Picture it: you take a turn upon the dance floor and end up waltzing with the Queen (not a queen, THE Queen).
Paris is “the City of Lights,” Prague is “the City of 1000 Spires” and Miami is “the Magic City.” But I’ll you may not have known that Vienna is “the Imperial City.” And for two very good reasons: Not only was it a royal seat for most of its history, it is the final holdout for some of the grand traditions of yesteryear than only an emperor could pull off.
To be direct about it, the capital of Austria has balls. 450 of them, by some counts. But before you think the city is urban equivalent of the porn star supreme, “balls” in this context means those opulent galas of tuxedos and gowns, jewels and cuff links, and more flowing champagne than water in the Danube. And don’t think this is some rarified world: just about EVERYBODY finds an excuse to pull out the formal wear and raise a glass: There is the Opera Ball, the Flower Ball, the Pharmacists Ball, even a ball for the Viennese coffee house owners (there’s an image: a ball full of wide-awake drunk people). It should, therefore, come as no surprise the LGBTQs throw a ball of their own, and that it is one of the biggest of the season.
The Viennese Rainbow Ball, aka the Wiener Regenbogenball, on February 22, held in the Parkhotel Schönbrunn that was once itself a palace made exclusively for guests of the imperial Austrian court, is the highlight of the Austrian gay scene, pulling in well-heeled elegance-mongers, and actual aristocracy, from all over the Continent. Actually a well-disguised fund-raiser for the HOSI Wien (Homosexual Initiative Vienna), the ball is a classic Viennese ball in every sense, and last well into the night — whereupon all the “after balls” take over and keeps the party going will into the morning hours. The bubbly will be bubbling, the glamour will be glamorous, and the sparklers will be sparkling. It’s actually a huge production, and don’t think I’m hyping this puppy up: nothing gets between Vienna and its balls.
*Giggle.*
One thing: the Regenbogenball is not in any way like a party at your favorite club, with a scantily-clad Paddy O’Brian hip-thrusting on a box. Not only do you have to know how to actually dance a waltz, you have to dress up — REALLY dress up. I’m talking tuxedos and ball gowns. Who wears what is totally up to you, but as any drag queen worth her salt will say, nothing destroys the line of a dress like a penis.
For more information, go to www.hosiwien.at/regenbogenball. Steele Luxury Travel offers discounted business class flights to Vienna and can secure fantastic hotel rates. E-mail [email protected] for more information!