Dancing Plague Research Paper

Have you ever heard of an unsolved mystery called the “Dancing Plague”? The “Dancing Plague” began on July of 1518, Strasbourg France. The phenomenon of mass, frenzied dancing affected large populations in various parts of France. The “Dancing Plague” will most likely remain forever unsolved due to the fact that there are so many possible causes, the technology was not advanced enough at the time, and there is not very much evidence because it was so long ago.

It all started with a woman named Frau Troffea. She walked out in the middle of the street and started doing one of the most enjoyable things you can do, dancing. Although she did not seem to be enjoying it, she looked panicked, her face was contorted, and her eyes drawn to the sky as if she was in a trance. By the end of the week there was a group of 30 and then by the time a month had passed there were around 400. The authorities for some reason with no logic behind it thought that the cure was more dancing. They even went as far as building a stage and hiring professional dancers. …show more content…
One theory is that the people were accidentally poisoned by Ergot, a type of fungus that grows on rot and causes seizures, spasms, mania, and psychosis when ingested. It was most likely caused by many different factors. It is also believed that it is caused by possession, illness, exhaustion, and mass hysteria(Which is a phenomenon that transmits collective illusions of threats, whether real or imaginary, through a population in society as a result of rumors and fear). The poor residents of Strasburg were often sick and starving, which can lead to people doing crazy things due to the fact they were desperate and distressed. Especially when they believe in demonic possession because these were superstitious times and they worship a man named Sam Fetus who is said to have the power to make people dance with