The Upshot Poison attacks and cannibal scientists: the twisted world of ballet
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Dec 27, 2024 Join Erica North, an influencer marketing expert and former contortionist, as she uncovers the sinister side of ballet. Explore shocking stories of acid attacks and cutthroat rivalries, revealing the intense pressures faced by ballerinas. Discover ballet's tumultuous history, from its frivolous aristocratic roots to its propaganda role in socialist regimes. With dark humor, they contrast the elegance of dance with bizarre practices like consuming mummies. Prepare for a wild ride through a world where beauty meets danger!
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Bolshoi and Soviet Propaganda
- After the Russian Revolution, Lenin wanted to destroy the Bolshoi, viewing it as bourgeois.
- Instead, it became a tool for propaganda, with ballets about farming and hydroelectricity.
Tragic Love Triangle at the Bolshoi
- In 1928, two ballerinas, in love with the same stage painter, formed a suicide pact.
- They jumped from the stage during a performance; one died instantly, the other survived.
Sabotage among Ballerinas
- Ballerinas often sabotaged each other, putting glass in shoes or sewing costumes.
- One ballerina's tutu was sewn to her legs, restricting her movement on stage.