Traditional Viennese Balls
The origins of the Balls in the Austrian capital can be traced back to the times of the Congress of Vienna (1815) during the period of the birth of the waltz. The tradition is still so alive and heartfelt that up to four hundred balls are celebrated annually in Vienna.
https://www.austria.info/en/things-to-do/cities-and-culture/traditions/ball-season
I invite you to read the following information regarding the protocol and the program of the Technische Universität Ball (Vienna Polytechnic Ball) and the Wiener Ball der Wissenschaften (Ball of Sciences) in order to be able to fully appreciate the balls.
As you will see, traditional Viennese Balls are special events and I congratulate you on your decision to attend, the experience will surely be unforgettable!
Enjoy!
Vienna Ball of Sciences – Wissenschaftsball, Saturday, 25.01.2025, Vienna City Hall
Vienna Ball of Sciences – Wiener Ball der Wissenschaften
WHEN: Saturday, January 25th, 2025.
TIME: 8:00 PM – 4:00 AM
WHERE: Vienna City Hall (Rathaus), Lichtenfelsgasse 2, 1010 Wien, Austria
ROOM FOR ARGENTINE TANGO: Stadtsenatssitzungssaal
Facebook event:
https://www.facebook.com/events/1120321749320158
Official website of the Vienna Ball of Sciences:
https://www.wissenschaftsball.at/en/
Vienna Ball of Sciences:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5LrsgpbSjzY
Tickets:
https://www.wissenschaftsball.at/en/contact/
(We highly recommend purchasing tickets before Christmas as Balls often sell out quickly.)
For more information, please contact:
ball@wissenschaftsball.at
Dress code:
https://www.wissenschaftsball.at/en/ball/dresscode/
Here are some guidelines for your attendance at the Vienna Ball of Sciences (Rathaus):
• The dress code in Rathaus is more flexible compared to Hofburg Imperial Palace. For specific details, please refer to the above official website.
• I recommend you arrive around 8:00-8:30 PM, as the opening ceremony is scheduled to start at 9:00 – 9:30 PM.
• There usually is a queue at the entrance of Rathaus since approximately 1000 – 1500 guests are expected to attend the Ball.
• Upon your arrival, head to the cloakroom to leave your coat and larger bags and change from walking shoes to dancing shoes.
• The opening ceremony takes place in the Festsaal which is located on the first floor. The room will be very crowded, try to get a spot in the front row for a better view.
• When the opening ceremony ends (around 10:00 – 10:30PM), the other rooms in the palace will open. In each room a different rhythm will be played (e.g. rock n’roll, jazz, disco music etc.).
• Argentine tango begins around 9:30 PM in the Stadtsenatssitzungssaal that is located also on the first floor. A room is reserved exclusively for Argentine tango for the entire evening.
• TENTATIVE PROGRAM for the Argentine tango room is
Room: Stadtsenatssitzungssaal
9:30 PM – 03:30 AM TANGO SALON (Argentine tango)
Live music: To be determined
DJs: To be determined
Technical University Ball – Technische Universität Ball (TU Ball),
Thursday 30.01.2025, Wiener Hofburg
WHEN: Thursday, 30th of January 2025
TIME: 20:00 -4:00
WHERE: Hofburg Imperial Palace, Heldenplatz, 1010, Vienna, Austria
ROOM FOR ARGENTINE TANGO: Hofburg Lounge (Ground floor)
Facebook event
https://www.facebook.com/events/1366958487343363
Vienna Polytechnic Ball official website:
https://tuball.htu.at/?lang=en
Vienna Polytechnic Ball video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZBTHgOdWjhc
Tickets:
https://tuball.htu.at/page/tickets_and_prices?lang=en
(We highly recommend purchasing tickets before Christmas as Balls often sell out quickly.)
For more information, please contact:
Dress code:
https://tuball.htu.at/?lang=en
The dress code at the Vienna Polytechnic Ball (Hofburg) is highly formal. Men are expected to wear a tailcoat (white tie), a tuxedo or a black suit with bow tie (no regular tie!). Women should wear a long evening gown of any colour; it is highly recommended to avoid white as this colour is reserved for the “debutantes” (an idea for dancing the Argentine tango is to wear a dress as shown in the photographs below). National traditional clothes are also accepted, so if you have an attire representing your national traditions, you’re welcome to wear it. However, please double-check with the above official website to avoid any misunderstanding.
Here are some recommendations for your attendance at the Vienna Polytechnic Ball:
- Your arrival between 8:00 – 8:30 PM is advisable since the opening ceremony is scheduled to start at approximately 9:00 – 9:30 PM.
- Expect a queue at the entrance, given that approximately 2000 – 2500 people are estimated to attend the Ball.
- Upon your arrival, head to the cloakroom on your left to leave your coat and larger bags and to change from walking shoes to dancing shoes.
- The opening ceremony takes place in the Festsaal on the first floor. Given the expected crowd, aim for a spot in the front row for a better view.
- Once the opening ceremony concludes (around 10:00 – 10:30 PM), various rooms in the palace will open, each featuring a different music genre (e.g. rock n’ roll, jazz, disco music etc.). Enjoy exploring the diverse rhythms in each room.
- Please note that the Argentine Tango starts at 11:15 PM in the Hofburg Lounge, situated on the ground floor opposite the cloakroom. If you attended the opening ceremony, you’ll need to descend to the ground floor.
TENTATIVE PROGRAM FOR ARGENTINE TANGO (TO CONFIRM)
Room: Hofburg Lounge (Ground floor)
DJs: TBD
22h30 – 23h15 Salsa
23h15 – 23h45 TANGO ARGENTINO (Milonga) – (30 Min)
23h45 – 00h30 Salsa
00h30 – 1h30 TANGO ARGENTINO (Milonga) – (1h)
1h30 – 2h15 Salsa
2h15 – 2h45 TANGO ARGENTINO (Milonga) – (30 Min)
2h45 – 3h30 Salsa
3h30 – 4h00 TANGO ARGENTINO (Milonga) – (30 Min)
Frequently Asked Questions, FAQ
1) Are these events Tango Festivals, Marathons, or Encuentros?
No, these are Viennese Balls, a tradition dating back to 1815. Viennese Balls have been held annually since then, with only two cancellations in history: during World War II and the COVID-19 pandemic.
2) In addition to Argentine Tango, can I dance the Viennese Waltz or other rhythms?
Yes, Viennese Balls typically feature 10 to 20 halls, each offering a different rhythm or style of dance.
3) Once I purchase a ticket, can I enter any hall?
Yes, once you’re inside the venue, you’re free to explore any hall and dance to whatever music you prefer from the Viennese Waltz to Argentine Tango, swing to disco. Check the ball’s program for more details.
4) What is the dress code?
The dress code is very strict. Please refer to the website to ensure you meet the requirements, as entry could be denied otherwise.
5) What about Balls and Argentine Tango?
Argentine Tango was introduced to Viennese Balls in 2017, marking its debut after 200 years. However, Argentine Tango became a part of Buenos Aires Balls already at the beginning of the 1900.
Information in a document
Argentine tango organised by Argentine Tango @ TU Wien & ISTA Tango
http://tangogroup.eu/https://www.facebook.com/groups/1120801077942656/