Alternative Balls

The New York Times devoted an entire article full of praise to the alternative ball scene in Vienna: “Homeless – but my Dance Card is full”. As a counterpoint to the glittering, century-old Opera Ball featuring the elite of Europe, some enterprising, usually young people staged a Homeless Ball – the participants showed up in parkas, sneakers and baseball caps. Organized by the homeless magazine Augustin, this ball is a counter-culture response to the famous opera ball (Opernball) – however, it is a fair guess that not many opera ballgoers will visit the Opferball (Victim’s Ball) by mistake.
The Ball des Schlechten Geschmacks strives hard to remain true to its name – it really is a Ball of Bad Taste: during the height of the Lewinsky scandal, one might have encountered several Monica-doubles there. Despite its name, it seems a certainty, that noone is left out at the Mauerblümchenball (Wallflower Ball) – the rule is that colorfully dressed people are not even permitted to enter: only if one wears such drab colors as beige and gray can one be certain of admittance. And at midnight, the drabbest wallflower obtains a prize!
The Life Ball, which usually takes place some time in May, is not only one of the biggest charity events in Europe (all proceeds go to help of victims of AIDS or HIV), but has also become a top event of Europe’s social life.