1998 Viennese Opera Ball and Viennese Waltz Lessons

The second annual Viennese Opera Ball in Washington was held on Friday, September 25, 1998, at the Washington Hilton and Towers Hotel, 1919 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, DC. The Viennese Opera Ball 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 this year's Viennese Opera Ball in Washington will be used to help establish an SOS Children's Village in the greater Washington area. Tickets for the Ball were $300 per person, of which $175 is 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. Because the Ball sold out last year, guests were encouraged to order tickets early. Attire was White Tie - Decorations.

The Executive Director of the Viennese Opera Ball was Mrs. Inga Kolodney, who may be reached at the Austrian-American Alliance for the Children, 3618 Chesapeake Street NW, Washington, DC 20008, tel. 202-237-5202, fax 202-237-5207.

The second annual Viennese Opera Ball in Washington, DC was held under the Honorary Chairmanship of the President of Austria, Thomas Klestil. It was orchestrated in the manner of the world-famous Opera Ball, which has been held in the State Opera House in Vienna, Austria, for more than a hundred years. The Chairman of the Ball was Mr. Alex J. Mandl, CEO of Teligent, Vienna, VA.

Program

7:00 pm	Cocktail Reception
7:45 pm	Opening Ceremonies March of the Pages Procession of the Dignitaries Opening Cotillion Ballet Performances Opera Singers Dancing for the Audience
8:30 pm	Dinner Dessert Buffets and Coffee Stations, Open Bars Dancing for the Audience
2:00 am	Conclusion

The Opening Ceremonies at the Viennese Opera Ball again included a performance by an Opening Cotillion of young ladies in long white gowns and young gentlemen in white tie. Those who are interested in participating in the Cotillion for the next Viennese Opera Ball may contact Mrs. Inga Kolodney at the above address. Information for the young ladies and gentlemen of the Opening Cotillion for the Viennese Opera Ball in Washington is available at the web site for Cotillion members.

Viennese waltz lessons were held in May and June, 1998, at the Embassy of Austria, 3524 International Court, NW, Washington, DC 20008 (8 minutes from Van Ness metro). The Viennese waltz lessons were again 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, as well as 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.

1998 Viennese Opera Ball in the Media

Stepping Out for The Vast Waltz by Eric Brace, On the Town, Weekend Section, The Washington Post, Friday, June 5, 1998, page 11.

Persönlich... der zweite Wiener Opernball in Washington...Tanzstunden. Die Presse, June 4,1998, Wienjournal.

Alles Walzer: Österreich und die USA zwischen Walzer- Klischee und realer Politik. Einige Beobachtungen anläßlich eines kurzen Aufenthalts in der US-Hauptstadt, Kleine Online, Graz, June 14, 1998. (Photo.)

"Wiener Opernball am Potomac 'I just love it but it is difficult': Washington ist heuer zum zweiten Mal Schauplatz eines Wiener Opernballs" by Monika Riedler, Die Presse, Wienjournal, June 22, 1998.

Austria Brings Washington the Waltz by Donna Abu-Nasr, Associated Press Writer, Thursday, June 25, 1998; 1:42 a.m. EDT. Also published, with photo, as A touch of Austria: waltzes, hand kisses in The Seattle Times, National/World News : Monday, June 29, 1998.

The Viennese Opera Ball in Washington, D.C. [Press Release.] August 14, 1998. Austrian Press & Information Service, Washington, DC.

Encore! Encore! The Viennese Opera Ball Had A Tough Act to Follow -- Its Own by Roxanne Roberts, Washington Post, Saturday, September 26, 1998; Pages B01 , B05.

Washington's Gala Season Is Here by Donna Abu-Nasr, Associated Press Writer, Saturday, September 26, 1998; 11:19 a.m. EDT.

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