Shortly after the new board for the procession was established, Mr. Joan Hugas, a native of Verges, made a surprising proposal on behalf of the “Educación y Descanso” provincial delegation: to bring the **Verges Dance of Death to Madrid** for a special performance.
In return, the organizers offered new costumes and skulls, covered all travel and accommodation expenses, and provided a wage for the adult dancers.
The terms of the agreement were met, and the dancers set off for Madrid with their new costumes and skulls to perform at the May 1st festival.
The year was **1955**, and the director, Carles Perpinyà Sais, devised a way to convey the atmosphere and meaning of the dance outside of Verges. He incorporated four extra dancers to accompany the drum and carry torches, recreating the unique climate of the original performance.
The Verges Dance of Death Performance in Madrid
The Dance of Death performed in various locations, both indoors and on the streets, achieving **considerable success**. They also visited the old television studios on Paseo de la Havana, where their performance was broadcast nationwide.
The excitement was so great that there were requests for extra performances. However, the young dancers were very tired, and the director refused.
They had already danced along **Paseo de la Castellana**, Calle de Alcalá, and other central Madrid streets. They also performed for various companies, including one for Renfe workers at Atocha station.
Four years later, “Educación y Descanso” invited them back for another union demonstration. This time, the decision was not unanimous. The final choice was put to a full vote, which approved a second trip under the same terms as the first, but without new costumes.
In **1959**, the union demonstration was held at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium in Madrid. Various stages were set up for performances by delegations from across Spain’s “Educación y Descanso” organization.
When the Dance of Death made its entrance, the **entire audience rose to their feet to applaud**, still remembering the performance from four years prior.
