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 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, 21 Nov, 3:00-6:00 pm: Intro to Viennese Waltz, stationary basics, natural (right) and reverse (left) turns, dancefloor navigation skills, Polka basics, Viennese ballroom etiquette, assisted practice time

2. Advanced - Sat, 28 Nov, 3:00-6:00 pm: Whether you would like to build on what you've learned in session 1 or if you have danced Viennese Waltz before and are looking for a refresher - this session is for you! In addition to drilling natural (right) and reverse (left) turns and assisted practice time, Todd and Migle will also teach Fledermaus Quadrille #6 so you're ready for the big night (time permitting)!

3. Refresher - Fri, 4 Dec, 7:00-9:00 pm: We will split in two groups for this two-hour session on the evening before the Ball to go over basics for beginners and provide a refresher for advanced students.

No prior dance experience required. Couples and individuals are welcome.

Shoes with smooth or leather soles recommended (it will make your turns so much 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 the annual celebration of the season and a joyful return to the elegance of ballroom for an evening of Viennese waltz, polka, quadrilles, and ballroom music from around the world!

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.

View photos and videos of previous events

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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 - coming soon!