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Dance lessons

Dance lessons

For over a hundred years, we have been bringing joy and movement into the lives of countless Viennese. Let yourself be inspired by Vienna’s most popular dance school!

Youth

Where Vienna’s youth learns to dance and forms friendships that last a lifetime.

Students

An intensive course for singles and couples, specially designed for ladies and gentlemen aged approximately 18–35.

Couples

Whether as quality time together, preparation for a special celebration, or simply for the joy of movement – for couples of all ages with authentic Viennese flair.

Seniors

A popular meeting place for relaxed afternoon movement in harmony with the music.

Summer Dance Courses

Use the summer holidays for a compact dance course at a special price. Learn our Viennese Waltz and other popular ballroom dances in just three sessions within one week.

Wedding Dance Courses

Early summer is wedding season! Take the opportunity to refresh your dancing in spring and enjoy your wedding celebration in a relaxed way.

Ball Express Courses

Refresh the most important ballroom dances for a successful ball evening in just three sessions.

Dance Course for the Officers Ball

Ladies wanted! Exclusive dance course for ladies together with the cadets of the Military Academy in preparation for the Officers Ball.

Waltz Training

For advanced dancers, as preparation for auditioning at balls or as a refresher for participating in ball openings.

Private Lessons

The most exclusive way to experience dance, with a program individually tailored to you.

Intensive Courses

Be perfectly prepared for balls, weddings and other special occasions in just three sessions!
Balls

Balls

Balls & Viennese Ball Culture

An overview of the Viennese ball season, its festive highlights, and the traditions that have shaped ball culture for generations.

Debuting

What does it mean to open a ball, and how can you become part of the Young Ladies’ and Young Gentlemen’s Committee?

Elmayer Kränzchen

The most beautiful ball in the Hofburg Palace, featuring the largest opening committee in the world. Always held on Shrove Tuesday!

Viennese Waltz Formation

The Viennese Waltz Formation – ambassador of Viennese dance culture, performing on international stages and at prestigious ball events.

Quadrille Francais

The Quadrille with live calls has become a highlight of the ball night at all traditional Viennese balls.
Etiquette

Etiquette

Seminars And Lectures

Thomas Schäfer-Elmayer

Entrepreneur, author and sought-after speaker – shaping the understanding of modern etiquette for decades.

Christine Zach

Experienced trainer in etiquette and personal presence – with sensitivity, expertise and a passion for passing on social elegance.

Etiquette Books And Guides

Valuable reading for everyday life, professional settings and society – practical, charming and always in the unmistakable Elmayer style.

Etiquette Dinner

For our youth classes: from formal dining to table conversation – everything you need to know about good table manners for private and professional occasions.
Dance School

Dance School

Dance School

The Viennese institution for dance, etiquette and ball culture.

Charity Quadrille

Alles “Tour de Main!” A joyful way to learn and refresh the Fledermaus Quadrille for a good cause.

Dance Sport Badge

Show what you can do! The Austrian Dance Sport Badge stands for joy, precision and a passion for dance.

Elmayer Waltz

A waltz for Viennese ball culture – composed by Alma Deutscher for the 100th Elmayer Kränzchen.

Birthday Party

Celebrate the anniversary of the dance school with us – with dancing, cake and many surprises!

Alpine Party

Our cheerful spring party in dirndls, traditional dress and lederhosen – full of atmosphere, dancing and good cheer!

Bermuda Party

Caribbean flair in the heart of Vienna – with hot rhythms, fruity cocktails and the very best dance vibes!

Balls

Debuting

A ball opening is among the most festive moments of the Vienna ball season, and a special experience for all young people fortunate enough to live in Vienna and be able to dance the waltz.

Participation in ball openings under the direction of Elmayer is open to anyone who has the required Viennese Waltz skills, meets the age requirements, and wishes to become part of Vienna’s ball culture.

In everyday usage, debuting is sometimes also referred to as “dancing in”.

Viennese ball openings by Elmayer

Each year, Elmayer is delighted to rehearse and lead the opening of traditional Viennese balls. Below you will find the balls for which registration for the Young Ladies’ and Young Gentlemen’s Committee is currently possible, or will open shortly.

Registration is currently unavailable

Ball der Wirtschaftsuniversität Wien

Hofburg – Saturday, 9. January 2027

Registration is currently unavailable

Ball der Wiener Philharmoniker

Wiener Musikverein – Thursday, 21. January 2027

Registration is currently unavailable

Wiener Kaffeesiederball

Hofburg – Friday, 22. January 2027

Register now

Jägerball - Ball vom Grünen Kreuz

Hofburg & Spanische Hofreitschule – Monday, 25. January 2027

Registration is currently unavailable

Juristenball

Hofburg – Saturday, 6. February 2027

Registration is currently unavailable

IAEA Staff Association Ball

Hofburg – Saturday, 13. February 2027

Registration is currently unavailable

Elmayer-Kränzchen

The significance of a ball opening

A ball opening is the festive start to an evening at the ball. The Young Ladies’ and Young Gentlemen’s Committee leads the entrance, presents a choreographed opening, and dances the opening waltz. Afterwards, the floor is opened to the ball guests with the famous words “Alles Walzer”.

For these young people, it means becoming part of a cherished Viennese tradition and stepping into a Viennese community that spans many generations. The moment a ball is opened—or, as one often says, when the “dancing-in” takes place—remains with participants for the rest of their lives.

After the opening, members of the committee take part in the ball itself.