“Alles Walzer”

“Alles Walzer!” is the cry that opens the famous Vienna Opera Ball. The term derives from the German verb ‘walzen’, which means ‘to turn’. The Viennese waltz, a ballroom dance for couples in three-four time, was made famous throughout Europe by the compositions of Josef Lanner and Johann Strauss Father and Son. It was originally danced at a high tempo and adopted its modern, almost floating, form in the mid-19th century.

Every year in February, the auditorium of the Vienna State Opera is transformed into a glittering ballroom. Opening the ball as part of a debutante couple is the dream of many young Austrian dancers, and they paint a fairytale picture as they glide across the parquet in their elegant long gowns, white ties and tails. International guests and celebrities from culture, business, politics and sports underscore the Vienna Opera Ball’s status as the premier society event. Waltz this way!