Breathing a slightly bit hard was Austria’s highest ranking diplomat to the United States, Christian Prosl who I cornered after he stepped off the dance floor who offered that the underlying rationale behind the Viennese Ball was to participate in “innocent pleasure.”
“It’s a tradition to go out and meet people, to dress up, to celebrate life and if one is inclined to introduce themselves to the opposite sex.” (the innocent pleasure I assume…).
Unlike this past Friday’s event which introduced 16 debutantes to society, balls in Vienna can introduce up to 200 couples. “In Austria, every sect of society celebrates the ball, from the butchers, to the plumber. Really you should see how mothers weep when their children enter the ballroom, and of course it is a good way to meet perhaps your future spouse.”
At that instant I am slightly taken aback by the visage of Miss USA (Kristen Dalton) and Miss Universe (Stefania Fernandez) giggling in the corner as a West point cadet does his best to succour the affections of the two beauties.
“You know,” Mr Prose continues, “the dancing itself has a sort of erotic connotation to it. And really it’s all done in good taste.”
At this point the West Point Cadet has both Miss USA and Miss Universe brimming from ear to ear and I am at once curious to hobble over before deciding on another glass of wine instead.
As I stepped back to take in the over arching view in front of me I must have wondered aloud indeed what would Mozart think now if he were alive to see this tonight. A special thanks must also go out to Marcie Rudell, the Viennese Opera Ball’s executive director for once again pulling off a stunning event and for leaving us all collectively charmed and a smidgen feeling like fresh lillies ripe for the picking…
It should also be noted that proceeds from the event will in conjunction with the UN Office for Partnerships, the UN foundation and the anti malaria “Nothing but Nets,” campaign will be used to go in aiding victims of the devastating earthquake in Haiti.
