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Viennese Opera Ball
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I know of no current plans for another Viennese Opera Ball in Washington, but as soon as I learn of such plans, I will announce it on my mailing list of those interested in the Viennese waltz. Anyone may join this mailing list described at www.traxlers.org/groups.html.
Our local Cotillions associated with the Viennese Opera Ball in Washington (and the Viennese Balls at Meridian House) include young persons aged 15 to 25 (and sometimes older).
This web page was originally intended to provide information to the members of the Opening Cotillion of the 1998 Viennese Opera Ball in Washington, who performed in the Opening Ceremonies of the Ball. This web page is located at http://www.viennesewaltz.org/cotillion.html. The information at this site is being left as guidance for those interested in being in an Opening Cotillion in the future. You will note that the young gentlemen were given the opportunity to rent "tails" (white tie) for their performance; those on the Viennese waltz mailing list are notified of two special annual sales of white tie and black tie wardrobes for gentlemen.
Sanjaya Hettihewa has put some of his photos of the 1998 Viennese Opera Ball Cotillion at his web site http://www.aboutsanjaya.com/Pictures/VienneseOperaBall09251998.asp.
I have made written dance directions for some of the choreography. Please contact Carol Traxler at a rehearsal for a copy to take with you.
Gentlemen of the Cotillion, please note that the rental company that delivered the formal tails to the Embassy at the dress rehearsal does not have any more white gloves available. If you wish to purchase white gloves, you may find them at most formalwear rental places. You can purchase them for $5 to $7.50. Any problems with the tails delivered to you must be worked out between you and the rental company.
Young gentlemen in the Opening Cotillion will wear tailcoats ("tails") to the Ball. Arrangements were made to have a representative of the rental company come to a rehearsal to take measurements and rental orders. Dancers pay for their own rentals. White gloves were made available for purchase or rental from the rental company.
Young ladies will wear white (not off-white) ball gowns with full skirts, and white shoes. White gloves will be worn, opera length (above the elbow) for most dresses, depending on sleeve style. I recommend you wear the shoes to rehearsals to break them in so they will be comfortable at the Ball. Opera length gloves are available locally at many stores, including these three: Master Costumes, 7026 Columbia Pike, Annandale, VA; 703-354-7500; $16.99 nylon, $24.99 lycra. Costumes Creative, 9168 Brookville Road, Silver Spring, MD; 301-587-6275; $14 nylon, $23 lycra. Backstage, 2101 P Street NW (near Dupont Circle), Washington, DC; 202-775-1488; $18.95 nylon.
Table assignments were made for seating at the ball. If you did not sign up for table seating, you were placed with your partner. There are 5 or 6 couples per table.
Partners were determined at the first few rehearsals, and partner numbers were given to all Cotillion members at an early rehearsal to aid in learning the choreography. On-time attendance at the rehearsals is very important. The choreography depends on the correct placement of each couple throughout the Opening Ceremonies.
As was the case with the Viennese waltz lessons earlier in the year, attire for the dance lessons for ladies is skirts of any length that allow long steps backwards and forward; leather-soled dance shoes, heels preferably no more than 2 inches high, no metal heels. Attire for gentlemen is coat and tie; leather-soled shoes, no metal heels. It is recommended that you change into your dance shoes at the Embassy, especially in inclement weather.
Author: Carol Traxler (caroltraxler@mail.com)
Creation date: August 27, 1998 | Updated August 3, 2004