The southern German town of Baden-Baden welcomed a crowd of Russian guests the other day. The reason for the fuss was a Russian ball, the second in the history of the town in modern times.

The venue of the ball was the famous Benazet Hall of the Kurhaus. That place is famous as the most beautiful casino in Europe, which once inspired Fyodor Dostoevsky to write his “Gambler”.

It was the second time the city held a Russian ball and it aimed to repeat the success of the first one – as well as to strengthen cultural, economic and social ties between Russia and Germany.

The place wasn't chosen by chance. In days goneby, members of Russian aristocratic families, famous writers and artists visited Baden-Baden.

More than 300 people from Russia came to the ball, and about the same number of Germans were expected. All in all, the organisers predicted a turnout of 800 – which, however, didn't materialise at the Kurhaus that night. The high entry prices might have turned the local people off. 

There was a lot of practice involved…

Leading Russian cultural figures, musicians and dancers were all invited. 

“I saw the debutants. It reminds me of our childhood when we were dreaming to be Cinderella one day – and here they have a day to be a Cinderella. I’m sure there was a lot of practice involved because the dancing is quite spectacular,” said Annette van Dyck, one of the guests. 

Called Viennese Balls in Moscow, the ones held in Europe are known as Russian Balls. And they have been getting more and more popular among both the general public and city authorities. 

“We are very glad this project is developing and our people like it more and more. Last year there was a Russian Ball in Vienna, which was given top ten rating in the Viennese Balls list. We are planning another one in the Austrian capital in January,” said organiser Aleksandr Smagin, adding that they are also preparing a Pushkin Ball in Moscow: “It will take place on June 6 – the birthday of the poet. We'll invite all the best musicians and dancers to perform pieces from Eugene Onegin and some of his other works”.