What was the most common on-stage cause of death among 19th century ballet dancers, and who were the two most famous fatalities?

MaggieG 5

In the early 19th century the stages were lit by naked flames from gaslight. Considering the sort of flimsy dresses the dancers wore it is hardly surprising that there were many deaths resulting from the dresses catching fire. Two famous dancers who died were Emma Livry and Clara Webster. The danger the dancers found they were facing was so great that it became the habit to have blankets soaked in water at the side of the stage to throw over them if it happened. Hence the term 'wet blanket'. http://michaelminn.net/andros/biographies/livry_emma.htm Mar 13 05, 2:17 AM

gmackematix

Yay, Maggie! By the time Emma took to the stage there was a system for fireproofing tutus but it didn't make the dress look flattering so many dancers such as Emma took the risk of burning instead. I've read one contemporary newspaper report that seemed to take a rather morbid delight in describing the going up in flames of one such ballerina. Mar 13 05, 6:26 PM

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