Why Strasbourg Danced Itself Sick: The Bizarre Cure for the Dancing Plague of 1518

Uncover how mass hysteria led city leaders to treat an epidemic with music, stages—and even more dancing.

Discover the fascinating story of Strasbourg's 1518 Dancing Plague, a bizarre phenomenon where hundreds danced uncontrollably until exhaustion or death. This audio uncovers the strange beliefs and responses of the time, exploring how a city tried to cure an inexplicable epidemic of dancing mania. Tune in to learn about the mysterious social and psychological factors behind this peculiar event and why it still captivates historians today.