19 March 2005.

The Grand Strauss Ball, or Wiener Ball, is the grand finale of the Viennese Ball season. Taking place in the splendid Hofburg, the former residence of the Habsburg emperors, for the first time ever, classic waltzes and jigs by Johann Strauss as well as modern dance tunes will ensure a wonderful spectacle of music and dance. Just some of the highpoints of the evening are the Deutschmeister uniformed dance troupe, the opening ball with dancers from the Vienna State Opera Ballet, the "Wiener Blut" operetta with solo performances by singers from Baden, a series of dance workshops, and, last but not least, the world-renowned quadrille that takes place at midnight. The dress code is strictly formal - black tie, lounge suit, gowns for the ladies. Tickets cost between 60 and 80.