Contemporary dancer and choreographer Benjamin Daniel Gabriel, popularly known as Bendancer, has completed his 168-hour dance marathon at Freedom Park, Lagos. The nine-day endurance challenge began on September 21, with Gabriel aiming to break the Guinness World Record for the longest dance marathon by an individual. If verified, his 168-hour target will surpass the current record of 127 hours set by Indian dancer Srushti Sudhir Jagtap in 2023.
The final hours at Freedom Park turned carnival-like, as supporters, fellow dancers, and well-wishers flooded the venue to witness the end of the marathon. Videos from the closing moments have already gone viral on social media. Bendancer's achievement was met with excitement and admiration from the crowd, who cheered him on as he completed the challenging dance marathon.
Bendancer is a professional dancer with 18 years of experience across choreography, creative direction, modeling, fitness instruction, and dance consultancy. He founded Bendancer Academy International, which trains and mentors young dancers, and previously served as North-East Zonal Dance Coordinator for the Dance Guild of Nigeria. His extensive experience and credentials make him a respected figure in the dance industry.
Throughout the marathon, Bendancer showcased Nigeria's cultural diversity, blending Afrobeats, fuji, jazz, and zouk, and performing in traditional outfits, including agbada and dashiki. Under Guinness World Records rules, he was allowed five minutes of rest per hour danced, which could be accumulated. He reportedly used the breaks in blocks, with a medical team on the ground and light feeding throughout.
Bendancer has performed with notable artists and groups, including Made Kuti and The Movement, where he is described as the first male dancer to perform in the Kuti family's tradition at the New Afrika Shrine. His performance history also includes Felabration, the 2021 Big Brother Naija finale, and several international festivals. His versatility and adaptability as a dancer have earned him recognition and accolades.
While the 168-hour milestone has been achieved, official recognition is still pending. Guinness World Records will review all submitted evidence before confirming a new record. Bendancer's achievement is a testament to his dedication, perseverance, and passion for dance. If verified, his record will inspire others to push their limits and pursue their goals.
The successful completion of the 168-hour dance marathon marks a significant milestone in Bendancer's career. His achievement will be celebrated by the dance community and fans worldwide. As Guinness World Records reviews his application, Bendancer's accomplishment serves as a reminder of the power of hard work and determination in achieving greatness.
Key points
- Bendancer completed a 168-hour non-stop dance marathon at Freedom Park, Lagos, to break the Guinness World Record for the longest dance marathon by an individual.
