Abuse at top Vienna ballet school: children hit, humiliated and told to smoke to stay slim, probe reveals
- Young dancers at renowned State Opera allegedly scratched till they bled, pulled by hair and addressed by first name and clothing size
- Created in 1771, the academy is one of Europe’s most prestigious and attracts applicants from across the world
Vienna’s prestigious ballet academy is endangering the well-being of its young students by encouraging them to smoke to stay slim, as well as by physically assaulting them, an Austrian commission probing abuse claims said Tuesday.
The scandal broke in April when a media report accused the academy at the renowned Vienna State Opera of inflicting serious physical and mental abuse on its students – as well as cases of sexual assault.
The weekly Falter newspaper published a detailed investigation exposing “19th century” methods, reporting that young dancers were hit, scratched until they bled, pulled by their hair and humiliated over their physiques, with some developing anorexia.
Created in 1771, the academy is one of Europe’s most prestigious and attracts applicants from across the world.
Reacting to Tuesday’s findings, the State Opera said it had already cut the number of student performances, adding that it would study the report in detail before giving a more thorough reply.
A government-backed special commission confirmed that students had received insufficient medical care, and also found a general “disregard” for child welfare.