The show “Dance Marathon” by the Eugénie Andrin company revisits the history of the 1930s dance marathons. This Friday, November 15, at the Espace Magnan in Nice, this choreographic piece immerses the audience in a dance that is both creative and exhausting, revealing the inner struggles of the dancers.
The piece Dance Marathon is inspired by the 1930s dance marathons in the United States. In a context of extreme poverty, these competitions pushed participants to dance for days on end for a symbolic reward. Eugénie Andrin, the choreographer and director, revisits this phenomenon to explore the limits of human endurance.
Accompanied by her dancers—Marie-Pierre Genovese, Nikolaos Kafetzakis, Philippe Mesia, and Julia Zolynski—she stages a ballet that is both poetic and intense. Jonathan Gensburger takes on the role of the master of ceremonies, guiding the dancers and the audience through this ordeal. Students in Performing Arts from the University Côte d’Azur also participate, adding a collective dimension to this work.
The music, created and arranged by Jean-Marie Leau, underscores the intensity of the movements and emotions. The set design and lighting, by Emmanuel Guedj, immerse the spectators in the oppressive atmosphere of these marathons. The costumes, crafted by the Opera of Nice, evoke the era and enhance the immersive aspect.
The Inner Struggle of Bodies and Minds
In Dance Marathon, each dancer expresses a personal battle. Their movements fluctuate between lightness and exhaustion, illustrating the struggle between the body’s fatigue and the strength of the mind. The choreographer offers a reflection on the limits of human perseverance and each individual’s capacity to draw deeply to keep going.
By interacting with the dancers, the spectators are plunged into this world of challenge and resilience. Dance Marathon thus becomes more than just a performance. It is an invitation to feel the ordeal and to understand the trials of those who once danced to survive.
Practical Information
Dance Marathon, co-produced with the Anthéa Theatre in Antibes, will be presented on Friday, November 15 at 7:30 PM at the Espace Magnan, in Nice. Ticket prices range from 12 to 16 euros, with tickets available at the reception or online. An opportunity to discover an extraordinary dance, blending history and emotion.
