Tanzwut 1518 – hundreds of people begin dancing uncontrollably in the streets of Strasbourg.

Our interpretation of the moment Frau Troffea begins dancing on the streets of Strasbourg in 1518 – and is unable to stop.
Elizabeth Sommers & Laetitia Kohler

Strasbourg’s “Council of 21” declared that those infected by the dancing plague should stay home (1518 social distancing). Even this did not help.

Early 16th-century repertoire from the Upper Rhine.
Holly Scarborough, Marc Lewon, Grace Newcombe, Elizabeth Sommers