Inspired by a phenomenon that originated in the United States in the late 1920s, in the midst of the Great Depression, the Dance Marathon concept was quickly exported to Europe.
In those days, participants danced for days, even weeks, to the point of exhaustion, in the hope of winning a prize for the last ones standing.
In 1933, the Opéra d'Avignon organized its own week-long marathon, set to the music of the Roaring Twenties.
Nearly a century later, Opéra Grand Avignon pays tribute to this event in a festive, fun-filled version, on the occasion of the Bicentenary. The Marathon de la danse will be held on Saturday April 11, 2026 (with a possible postponement to April 18).
Whether you're a dance enthusiast, an enthusiastic beginner, a student at a dance school or simply curious, come and test your artistic endurance for 200 minutes. Participants, dressed up in Roaring Twenties costumes, will dance non-stop, with the exception of two 10-minute breaks. Choreographic challenges will punctuate the free dance, until only one couple remains. Spectators are of course invited to cheer on their favorite duos throughout this frenzied performance!
In 1933, the Opéra d'Avignon organized its own week-long marathon, set to the music of the Roaring Twenties.
Nearly a century later, Opéra Grand Avignon pays tribute to this event in a festive, fun-filled version, on the occasion of the Bicentenary. The Marathon de la danse will be held on Saturday April 11, 2026 (with a possible postponement to April 18).
Whether you're a dance enthusiast, an enthusiastic beginner, a student at a dance school or simply curious, come and test your artistic endurance for 200 minutes. Participants, dressed up in Roaring Twenties costumes, will dance non-stop, with the exception of two 10-minute breaks. Choreographic challenges will punctuate the free dance, until only one couple remains. Spectators are of course invited to cheer on their favorite duos throughout this frenzied performance!
