Dust off your powdered wig, because the timeless grace and beauty of 19th-century Vienna is coming to the Durham Armory.
The Duke Wind Symphony will host its annual Viennese Ball-a 31-year-old tradition-Friday at the Durham Armory. The Viennese Ball originated on Duke's campus thanks to a tour that the Wind Symphony took to Vienna, Austria. Symphony members brought back the traditional Viennese waltz-a dizzying display of elegant steps and fast-paced spins.
Open to the public, the Ball will feature a student-led polka band and waltz orchestra, as well as free dance lessons given by Chris Imershein of Triangle Vintage Dance. Special events during the dance include open dancing, demonstrations by members of the Duke Ballroom Dance Club and Triangle Vintage Dance and a traditional, choreographed Viennese Promenade performed by members of the Wind Symphony.
Planning for the event began well before school started in August.
"This year, we have a lot of freshmen who've helped put this together. At least half of the Promenade is composed of freshmen-they're enjoying themselves!" said Wind Symphony Treasurer Amanda Lee, a sophomore.
During past years the Wind Symphony has hosted the Ball, community members, professional dancers, and plenty of students have all tried their hands-or feet-at the waltz, foxtrot and even some tango.
"I think anyone that comes will have a fantastic time based on the great response we had from last year's ball," Lee added. "And honestly, where else are you going to be able to show off your newly learned waltzing skills?"
The Viennese Ball will be held Friday, Dec. 2 at the Durham Armory. Tickets cost $15 at the door, $12 for students if purchased in advance during tabling this week across from the former Bryan Center walkway. Dance lessons begin at 7 p.m., programming runs from 8 p.m. to midnight. Dress is semi-formal to formal. A free shuttle will run from East and West Campus bus stops, but pubic parking is also available in the W. Main Street parking garage.
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