1919
Elmayer Dance School –
Vienna’s institution for dance, etiquette & ball culture
Tradition that inspires. Modernity that delights.
Vienna’s social life has evolved over centuries, and with it a distinctive culture of how people meet and interact. Many of these time‑honoured principles remain the foundation of the exclusive teaching system at Elmayer.
Elmayer philosophy means cherishing established traditions while remaining open to what is new. Our teaching combines classical values with contemporary expectations of professionalism, pedagogy and modern teaching methods.
The result is an atmosphere in which young people and adults learn not only to dance, but also to gain confidence, a sense of rhythm and social poise—skills that are more valuable in today’s Europe than ever before.
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Without propriety, all knowledge is vain; and without manners you are but a beggar, even if you walk in shimmering golden silk and your servant carries your bag of gold behind you.
Confucius (c. 500 BC) – a thought that has shaped Elmayer’s understanding of presence & manners for more than 100 years.
More than a century of Elmayer
Elmayer is inseparably linked with Vienna’s history. Since its founding in 1919, members of the Elmayer family and the school’s directors have shaped the city’s dance culture and its traditional values.
From the former stables of Palais Pallavicini to an emblem of Viennese dance culture: Elmayer stands for continuity, elegance and the ability to evolve with style. Books, media appearances and awards testify to the ongoing work of shaping a contemporary understanding of etiquette and social poise.
Today, Director Bernd Erblich, together with Prof. Dkfm. Thomas Schäfer-Elmayer and the Elmayer team, is carrying the tradition lived since 1919 into the future.
1957
Elmayer consolidates its expert status in etiquette
The bestseller "Gutes Benehmen gefragt" is published – the name Elmayer becomes synonymous with etiquette.
1966
Death of founder Willy Elmayer
Thousands of Viennese bid farewell to Willy Elmayer at the Zentralfriedhof
1967
Nora and Dieter Schäfer-Elmayer take over
Nora and Dieter Schäfer-Elmayer take over the management of Elmayer Dance School.
1967
Robert Hysek becomes Director
The long-standing assistant and colleague of Willy Elmayer becomes Director of the dance school
1969
Der Elmayer – gutes Benehmen immer gefragt
Publication of the book “Der Elmayer – gutes Benehmen immer gefragt” by Nora and Diether Schäfer-Elmayer.
1987
Thomas Schäfer‑Elmayer takes over
Dkfm. Thomas Schäfer-Elmayer takes over the management of the dance school
1991
Der Elmayer - Gutes Benehmen gefragt
Publication of the book “Der Elmayer – gutes Benehmen gefragt” by Thomas Schäfer-Elmayer.
1993
Rudolf Peschke becomes Director
Dkfm. Thomas Schäfer-Elmayer takes over the management and further develops the teaching system.
2000
Der Elmayer - gutes Benehmen gefragt
Publication of the revised edition of the book “Der Elmayer – gutes Benehmen gefragt” by Thomas Schäfer-Elmayer.
2006
Früh übt sich …und es ist nie zu spät
Publication of the book “Früh übt sich …und es ist nie zu spät” by Thomas Schäfer-Elmayer.
2006
Dancing Stars
Prof. Dkfm. Thomas Schäfer-Elmayer joins the jury of “Dancing Stars”
2007
Der Business-Elmayer und Der kleine Elmayer
Publication of the books “Der Business-Elmayer” and “Der kleine Elmayer” by Thomas Schäfer-Elmayer.
2008
Elmayers Benimmbuch
Publication of the book “Elmayers Benimmbuch. Ein moderner Ratgeber für die ganze Familie” by Thomas Schäfer-Elmayer.
2009
Der kleine Wald-Elmayer
Publication of the book “Der kleine Wald-Elmayer. Mein erstes Buch vom richtigen Verhalten im Wald” by Thomas Schäfer-Elmayer
2011
Alles, was Sie über gutes Benehmen wissen müssen und der Schul-Elmayer
Publication of the books “Alles, was Sie über gutes Benehmen wissen müssen” and “Der Schul-Elmayer. Gutes Benehmen schon jetzt gefragt?” by Thomas Schäfer-Elmayer.
2012
25 years of Prof. Dkfm. Thomas Schäfer-Elmayer
Prof. Dkfm. Thomas Schäfer-Elmayer celebrates his 25th anniversary as owner of Elmayer Dance School.
2013
Golden Medal of Merit of the Province of Vienna
Prof. Dkfm. Thomas Schäfer-Elmayer is awarded the Golden Medal of Merit of the Province of Vienna.
2014
Vom Sattel zum Tanzparkett
Prof. Dkfm. Thomas Schäfer-Elmayer becomes editor of the memoirs of his grandfather, Willy Elmayer-Vestenbrugg: “Vom Sattel zum Tanzparkett“.
2015
Business Behaviour with Dr Christine Zach
Dr Christine Zach successfully implements her new seminar and coaching concept “Business Behaviour”, using her Ego Echo method, within the seminar tradition of Elmayer Dance School.
2018
Der Große Elmayer
The book „Der Große Elmayer“ by Thomas Schäfer-Elmayer is published and becomes the reference work for etiquette and good manners.
2019
100 years of Elmayer Dance School
Celebration of Elmayer Dance School’s 100th anniversary with a major ceremony at Palais Pallavicini
2019
The Grand Decoration of Honour in Gold
Prof. Dkfm. Thomas Schäfer-Elmayer is awarded the Grand Decoration of Honour for Services to the Republic of Austria.
2023
Bernd Erblich becomes Director
Director Bernd Erblich succeeds Director Rudolf Peschke
2024
Golden Johann Strauss
Prof. Dkfm. Thomas Schäfer-Elmayer is awarded the Golden Johann Strauss by the Wr. Johann Strauss Gesellschaft.
Commitment with conviction
Good manners also mean taking responsibility. Since its founding, Elmayer has been committed to social and charitable projects—in Vienna and beyond.
Among others, we support Haus der Barmherzigkeit, Malteser Hospitaldienst, Österreichische Kinderdörfer, WWF Österreich, Wiener Hilfswerk, Wiener Rote Kreuz, Médecins Sans Frontières and many more organisations.
It is particularly important to us that no young person is denied access to our courses for financial reasons. In cases of hardship, we of course offer reduced fees.
Elmayer Dance School & the Viennese ball tradition
The Viennese ball tradition combines classical forms with modern influences, creating a bridge between generations. For decades, Elmayer has made a significant contribution to this vibrant culture.
Our Elmayer Kränzchen is one of the classic Viennese traditional balls and has been held at the Hofburg since 1989. Each year, young ladies’ and young gentlemen’s committees, under the direction of Elmayer, open Viennese traditional balls, making a visible statement for the living dynamism of Viennese ball culture.
Preparing for these special appearances—from dance steps and stage presence to etiquette—is at the heart of our work with Vienna’s youth.
Our courses
Dancing at Elmayer means more than learning steps. It is an invitation to dance in a unique atmosphere—and to gain social confidence.
Youth
Experience dancing, fun and etiquette at Vienna’s largest youth meeting place. Open balls at the Hofburg and take the Dance Performance Badge.
Course start: September and January*
Duration: weekly until the end of the school year
Couples
Discover the dances of the World Dance Programme together and enjoy unforgettable evenings as a couple.
Course starts: October, January and April
Duration: 10 weeks each, progressive courses
Intensive Courses
Discover the most important dances in just three sessions—and be superbly prepared for balls, weddings and other milestone occasions.
Course starts: throughout the year
Duration: 3 sessions
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