★ Thank you for your presence at this years unforgettable event
&
See you 2023 at Musée Ariana★

In the meantime, discover the activities of the association “Les amis de la musique du bal viennois” and become a member!

A unique tradition

A unique tradition which goes back to the XVIII century

It was the Emperor Joseph II (1741-1790) who opened the doors of the Imperial Palace of Hofburg on the occasion of the first ball. The traditional Viennese balls have always been an opportunity to combine diplomatic and economic discussions at parties during long winter nights. They were reserved for the aristocracy and the emperor’s private sphere. From this period of the Court there remains a strict and unique label that mingles with the sounds of today to vary the pleasures among which:

• A majestic setting
• A strict dress code: tuxedo and long dress
• Varied orchestras
• The opening of the ball performed by female debutants in white robes and male debutants in suit & tails
• The « Alles Walzer ! »  ritual called by the master of the ball, inviting the participants to dance
• The « Damenwahl » or “Ladies excuse-me”
• The « Quadrille » dance at midnight
• The « Last dance” : Brüderlein fein

Another unique tradition still continues today: the « Damenspende » a small gift given to every lady as a souvenir of the ball.