Journal · Opera & Balls
Your first Viennese ball
Few cities dance like Vienna. From the start of the year until Shrove Tuesday, one ball follows the next – in the Hofburg, the City Hall, the Musikverein. If you’re going for the first time, you’ll have plenty of questions: Which ball suits me? What do I wear? And how does the evening actually work? A short guide for first-timers – especially for those new to Vienna.
Which ball is right for you?
Every Viennese ball has its own character. The Opera Ball is the most famous – and accordingly formal and expensive. For a first ball, events with a slightly more relaxed atmosphere are often a better choice: the Coffee House Owners‘ Ball (Kaffeesiederball) in the Hofburg, the Confectioners‘ Ball (Zuckerbäckerball) or the Flower Ball in the City Hall. Music lovers are drawn to the Philharmonic Ball at the Musikverein. Each ball’s website lists the date, dress code and ticket prices.
What to wear
- For women: At the major balls a floor-length evening gown is customary, often required. Add shoes you can dance in for hours – more important than it sounds.
- For men: A tuxedo or tailcoat, depending on the ball. The exact rules are on the invitation or the ball’s website.
- Little extras: An elegant bag you can carry over your shoulder, and a cloakroom ticket you won’t lose – you’ll be grateful for it at three in the morning.
How a ball night unfolds
The highlight is the ceremonial opening: the debutante committee enters in white and black, followed by a polonaise – and then comes the famous call „Alles Walzer!“ („Everybody waltz!“). From that moment on, the dance floor belongs to everyone. At midnight there’s usually a special performance; at many balls it’s the quadrille, which even beginners can join thanks to the called-out figures. In between there are bars, side rooms with different music and the obligatory sausage late at night.
A few tips in advance
- Book early. Popular balls sell out quickly, and table reservations even faster.
- Brush up your waltz. An hour or two at a dance school works wonders – especially for the left-turning Viennese waltz.
- Don’t go alone if you can help it. Going to a ball on your own is possible, but a ball is made for couples – if only because of the dance floor.
Finding a ball partner
If there’s no dance partner in your circle of friends, der Freizeitmann is happy to accompany you through the ball night – purely social, in the right attire and with a love of the waltz, in English or German. Not an escort, not a dating service, simply an attentive gentleman for an unforgettable evening. Beforehand we discuss which ball it should be, how we’ll introduce ourselves and what you’d like. The ball season books up quickly, so it’s worth asking early.
You’ll find more in the FAQ, on the Vienna page and in the article Going to the opera or a ball alone in Vienna?
Alles Walzer – and even lovelier as two.
