donations. All proceeds from Reason to Dance this year will benefit Child Life through RCF.
Photos submitted and by Mike Dickbernd, IU Health visual journalist, mdickbernd@iuhealth.org
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