Vol 2 No 2, February 2008
© 2008, Salt Lake Vienna Waltz Association
Greetings Waltzers,
We so enjoyed the Salt Lake Symphony's annual Vienna Ball last Saturday evening, February 9.
Hopefully, you were also able to attend. Each year, we see more and
more acquaintances at the ball. And it was a pleasure to see the Symphony concentrate on more
Viennese waltzes this year.
However, we have our criticisms.
Johann Strauss Sr.'s "Radetzky-Marsch" was the opening Grand March, and it should have segued
into the first waltz of the evening. Instead, dancers were left standing on the floor afterward as the BYU
Dancers proceeded to continue the evening with a floor show. Understandably, dinner was being
served at the time by University of Utah caterer Chartwell's, but we feel one introductory waltz isn't
much to ask for. Waltzes we've attended in San Francisco and San Diego have always continued the
Grand March with an opening waltz. After all, the waltzers are already on the dance floor.
Likewise, while the Grand March was a vast improvement over last year's, Salt Lake Symphony's
organizers still need to figure out how to squeeze a large number of people into a tight space during
the march. We had a fun march this year, but we happened to be on the inside of the line. At San
Diego last year, two marching march leaders -- instead of a central march director -- effortlessly led a
large number of marchers inside and outside of each other's lines with no crowding or interruptions.
In addition, Salt Lake attendees appear to have little concept of line of dance at a Viennese Ball --
counter clockwise for you novices. Salt Lake Symphony has an
obligation to announce slower dancers should stay toward the middle of the floor so experienced
waltzers can dominate the outside. And by experienced waltzers,
we mean dancers who understand the difference among counter clockwise, clockwise, or "any way I
damned well decide" rotations. We've heard "line of dance, please" explained at San Diego waltzes,
and seen how it has helped avoid imminent collisions and encouraged a smooth flow of dance.
Viennese Waltz is not a "bunch up on the dance floor and move in any direction one desires dance,"
but a stately, beautiful dance motion that Salt Lake Symphony needs to direct a bit more at its Vienna
Ball.
Okay, other than that, we had a great time. If you didn't attend, go next year; it's worth the low cost.
High school dancers in antebellum dress check your coats and hats and help begin to set the
evening's mood. Salt Lake Symphony depends upon donations -- not to forget its very dedicated
corps of musicians -- to exist, and the silent auction table had its usual impressive collection of items to
bid. This year, someone purchased a week at a condominium in Hawaii.
We purchased our own waltz performed by the Salt Lake Symphony before all who attended the ball. It
was a touch of magic to complete our evening.
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