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(Photo Credit: N. Zlobin)
Crystal Ball
The Viennese Ball in Moscow is rightfully considered to be one of the most significant events in the world ballroom calendar. About 2,000 guests from different cities and countries attend it annually. This year, a record number of debutants, 120 couples took part in the opening ceremony.
The Viennese Ball in Moscow is charitable, and is held under the patronage of the Moscow government, the Magistrate of Vienna and the Austrian Embassy in Russia. Among the honored guests of the ball was a descendant of the House of Romanov, Princess Olga Romanoff.
The Ball in Moscow has become a traditional annual event. Every year it starts with a dazzling opening ceremony, followed by an elegant dinner with authentic Austrian cuisine. In 2017, it was held for the fifteenth time. On the 20th of May, Moscow Gostiny Dvor plunged into indescribable atmosphere of beauty and fascinating dancing. In connection with its fifteenth birthday, the ball was called "Crystal", which was reflected in the decoration of the hall.
The Viennese Ball in Moscow is charitable, and is held under the patronage of the Moscow government, the Magistrate of Vienna and the Austrian Embassy in Russia. Among the honored guests of the ball was a descendant of the House of Romanov, Princess Olga Romanoff.
The Ball in Moscow has become a traditional annual event. Every year it starts with a dazzling opening ceremony, followed by an elegant dinner with authentic Austrian cuisine. In 2017, it was held for the fifteenth time. On the 20th of May, Moscow Gostiny Dvor plunged into indescribable atmosphere of beauty and fascinating dancing. In connection with its fifteenth birthday, the ball was called "Crystal", which was reflected in the decoration of the hall.
Opening
Guests arrive at the brightly decorated Gostiny Dvor at 8 p.m. During the first hour before the grand opening everyone is admiring a wonderful interior of the hall, magnificent dresses of the ladies, and enjoy a rich variety of welcome drinks. The event lasts till early morning. The guests of the Viennese Ball dance tango, foxtrot, cha-cha-cha and many other dances accompanied by the music of the world famous symphonic and jazz bands.
At 9 p.m. 120 couples of debutantes appear in the hall. Young ladies are between 16-23 years old, while the gentlemen are in their 18-26. The grand opening traditionally starts with polonaise. Then, it is followed by polka and Viennese waltz, when all guests are invited to join the debutantes and come to the floor.
Russian quadrille, after the master class of Stanislav Popov (President of the Russian Dance Union and the main Viennese Ball dancing-master), was danced five times instead of usual three.
Gala Concert
World stars of classical arts took part in the traditional gala concert. American tenor Lawrence Brownlee, who performed on the Viennese Ball, had been awarded with the most prestigious World opera prize "The Best Opera Male Singer of the Year". The award was presented to Brownlee on May 7, 2017 in the London Coliseum. Despite the super-tight schedule of performances, Brownlee accepted the invitation to attend the jubilee Viennese Ball in Moscow.
The famous tenor performed two arias and two duets together with the soloist of the Vienna State Opera Valentina Nafornitca. One of the arias, "My friends, what a Holiday!" from the opera "Daughter of the Regiment" critics call "vocal Everest" due to the highest note for the tenor - up to the second octave, which also needs to be performed repeatedly.
Dance and concert program was accompanied by the Moscow City Symphony Orchestra "Russian Philharmonic", conducted by Alfred Eshwe, as well as the most popular dance band in the UK, Len Phillips Big Band, and one of the best jazz orchestras in Russia, "Dance Land" under the leadership of Semen Milstein. Eight-time world champions in ballroom dances among professionals Arunas Bizokas and Katyusha Demidova (USA) performed wonderful dancing program.
Debutants
Almost every girl dreams to become a princess, for one day at least. Thanks to the Viennese Ball in Moscow it has become possible.
To become a debutante for the opening ceremony it is needed to fill in the application form on the official website. One should do it in advance, about 6 months before the Ball. Those who succeed in all tests and castings, will be taught dancing for 3 months. It is not that simple to become a debutante. All boys and girls have passed interviews where they proved their erudition, knowledge of foreign languages, history and culture. A lot of famous musicians, TV hosts and sportsmen used to take part in the Ball opening.
The Viennese Ball in Moscow is the largest ball in Russia now and one of the most beautiful in the world.
Sources: http://venskibal.ru
Author: Anna Dorozhkina
