Diary
Russian Ball in Vienna
Maria Ilyazova at the Russian ball in Vienna © Thomas Blazina
This season, the Russian Ball in Hofburg, though surprisingly intimate and without debutantes in white dresses, was again one of the most exciting events in the palace this February. In the light of the luxurious chandeliers, present to Austria from Russian Emperor Alexander I, the show was opened by dance artists of Russian ballet school in Vienna. The Russian Ball is in its seventh year and always entertains guests with a cultural program. This time the star of the evening was the soloist of the Bolshoi Theatre, beautiful Dinara Aliyeva. There also was a surprise performance – Vienniese waltz by children from an orphanage in Voronezh region, chosen charity of the Russian Ball.
It is not necessary to attend ballroom classes from childhood, two classes in Vienna’s famous Elmayer dance school the day before and the morning before the ball is enough with minimal talent. After the words “Alles Walzer!” breaks between dances were made for champagne and discussion of the pastel collection of Austrian designer Richard Rozbora, a graduate of St Martin’s, who had previously worked with Vivienne Westwood and Alexander McQueen.
The best organised guests had time to attend the Opera Ball, held the same evening, where the favorites of stars this year were ultra-feminine dresses from Elie Saab. And finally, the next day everyone had the opportunity to participate in a beauty contest at the democratic Bon Bon Ball, or just relax and eat sweets.
Dress-code
Ball season is a relatively rare in our time opportunity to shine in a full ball gown haute couture. Acceptable length of women’s ball gowns in Vienna – not above the ankle. Men are not allowed to wear any kind of ties except bow tie. Preferably to have in your pocket a family heirloom, a masterpiece of watchmaking with a chain by which an experienced gentleman is able to determine how many more dances remain to dance until 5 am. Tuxedo or tailcoat are necessarily, which one to choose depends on the rules of each individual ball. So, say, for the Opera Ball there is only the second option. To distinguish themselves, ladies can decorate their hairdo with big flowers, or can even use feathers to get compliments. If we remember that there are sometimes more than 5000 people present at a ball, to be the belle de bal, which means “the most beautiful in the event,” is not so simple.
Strictness regarding dress-code survived since the imperial court balls, even when, as in 1773 Hofburg Palace opened its doors to the public on the orders of Emperor Joseph II. Incidentally, the waltz considered before that a vulgar dance, inappropriate for young women, was adopted by the court.
Fabulous practicality
The most important element of ballroom wardrobe, are of course, shoes. Only the owners of dance shoes with suede soles can save carefree smiles until dawn. Only they know the winning feeling of the last dancer to leave the ballroom and head for breakfast at one of the luxurious Viennese cafe.
Often near the exit from the main hall, there is a small repair shop for ball gowns. Be sure to take advantage of this, because nowhere else creations from chiffon and silk will be mended with such speed and skill. Since there are no less than 400 balls in Vienna alone, there is always a chance that the dress will be useful. In your luggage there should always be two or three to choose from.
The next of the most important balls in the world – the famous Vienna Life Ball – is on May 25, 2013. It is famous for being provocative, so the more extravagant is your dress, the better. This year the main theme is 1001 Night. Got any ideas?
Story by: Maria Ilyazova
