EPISODE · May 11, 2026 · 36 MIN
The Dancing Plague of 1518: A Deadly Epidemic That Made People Dance to Death
from Hidden History with Dr. Harini Bhat · host Rewind Studios
What would make hundreds of people dance uncontrollably for weeks, until they collapsed?In 1518, the city of Strasbourg was overtaken by one of the strangest epidemics in recorded history. It wasn’t the plague. It wasn’t war. It was dancing.Doctors prescribed more dancing. Priests blamed a curse. Musicians were hired to keep the frenzy going. And bodies began to fall.Could something like this happen again?Head over to our Hidden History YouTube channel to WATCH this episode: https://www.youtube.com/@HiddenHistoryPodIf you’re new here, don’t forget to follow Hidden History to never miss an episode! Hidden History is a Rewind Original Podcast, powered by PAVE StudiosFollow us on SocialInstagram: @RewindStudiosTikTok: @RewindStudiosYouTube: @HiddenHistoryPod
What this episode covers
What would make hundreds of people dance uncontrollably for weeks, until they collapsed? In 1518, the city of Strasbourg was overtaken by one of the strangest epidemics in recorded history. It wasn’t the plague. It wasn’t war. It was dancing. Doctors prescribed more dancing. Priests blamed a curse. Musicians were hired to keep the frenzy going. And bodies began to fall.Could something like this happen again? Head over to our Hidden History YouTube channel to WATCH this episode: https://www.youtube.com/@HiddenHistoryPod If you’re new here, don’t forget to follow Hidden History to never miss an episode! Hidden History is a Rewind Original Podcast, powered by PAVE Studios Follow us on Social Instagram: @RewindStudios TikTok: @RewindStudios YouTube: @HiddenHistoryPod
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The Dancing Plague of 1518: A Deadly Epidemic That Made People Dance to Death
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