Published: 10 June, 2007, 01:20
Edited: 10 June, 2007, 01:20
After great success in past years, the Viennese Ball in Moscow has become one of the most anticipated events in the capital's social and cultural life. The ball has taken place at the Manege in the heart of the capital.
It has gathered over 1,400 guests from politicians and businessmen to those who simply enjoy classical dancing. The First Viennese Ball was held in Moscow on June 14, 2006, and was a great triumph. Organisers preserved the traditions of a classical Viennese ball but within a modern framework. But of course each year the ball has become more and more extravagant. Over four years the event has been gathering outstanding musicians, designers, chefs and all the glamour and glitter there is. The 5th ceremony was no exception, attracting many extraordinary artists from Austria as well as Russia. “I have a special relationship with Moscow. This is the fifth time I am here at the Viennese Ball. I was the one to play at the beginning. And it’s the fifth time for me, but it’s still amazing, it is still a wonderful and exciting event,” Rik, a singer and songwriter, says. As guests were arriving, you could notice who was a regular on the event and who was coming to their very first ball. All female debutantes have to wear white dresses and tiara, while male debutantes should be in black costumes only. Getting an invite is not easy. “We first heard about the ball on the news last year. I loved the idea of joining the event, so I filled out an application on the Internet and came on an audition. We practiced twice a week for the last three months and here we are now debuting on our first Viennese ball,” explains Polina. Once all the guests have arrived and the beautiful costumes are shown, the mingling stops and the most tense moment for all the newcomers begins. The event is traditionally opened by beginners performing beautifully choreographed Polonaise. But the ball is for everybody to dance their troubles away, and once the Polonaise is over and the speeches are said, it's time for everybody to join the dance floor and enjoy the classical rhythms played by a master orchestra. The ball usually lasts until dawn and includes many entertainment programmes, including performances by opera singers and military parades. The Viennese ball is not just a cultural event it is also charitable. Annually, over $ US 50,000 goes to those in need. There are many reasons for becoming a part of this occasion but whatever you do, above all you must dance.