Boogie Fever: The Deadly Dance Craze of 1518

In this episode of Beyond the Campfire, Steven and Will explore one of history’s most bizarre and unsettling phenomena: the Dancing Plague of 1518. When dozens of people in Strasbourg, France, were struck by an uncontrollable urge to dance—sometimes to their deaths—it baffled authorities and onlookers alike. Was it mass hysteria, a religious frenzy, or something even more mysterious?The duo unpacks the historical accounts of this strange epidemic, examining the social, cultural, and psychological factors that might have sparked the deadly dancing. They also delve into modern theories, from ergot poisoning to stress-induced psychosis, and question if such an outbreak could happen again today.Join Steven and Will as they step back into a moment in history where the rhythm was inescapable, the cause was unknown, and the consequences were tragically real.Follow Us:Instagram: @BeyondCampfireTwitter: @BeyondCampfire