Dance marathons are events in which people dance or walk to music for an extended period of time. Dance marathons, endurance movement contests, and derbies can be traced back to London in 1364. They started as dance contests in the 1920s and developed into entertainment events during the Great Depression in the 1930s. Before the development of "reality shows", dance marathons blurred the line between theatre and reality. Also known as endurance contests, dance marathons attracted people to compete as a way to achieve fame or win monetary prizes. The 1969 film They Shoot Horses, Don't They?, based on the 1935 novel of the same title written by Horace McCoy, a bouncer at several such marathons, popularized the idea and prompted students at Northwestern University, Pennsylvania State University, Indiana University, Ohio State University and the University of Florida to create charity dance marathons. Marathons could last anywhere from a few hours to a couple days.
Happiness
We're so in love with fighting that we're blocking out the lighting of the sun.
There's no one left to lead us. We're a nation of retreaters, every one.
I won't be afraid.
Show me the light that You promised.
Happiness comes through despair.
Make it so bright, You kill the darkness everywhere.
You've given me a reason, and You're surely gonna see me if I run.
And when I wanna quit it, well, You won't let me forget it 'till it's done.
Now that I've found my tune, help me to sing it through,
And not be drawn away.
And if I should be let down by one of those standing 'round,
I will not turn away.