(Photo credit: The Moscow Conservatory)

The Moscow Conservatory hosted its first ever Spring Ball on 19 March 2013.

The Moscow Conservatory is the second oldest conservatory in Russia and is one of the leading music universities in the country. The Great Hall of the Moscow Conservatory is a unique place, historically intended for special events. The pillared hall with perfect acoustics in the very heart of Moscow, with the carefully preserved interior, with Mettlach floor tiles gives an incommunicable atmosphere of old balls preferred by the founder of the Conservatory, N. G. Rubinstein. 

"The Spring Ball of the Conservatory" is elitist and designed for a limited number of participants (the entrance was by invitation only). 

The extensive program included the parade of the Viennese Ball debutants, the defile of the military conductors of the Military University, the performance of the Moscow Conservatory Opera Theatre with an orchestra, the gala dinner, the dance program with the participation of the Brass-band of the Conservatory - the winner of national and international competitions. 

The Ball started with the polonaise, a dignified ceremonial dance that from the 17th to 19th century often opened court balls and other royal functions, performed by the Viennese Ball debutants. After that all the guests were invited to join the waltz.

A strict dress code was required: a tuxedo, a tail-coat or a strict evening dress and a butterfly - for gentlemen; a floor-length ball gown for the classical part and a cocktail dress for the Latin American part of the program - for ladies.

The Moscow Conservatory intends to revive the beautiful tradition of the balls and host them once or twice a year.