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Contestants in a dance marathon, Chicago, Illinois, USA, 1930
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Contestants in a dance marathon, Chicago, Illinois, USA, 1930
Contestants in a dance marathon, Chicago, Illinois, USA, 1930. The girl has fallen asleep. Dance marathons were popular competitions organised in the United States in the 1920s and 1930s. Contestants attempted to continue dancing for as long as posible in order to win prizes. A 1935 book about the contests, They Shoot Horses Don t They?, written by Horace McCoy, who worked as a bouncer at dance marathons, was made into a successful Academy Award-winning film in 1969
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Media ID 15140158
© Historica Graphica Collection / Heritage-Images
Asleep Audience Chicago Competition Competitor Contest Contestant Dance Floor Dance Hall Endurance Exhausted Exhaustion Illinois Partner Sleep Sleeping Supporting Tired Unconscious Weary Historica Graphica Collection Slumped Weariness
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Caption: Contestants in a Dance Marathon, Chicago, Illinois, USA, 1930. In this print from the 1930s, we witness a moment of exhaustion and determination during a dance marathon held in Chicago. The image captures the essence of this popular competition that took place throughout the United States in the 1920s and 1930s. Participants pushed their physical limits as they danced for hours on end to claim coveted prizes. Amidst the sea of tired faces and weary bodies, one young woman has succumbed to sleep. Overwhelmed by exhaustion, she slumps against her partner's supporting frame while still holding onto his hand. Her peaceful slumber stands out amidst the bustling dance hall filled with an attentive audience watching these endurance athletes. Dance marathons were not only physically demanding but also served as a testament to human resilience during challenging times. This historical photograph offers us a glimpse into an era when people sought solace through entertainment and friendly competition amidst economic hardships. The significance of dance marathons is further highlighted by Horace McCoy's book "They Shoot Horses Don't They?" published in 1935. As someone who worked as a bouncer at these events, McCoy provided valuable insights into this unique subculture. His work was later adapted into an Academy Award-winning film released in 1969. This remarkable image serves as both a visual record of an iconic American pastime and a reminder of our capacity for endurance even when faced with weariness and adversity.
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