Sixteen Couples Depart From Tradition With Ballroom 'Polka' Performance

Sep 25, 2021 by apost team

Participating in a long-lasting tradition can be nerve-wracking but also extremely rewarding. Getting the chance to carry the tradition on for future generations is something people should be proud of. Such school pride, tradition and spirit are on display — not to mention the most sophisticated fashion — at the Viennese Ball at Stanford University each year when students perform the waltz, swing, cha-cha, salsa, tango and polka. 

Every year, the students at Stanford University participate in the annual Viennese Ball to uphold a tradition while showing off their beautiful dancing abilities. It is an incredible moment for the students to come together and show off their impressive dance skills in front of their family, friends and peers, all the while getting the chance to be a part of one of their school’s finest moments.

Originating from the Stanford in Austria program back in 1978, the annual Viennese Ball has become one of Stanford University’s favorite traditions as the event continues to grow each year. The event is open to anyone who wants to join, and two weeks leading up to the event, the university holds free dance classes for those who may not have as much experience.

The year 2012 marked the celebration of the 35th Viennese Ball, which featured 350 students performing for a thrilled audience. The opening ceremony showcased a mesmerizing performance from the opening committee as they danced to “Auf der Jagd" or "On the Hunt" Polka op. 373 by Johann Strauss Jr. It was an unforgettable moment as the crowd witnessed just how much time and effort the students had spent learning the dance. Keep reading to learn more about this glamorous social dance event.

Ball Season in Austria is so popular that it has often been dubbed the country's 'fifth season,' according to the country's informational website. The festive tradition takes place in Vienna and can feature over 400 balls that take place each Winter. 

Part of the reason that the atmosphere is so festive is because of the ambiance created by ceremonial programs and courtly customs dated back to the 18th century. Some customs include an opening fanfare, dress codes, and the beloved expression, "Alles Walzer!" Many of the balls are organized by professional guilds with specific themes. For example, the ball of the Viennese coffee makers traditionally transforms the Vienna Hofburg into a charming dance café with a cozy and appropriately themed program. The Confectioner's Ball features a cake show and even a "ballet of pastries." 

In an interview with prominent Viennese dance school teacher Thomas Schäfer-Elmayer, austria.info found out exactly what made Viennese ball culture different from those in other countries. Schäfer-Elmayer said:

"The biggest difference is made by the Viennese, who are extremely experienced in balls and know that the guests themselves are the most important part. The Viennese audience knows exactly what is important for a ball: a good atmosphere, elegant clothes, charming etiquette, cultivated conversation, and joy of dancing. In addition, a classic Viennese ball always includes an opening by the 'Young Women and Young Men Committee' and at least one quadrille of the public."

With decades of tradition behind it, the 35th Viennese Ball that took place in 2012 definitely lived up to Viennese standards. With 350 student participants, the ball featured a polka dance that year. 

apost.com

In an article from 2012 that was featured in The Stanford Daily, students shared what participating in the ball is like as a member of the opening committee. 

“The opening ceremonies have remained unchanged for some time,” said Rosalind Boone, who is one of the co-chairs of the committee. “The dress, even the number of couples in the opening has remained remarkably constant over the years.” All of the couples wore matching black tuxedos and white gowns with white gloves. 

This tradition has brought students at Stanford closer together since 1978. “The great thing about the dance community here is that even though I’ve never taken a class, I’ve learned a lot through people who are willing to teach,” Lauren Swee said.

Another student, M.J. Ma, explained, “Every year we have at least five to six couples on the opening committee, most of whom met through dancing. People have a misconception that you need a date to go to the dance. In fact, while at the ball you can dance with people you’ve never met before, and more often than not you’ll end up connecting through dancing.”

Students are encouraged to participate and experience what a historical, social dance was like and to keep the tradition alive. “It’s a very dramatic departure from anything else you’ll do at Stanford,” Boone added. “There are other events, and there’s the class formal, but none of them have the same otherworldliness.”

The practice and hard work that went into the dance seemed to pay off as the 16 couples looked like professionals on the dance floor. Showing off their impressive and elegant moves, each student moved beautifully as they gave a stunning, romantic performance.

Did you enjoy this performance? Would you ever want to participate in an event like this? Let us know your thoughts, and be sure to pass this on to your friends and family that love dance.