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Hokitika Guardian, 22 August 1928, Page 1

DANCING FOB 481 HOURS. NEW YORK, July 6. With 481 hours of actual dancing to the credit of nine couples, New York’s dancing inaratlion came to an end last night by command of the law. It had been in progress for three weeks under rules which gave the dancers 15 minutes’ rest at the end of each hour on their toes. Sleep could only he obtained by the dancers resting on the shoulders of their partners, who maintained the necessary movement to keep the couple in the contest. Although the event has aroused much amusement, it lias attracted the attention of doctors, wfyo have been amazed that the human body could endure such fatigue without breaking down. Some of tlie dancers have actually put on weight. Tlie illness of one young man who was sent to the hospital was the cause of the police interference, hut ho is the only dancer out of more than 100 who has been reported ill. AVliile the dance began with every prospect of being a complete failure, it quickly drew public attention. At the close last night more than 10,000 people were present. They lifted the dancers from the floor and carried Thom amid wild cheering around the hall. AVhen the dancers sought their hunks sonle fell asleep immediately, but others did not. O-ne man talked of rising this morning and doing a 10 miles rut/ to see if his wind was still sound. Throughout the .contest, enthusastic admirers offered prizes for sprints. Taper money worth from £2 to £5 was constantly tossed to the couples who were the popular fancy for the moment. Nine couples who stayed the course are collecting over £2OOO obtained as sprint prize money, and they will share another £I7OO awarded by the promoter, who confided sadly to the reporters that he would make only £SOOO out of three weeks’ labours. .