The Austrians are famed for their balls, and on 29 October the Austrian Club of London offer a rare chance to experience the graceful atmosphere of these traditional events without having to travel to Vienna.
Open to all with an interest in Austrian culture, the ball takes place at the Park Lane Sheraton and features a reception and three-course dinner followed by dancing until 3am.
The dance programme will be mainly comprised of the Viennese Waltz, although there will also be opportunities for other ballroom dances such as the Rumba and Foxtrot. If you’re feeling really brave, you can also participate in group dances like Quadrille. If the thought of twirling in public makes you quake in your dancing shoes, however, you might like to attend the Austrian Ball dance practice on Monday 24 October at Chiswick Town Hall. The beginner’s lesson – consisting of basic moves only - starts at 8pm and is followed by an improvers’ session at 9pm, with classes priced at £8 or £10 for the two. (For full details click here)
Tickets for the ball are £95 (£85 for Austrian Club members and discounted rates for table bookings) or £45 for a dance-only ticket that allows entrance after 10pm. Incidentally, unlike other similar events in London, the dress code is black rather than white tie, making it somewhat more accessible for those lacking in the tiara department.
The Austrian Ball takes place on 29 October from 7pm at the Sheraton, Park Lane, Picadilly, London, W1J 7BX. Tickets range from £45-£95, for more details or to book visit www.austrianclublondon.com.
