Celebrities descend on Vienna for glitzy Opera Ball
February 23, 2017
Once a year, the Vienna State Opera turns into the world's most famous ballroom. Its annual ball features dolled up debutantes and local and international celebrities, all moving to the three-four beat of the waltz.
Once a year, the Vienna State Opera turns into the world's most famous ballroom. Its annual ball features dolled up debutantes and local and international celebrities, all moving to the three-four beat of the waltz.
Image: Getty Images/Sean Gallup
See and be seen
At the Vienna State Opera's entrance, guests cluster into frame for the waiting photographers. The opera scene's international stars turn up here, as do those who have made a name for themselves beyond Austria's borders - or at least those who would like to, from arts figures to entrepreneurs and politicians. They take part in one of the world's most famous balls and help give it its unique flair.
Image: picture-alliance/dpa/EPA/G. Hochmuth
Hollywood glamour
Every year, host Richard Lugner (seen here at left) turns up with a new star on his arm. This year, 71-year-old Hollywood actress Goldie Hawn will be joining him. The Oscar winner has promised to save a waltz for Lugner.
In years past, Lugner has been joined at the ball by Pamela Anderson and Kim Kardashian (pictured). His dates to the prestigious event always get Vienna talking. In 2015, he was joined by Italian actress (and George Clooney ex) Elisabetta Canalis.
Image: picture-alliance/dpa/EPA/H. Pfarrhofer
Shaking its image
The event's organizers have long tried to rid it of its scandalous image - not necessarily with the help of US actress and model Dita Von Teese pictured at the 2008 ball. With up to 12,000 guests annually, the Opera Ball is a major advertiser for the Viennese and Austrian tourism industries. Around 4,700 people come each year to Vienna for the ball, and around half are from abroad.
Image: picture-alliance/dpa/A. Burgi
Intoxicating evening
The ball's opening ceremony is legendary. The debutantes' white dresses catch the eyes, while 180 couples from Austria and beyond perform a waltz learned just for the event. Each year a different dance school assumes responsibility for the choreography. A high point is the performance of the Vienna State Ballet. It's certainly a tough act to follow for the other guests.
Image: Getty Images/Sean Gallup
Yours for a price
The prestigious and highly sought-after box seats in the upper regions of the ballroom are rented out to opera house donors and to longstanding guests - for an annual contribution that tops 36,800 euros ($40,300). For those with thriftier tastes, stage-level boxes are available for around 16,000 euros.
Image: Getty Images/Sean Gallup
Coinciding with Carnival
While Carnival gets underway, Vienna hosts its famous dance: The Vienna Opera Ball takes place each year on the Thursday before Ash Wednesday. The tradition dates back to the time of the Congress of Vienna from 1814-1815 at which representatives from all of Europe's big powers met. The artists of the royal court's opera hosted dance events for the influential visitors.
Image: Getty Images/Sean Gallup
Many imitators
On the evening of the big ball, Vienna also plays host to alternatives to the opulent and glittering event. The Rose Ball sees homosexual couples dancing in elaborate costumes, for example. And the original Vienna Opera Ball has even enjoyed success as an export with versions held in Dubai, New York (pictured) and Kuala Lumpur.
Image: picture-alliance/dpa/EPA/J. Lane
8 images1 | 8
It's the epitome of high-society and it happens once a year on the first day of Carnival celebrations - the Thursday before Ash Wednesday.
This year, well-known personalities like Hollywood actress Goldie Hawn and IMF chief Christine Lagarde are anticipated. Click through the gallery above for an inside look at the glamorous tradition of the Vienna Opera Ball.
