Ball Express Courses
Learn the most important and most frequently danced styles at Vienna’s balls in just three sessions – for your perfect enjoyment on the dance floor!
Course starts: November to February
Duration: 3 sessions over 3 weeks
Balls & Viennese Ball Culture
For Elmayer, nurturing Viennese ball culture is a matter close to our hearts. This includes the great ball events at the Hofburg, the Musikverein or the Rathaus, just as much as the balls held in Vienna and the surrounding area’s beautiful palais and venues.
With the wealth of experience gained over more than a hundred years, we support not only the major ball events but also numerous school balls—helping to carry traditional Viennese ball culture into the future together with the young organisers.
The Viennese Ball Season – as a Guest & as an Opening Couple
Whether you attend a ball as a guest or would like to be part of an opening committee as a young lady or young gentleman, Elmayer will guide you through the Viennese ball season with experience, style and the right preparation.
Elmayer & the Viennese Ball Tradition
Viennese ball tradition is a living cultural heritage: classical forms, modern influences and an unmistakable atmosphere. The Elmayer team cultivates this tradition and actively helps shape it—as instructors, as hosts, and as the reliable, competent partner of many ball organisers.
For decades, we have been preparing young people and couples for their big moment, developing choreographies for ball openings, and conveying the confidence in one’s demeanour that turns a ball evening into a truly memorable experience.
The Enchanting Viennese Balls
For more than a hundred years, Elmayer has stood for discerning Viennese ball culture. With our know-how, we support ball events from a school ball with 200 guests to a Hofburg ball with 6,000 guests. Our dance school is closely connected to the Viennese ball tradition.
Debuting – Being Part of the Opening
Year after year, numerous young ladies’ and young gentlemen’s committees under the direction of Elmayer open festive Viennese traditional balls. For many participants, it is a defining social moment—linked with new friendships and lasting memories.
Participation in the young ladies’ and young gentlemen’s committee is open not only to Elmayer course participants, but to everyone who has a confident command of the Viennese Waltz in closed hold and meets the respective age requirement. During the ball rehearsals, the choreographic sequences for each opening are practised.
You can find information on dates, requirements and registration on our dedicated page for the young ladies’ and young gentlemen’s committee.
The Elmayer-Kränzchen
The Elmayer Kränzchen is one of Vienna’s classic traditional balls and has been held since 1920. This grand Hofburg ball brings together young and old, music and dance—an evening of exceptional elegance.
The ceremonial opening, with the largest opening committee of all balls—made up of true debutantes and debutants who, in the presence of their families, become part of this Viennese ball culture—gives this ball its very special atmosphere.
Ball Preparation at Elmayer
So you can enjoy your ball evening to the full, we offer special courses and sessions that prepare you specifically for the Viennese ball season—from the first Viennese Waltz to the Quadrille Français.
Charity Quadrille
Under the guidance of Thomas Schäfer-Elmayer, you will learn and dance the famous Fledermaus Quadrille – while supporting a social project run by Wiener Hilfswerk.
When: Tuesday, 6 January 2026, from 6 pm
Where: Elmayer
Waltz Training
Special preparation for the autumn audition, e.g. for the Jägerball, the Opera Ball, the Philharmoniker Ball, the Techniker Cercle, etc., or as refresher training for taking part in all ball openings.
Date: every Tuesday at 5:00 pm
Duration: 50 minutes
Private Lessons
Treat yourself to the most exclusive dancing experience—a private lesson with your personal teacher, tailored entirely to your goals and needs.
Appointment: flexible by arrangement
Duration: 50 minutes
Viennese Waltz Formation
The Elmayer Viennese Waltz Formation is among the most tradition-steeped formations of its kind. Presented on special occasions, anniversaries and galas, it combines classical choreographies with the highest level of dance precision.
With elegant lines, coordinated formations and the signature waltz aesthetic, the formation makes a strong statement for the beauty of the Viennese Waltz.
Quadrille Français
The Quadrille Français, traditionally danced at midnight, is one of the most atmospheric highlights of many Viennese balls. With clear calls and a touch of humour, it delights people of all generations.
Elmayer has cultivated this tradition for many years and at numerous balls takes charge of the calls and teaching of the figures—lively, precise and with unmistakable Viennese charm.
Elmayer at Your Event
For more than a hundred years, Elmayer has accompanied the Viennese ball season. We would be delighted to support you—whether with your preparation or with the design of your event or gala evening—with our know-how and tailored services.