Commissioned and Co-Produced by Harbourfront Centre, Toronto
Dance Marathon is the participatory dance show that is taking the world by storm! Dance the night away in this fun and fantastic show based on the genuine American dance marathons of the 1930s. It’s a dance contest in which you the audience can mix with stunning performers under the direction of floor judges and the ticking of the clock. With games, special guest stars, prizes and lots of breaks (thankfully) this will be a night to remember. Those with two left feet can simply sit back to enjoy the fancy footwork.
Catch this great, original show at its European premiere in Cork.
Presented by Cork Midsummer Festival in association with the Firkin Crane and supported by Harbourfront Centre, Toronto
Jon Kaplan Review NOW Magazine
Torontoist Interview with Johnnie Walker
Michael Crabb, National Post Interview
Dance Marathon FAQs
What format does the show take?
DANCE MARATHON is a cross between a dance competition and a theatre piece. You will enter the Irish Examiner Spiegeltent and register to become a contestant in the dance marathon. After you are assigned a number to wear, you will be partnered up and given instructions and the rules of the competition. There will be several elimination rounds, decreasing the number of people left on the floor until we have our winning couple. Once you are eliminated, you are welcome to join our spectator gallery. Once eliminated you must leave the dance floor for one dance number. You are welcome to continue dancing, for the remainder of the evening, however you can’t compete in the elimination rounds. There will be regular rest periods and refreshment breaks through out the event. Just like in Depression-era dance marathons, where out-of-work Vaudeville stars were exploited for their talents, there will be entertainment throughout the evening in the form of celebrity guests, theatrical moments, and dance lessons.
Do I have to be a good dancer?
Absolutely not. Whatever your level as a dancer Dance Marathon is great fun. The festival director, William Galinsky, took part in the show in Toronto and he has two left feet and no sense of rhythm. He said it was one of the most fun shows he’d been to for a long time.
Do I have to come to all 4 nights?
No, each night is a unique show lasting around 3.5 hours including loads of breaks.
Should I bring my own water?
No. There will be complimentary bottles of water provided and the bar will be open.
Do I have to be really fit to take part?
Not at all. Despite the name, Dance Marathon is more about fun than a real endurance contest.
Do I have to come with a partner?
No. If you come alone, we will find a partner for you to dance with.
I came with my husband/wife/fiancé/lover/friend. Can I dance with them?
Yes, you will have a choice to change partners through the night.
Will I be forced to dance with the same partner all night?
No. There will be opportunities to switch partners.
Will I always be dancing with a partner?
No. There will be opportunities for you to move independently.
Will I be forced to do any extreme physical activity?
No, relax and have fun.
What if I don’t know how to dance?
You’ll learn. We will be teaching you several dances over the course of the evening.
Do I have to dance?
No. You just need to keep moving. If you stop moving, you will be eliminated from the dance floor.
