Brazil? Uh-uh. Vienna. One of the highlights of the Viennese ball season is the Life Ball -- a glitzy counterpoint to more formal events that raises money for AIDS charities.
Life Ball —
Brazil? Uh-uh. Vienna. One of the highlights of the Viennese ball season is the Life Ball -- a glitzy counterpoint to more formal events that raises money for AIDS charities.
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Vienna's ball season is anything but stuffy. It's the highlight of the winter season for the Viennese and events are typically rip-roaringly good.
Rip-roaring fun —
Vienna's ball season is anything but stuffy. It's the highlight of the winter season for the Viennese and events are typically rip-roaringly good.
Courtesy Life Ball / Bernhard Fritsch
Many balls, like the Philharmonic Ball (pictured), stage elaborate opening ceremonies with opera singers, prima ballerinas and acrobats.
Stage show —
Many balls, like the Philharmonic Ball (pictured), stage elaborate opening ceremonies with opera singers, prima ballerinas and acrobats.
Courtesy Österreich Werbung, Photographer: Lammerhuber
The Life Ball is known for its Broadway-meet-Hollywood glitz and often attracts celebrities, including former U.S. President Bill Clinton.
Broadway meets Hollywood —
The Life Ball is known for its Broadway-meet-Hollywood glitz and often attracts celebrities, including former U.S. President Bill Clinton.
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Waltzing around to classical music isn't the only activity at Vienna's balls. Guests dance to a variety of music including, but not limited to salsa, jazz, techno, blues, and, of course, classical. <br />
Beyond the waltz —
Waltzing around to classical music isn't the only activity at Vienna's balls. Guests dance to a variety of music including, but not limited to salsa, jazz, techno, blues, and, of course, classical.
Getty Images
Many balls run late into the night, with guests greeting the dawn in coffee shops before heading home just as the first rays of winter sun come over the horizon.
All night long —
Many balls run late into the night, with guests greeting the dawn in coffee shops before heading home just as the first rays of winter sun come over the horizon.
Courtesy LifeBall / Joanna Ida Jutkiewicz
Although there are few rules, many balls operate a strict dress code, with guests turned away if not properly attired in gowns or tuxedos.
Dress code —
Although there are few rules, many balls operate a strict dress code, with guests turned away if not properly attired in gowns or tuxedos.
Österreich Werbung/Wiesenhofer
Viennese balls are among the most authentic local experiences a visitor to the Austrian can participate in.
Winter highlights —
Viennese balls are among the most authentic local experiences a visitor to the Austrian can participate in.
Österreich Werbung/Viennaslide
Locals plan ball attendance with precision. Which balls should they attend this season? Who to go with? How many to attend?
Which ball? —
Locals plan ball attendance with precision. Which balls should they attend this season? Who to go with? How many to attend?
Österreich Werbung/ Bartl
In addition to the Philharmonic Ball (pictured), there's the BonBon Ball organized by chocolatiers, the Viennese Coffeehouse Owners' Ball and the Opera Ball.<br />
Coffee, chocolate and opera —
In addition to the Philharmonic Ball (pictured), there's the BonBon Ball organized by chocolatiers, the Viennese Coffeehouse Owners' Ball and the Opera Ball.
Österreich Werbung/ Lammerhuber