Ten Days on the Island

“Dance Marathon is perhaps the richest, fullest theatre experience I've ever had. This extraordinary event, which mashes up the dance marathon concept from the '20s and '30s with contemporary dance/physical theatre and a sort of live version of reality TV, is joyous, exhilarating, remarkably moving, and wondrously fun. Do it.”   Nyreview.com

"Dance Marathon worked like a truly wonderful party, in which the organised entertainment blended in perfectly with the fun we were able to have all by ourselves." realtime

Trip the light fantastic in Launceston this week as Dance Marathon hits town. Like taking part in your own personal reality TV show, Dance Marathon is a night out like no other...dance lessons, games, elimination rounds, celebrity guests, skills showcases, prizes. And don't worry, you won't be judged on your twinkle toes, but there will be one winner, crowned champion of Dance Marathon.

Award-winning bluemouth inc. specialise in site-specific performance works which explore the integration of movement, text, music, video and audience interaction. Dance the night away in this fun show inspired by the genuine endurance dance contests of 1920s and 30s America.

We know it takes two to tango, so we're offering a special deal: a pair of Dance Marathon tickets for any of the performances for the price of a single full price ticket. So that's four left feet for $45!! Quote the password DANCE241 when prompted on the booking screen.

There's only three chances to bring our your inner Fred & Ginger and enjoy some Saturday night fever. You'll have the time of your life!



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Got some questions about how Dance Marathon works? Here's some answers....

What format does the show take?

DANCE MARATHON is a cross between a dance competition and a theatre piece. You will enter St Ailbe’s Hall 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.

Do I have to come to all of the performances?
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 and dancing 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.

 

MORE INFO:
Essay: History of dance marathons in the 1920s and '30s
Related website: They shoot horses, don't they?

 

 

 

 

 

Conceived and devised by bluemouth inc. in collaboration with Elijah Brown, Sandrine Lafond & Daniel Pettrow
Choreography: bluemouth inc.
Sound Design/Music Composition: Ciara Adams & Richard Windeyer
Video Design: Cameron Davis with additional content by Douglas O'Connell
Dramaturgy: Bruce Barton
Lighting Design: David Duclos
Performers: Ciara Adams, Cass Bugge, Steven Charles, Frank Cox-O'Connell, Stephen O'Connell, Lucy Simic & Richard Windeyer

Image: Nancy Paiva