The rules of dance marathons were simple: couples or individuals would dance for as long as they could, with breaks only allowed for essential restroom visits or medical attention. The last couple standing would win a cash prize, which could be as high as $10,000.
Dance marathons were often held in large ballrooms or auditoriums, and would last for days or even weeks. The dancers would be constantly monitored by judges to make sure they were following the rules. If a couple was caught taking a break that was longer than the allotted time, they would be disqualified.
The conditions in dance marathons were often grueling. The dancers would often dance in tight clothing, in extremely hot and crowded conditions. They were also often under pressure from the judges and the audience to keep going.
As a result of the strenuous conditions, many dancers ended up injured or exhausted. Some even died. In 1928, a 22-year-old woman named Lenora "Buddy" Rogers died after dancing for seven days in a dance marathon in Salt Lake City, Utah. Her death led to a public outcry and dance marathons were banned in many cities.