Dance marathons were a common phenomenon in large US cities from the end of the 19th century until World War II (and for a brief time thereafter). Singles and pairs would sign up and try to dance for as long as possible, hopped up on whatever stimulants they could get.

Decaying and faded dance halls are, like the moon and blue eyes, a recurring theme in Merritt’s work: e.g., 69 Love Songs standout “Nothing Matters When We’re Dancing”.