Dance marathons were popular events in the United States during the 1920s and 1930s. Participants would dance for extended periods, often lasting days or even weeks, to win cash prizes. These marathons attracted large audiences and became a form of entertainment during the Great Depression, as people sought distraction from economic hardships. The events typically featured couples or teams who would compete against each other while enduring physical and mental exhaustion. Dance marathons often included various styles of dance, and contestants had to keep moving to avoid elimination. The phenomenon eventually declined in popularity, but it remains a notable part of American cultural history.