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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Ballet and a King's Heart
- Louis XIV used ballet as a propaganda tool and to distract rivals.
- After his death, his mummified heart was eaten by scientist William Buckland.
Buckland's Bizarre Diet
- William Buckland, known for eccentric eating habits, ate Louis XIV's mummified heart.
- He aimed to eat every animal and hosted parties with mice on toast and panther.
Bolshoi's Humble Beginnings
- The Bolshoi Ballet's origins trace back to a Moscow orphanage in 1773.
- It was co-founded by a Russian prince and Michael Maddox, an English tightrope walker and magician.