Viennese Opera Ball
and Viennese Waltz Lessons
|
|
Viennese Opera Ball |
In 1997 and 1998 the Viennese Opera Ball in Washington was organized by the Austrian-American Alliance for the Children in order to raise funds for SOS Children's Villages USA (under the umbrella of SOS Children's Villages International), the highly respected Austrian-based international charitable organization. The proceeds from the 1998 Viennese Opera Ball in Washington were to be used to help establish an SOS Children's Village in the greater Washington area. Tickets for the 1998 Ball were $300 per person, of which $175 was tax-deductible. The extensive evening program included an elegant seated dinner, formal ball with Opening Cotillion, Procession of the Pages, March of the Dignitaries, ballet, opera singers, lots of Viennese waltzing, dessert buffets, open bar. Attire for the Viennese Opera Ball is White Tie - Decorations.
The Opening Ceremonies at the Viennese Opera Ball include a performance by an Opening Cotillion of young ladies in long white gowns and young gentlemen in white tie. Those age 15 to 25 who are interested in participating in such a Cotillion may want to visit the Cotillion web site. This web site also includes information about available videotapes.
To help prepare interested Washingtonians for the Viennese Opera Ball in 1997 and 1998, Viennese waltz lessons were held at the Embassy of Austria. The Viennese waltz lessons were taught by dance instructors Herbert and Carol Traxler. The lessons included Viennese waltz (Linkswalzer, Rechtswalzer, hesitation step), posture, bow, curtsy, dance etiquette, and the Handkuss (hand kiss), as well as an introduction to the Viennese Balls and to the Viennese waltz music of the Strauss dynasty, and other dances popular at the time. Additional information related to the Viennese waltz lessons is provided at the Viennese Waltz Frequently Asked Questions web site.