American-Austrian Cultural Society upcoming events

Viennese Waltz Lessons ... and more! (21 Nov 2026)

Sat, 21 Nov 2026 20:00:00 GMT

Get ready for The Viennese Christmas Ball – learn to dance Viennese Waltz or refresh your skills! Join us for a series of lessons in Viennese Waltz, taught by Dance Sport Endurance owners Todd Borzych and Migle Gineityte, who have performed solo at the Hofburg Palace in Vienna, the Kennedy Center, the Austrian Embassy, and the White House, and have taught the Viennese Waltz and other social dances to thousands of Washingtonians.

1. Beginners – Sat, Nov 21, 3:00–6:00 pm
An introduction to the Viennese Waltz, including the stationary basic, natural and reverse turns, dance-floor navigation, Polka basics, Viennese ballroom etiquette, and lots of assisted practice time.

2. Advanced – Sat, Nov 28, 3:00–6:00 pm
Build on the skills learned in Session 1, or join this session if you already have Viennese Waltz experience and would like to refresh and advance your skills. Time permitting, we'll also teach the Fledermaus Quadrille #6, a fun line dance to enjoy on the big night!

3. Refresher – Fri, Dec 4, 7:00–9:00 pm
On the eve of the Ball, we'll split into two groups for a two-hour session: beginners will review the basics, while more advanced dancers can brush up on their skills and enjoy assisted practice time.

No prior dance experience is required. Couples and individuals are welcome!
Footwear: Shoes with smooth or leather soles are recommended to make turning easier.

OneLife Fitness McLean is 0.8 miles from McLean Metro station. Ample parking is available.

The Viennese Christmas Ball at the OAS (5 Dec 2026)

Sun, 06 Dec 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Please join us for a magical evening at the annual Viennese Christmas Ball, a joyful celebration of the holiday season and the timeless elegance of ballroom dancing! Delight in delicious food, exquisite wine, and an enchanting dance floor filled with the graceful Viennese waltz, lively polkas, traditional quadrilles, and ballroom music from around the world. Celebrate the season in style with an unforgettable evening of festive charm, music, and dance!

Under the gracious patronage of the Ambassador of Austria, H.E. Petra Schneebauer, we are pleased to host once again Washington’s annual Viennese Christmas Ball in the magnificent Hall of the Americas at the Organization of American States.

Opening Ceremonies will be presented by Midshipmen of the United States Naval Academy performing the traditional Fledermaus Quadrilles.

Washington’s celebrated salon orchestra, con brio! will perform Johann Strauss’ most beloved waltzes, alongside works by Lehár, Waldteufel, and Tchaikovsky. The evening’s program will also feature polkas, foxtrots, tangos, and festive holiday tunes specially arranged for dancing.

A champagne reception in the Palm Court sets the stage for an elegant evening ...

... followed by Austrian savories and wine, and a Viennese dessert buffet and coffee in the Hall of Heroes.

Join in the always popular Radetzky Grand March, led by Tanzmeister Carol Traxler, Austrian folk dances, and the Fledermaus Quadrille No. 6.

7:00 p.m. Doors open, followed by Champagne Reception

8:00 p.m. Opening Ceremonies and Cotillion

11:00 p.m. Fledermaus Quadrille No. 6

11:25 p.m. An der Schönen Blauen Donau

White Tie and Decorations/Black Tie.

For additional information please view our FAQs for the Ball.

New to Viennese Waltz or would like to brush up your skills?
Join our Viennese Waltz classes before the Ball!

View photos and videos of previous events

Event Sponsors

Save the date: Adventfeier (15 Dec 2026)

Tue, 15 Dec 2026 22:30:00 GMT

Our Austrian-style Advent celebration will be back this year in a new format, but in any case featuring a performance of Advent and Christmas music by our beloved Alpine Singers!

Join us for an evening to celebrate the holiday season with Gluehwein, Weihnachtskekse (Christmas cookies), and other seasonal goodies.

The Alpine Singers, led by Carol Traxler, will perform Austrian and international holiday carols and invite you to sing-along to your favorite holiday tunes!

Stay tuned for further details - registration will open soon!