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Dance In Austria
If you want to really experience a ball, Vienna
is the place to be. From a social standpoint, balls are a vital
part of social life during the winter months. Balls are held in
a variety of places, but some of the more interesting ones are held
at fabulous places such as the Imperial Hofburg Palace, various
concert halls and the beautiful Opera House. Here the participants
dress appropriately and dance under shiny chandeliers and among
the mirrors. The combination of architecture, music, and dress really
is something not to be missed.
To the outsider, experiencing
a ball for the first time is a unique event. Balls and the romance
associated with them are not seen in most other countries. Common
hundreds of years ago throughout Europe, balls are typically only
seen today on television or films. In Vienna there is no need to
see a ball on television when you can go to one of many places and
watch one yourself.
At certain balls, elegant would be an understatement.
Footman greet the ball goes, and who wore what is discussed in the
society pages in the newspapers the following day. The women where
elegant gowns and the men where stunning black suits. There is a
lot of fanfare associated with the beginning of these balls. Until
very recently the opening of important balls were associated with
the "coming out' for upper society in Vienna.
While in the past the balls where associated with
the upper class, today people from all walks of life participate.
The balls start off less formally, and almost always the first dance
is a waltz. Following that, everyone is invited onto the floor to
dance. Dancing continues on throughout the night. At certain locations
other rooms might be used for more modern dancing.
The traveler to Austria will quickly come to appreciate
how important music and dance are to Austrians.
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