Austrian, German, and Swiss Cultural Events

Singers wanted for the Washington Saengerbund (rehearsals Mondays)

Singers wanted for the Washington International Chorus (rehearsals Tuesdays)

Singers wanted for The German-American Chorus of the Deutsche Schule Washington. Rehearsals on Tuesday nights from 7:30-9:00 pm at the German School, 8617 Chateau Dr., Potomac, MD 20854. Director is Teresa Klier (email t.klier@dswash.org).

CONTINENTALS schedule (Polka! Polka! Polka!) | Mike Surratt's ECB (Variety Dance Music, including Ballroom)

"Alte Kameraden" Blaskapelle Schedule (German band)

Various dates, 2012
The Embassy Series of distinctive concerts at area embassies and ambassadors' residences. Call (202) 625-2361; or order easily online at http://www.embassyseries.org. Here are some of the upcoming concerts (see web site for details):

December 29-January 30
Millenium Stage, Kennedy Center. Free performances.

Upcoming Sunday Afternoon Waltzes in 2012
January 1: TERPSICHORE with Elke Baker, Liz Donaldson, Ralph Gordon
January 15: Karen Collins and THE BACKROADS BAND with Karen Collins, Ira Gitlin, Geff King, Paul Hoffmaster
January 29: WALTZING STARS with Alexander Mitchell, Marty Taylor, Liz Donaldson, Ralph Gordon
February 5: WALTZ WEAVERS with Alexander Mitchell, Carrie Rose, Liz Donaldson
February 19: TAYLOR AMONG THE DEVILS with Marty Taylor, Steve Hickman, Alexander Mitchell, Jonathan Jensen
Sunday Afternoon Waltzes begin with an introductory waltz lesson from 2:45 - 3:30 pm, followed by dancing to live music until 6 pm. Cost is $10, including the lesson. Dances are held in the Spanish Ballroom unless otherwise noted. Visit WALTZ TIME'S WEBSITE for the complete 2012 schedule of waltzes.

Sunday, January 8, 3:00-5:00 pm (new time); Sunday, February 19, 4-6:30 pm Sunday, March 18, 25, 4-6:30; Sunday, April 22, 4-6:30 Sunday, May 20, 3-5:30; Sunday, June 10, 24, 4-6:30 Sunday, July 15, 3-5:30; Sunday, July 29, 4-6:30 Sunday, August 12, 4-6:30; Sunday, September 9, 4-6:30 Sunday, November 11, 4-6:30; Sunday, December 9, 4-6:30 Alpine Dancers. The Alpine Dancers hold regular free and open practices at the New Carrollton Municipal Center, 6016 Princess Garden Parkway, near Washington Beltway exit 20A. (Occasionally practice times and dates may change due to performances, which are listed at this site if they are open to the public.) New dancers are always welcome. The Alpine Dancers are a performing and teaching folk dance group specializing in couples and trio dances from Austria, Germany, and Switzerland. They perform throughout the greater Washington, DC (USA) area. For information, directions, and engagements, or to confirm practices and performances, see the web site, or contact the leaders of the Alpine Dancers, Herbert & Carol Traxler (caroltraxler@yahoo.com) at 301-577-3503 or Bill & Sarita Barclay at 301-654-1917.

Friday, January 13, 2012 41st Annual Russian New Year's Eve Ball at the Mayflower Hotel Grand Ballroom.Sponsored by The Scriabine Foundation for the benefilt of the St. Petersburg Clinical Hospital Center for Children and The Prince A. D. Obelesky Boarding School for Special Children at "Berezichi", Russian Federation. Entertainment by special guests The Washington Balaika Society, Sydney's Orchestra and the Russian Dance Troupe. White or black tie, Russian costumes. Tickets sold only in advance. Dinner/Dance tickets $210 each or Dance Only $50 (dancing begins at 10 pm). Make check payable to The Scriabine Foundation. Mail reservations to Princess Alexis N. Obolensky, 3003 Van Ness St., NW, #W315, Washington, DC 20008-4825. List guests with reservations, and include your email and phone number. No door sales. Dinner tickets will be held at the Ballroom entrance. Reservations: Princess Obolensky (202) 249-2619 (email srs.obolensky@rcn.com ) or Rose Akin (703) 671-3476 ( garos@rocketmail.com ) The Mayflower Renaissance Washington, DC Hotel is located at 1127 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, DC.

January 20-26
Film Neu. New films from German-speaking countries.

Thursday, January 26, 7:30-9:00 pm Concert with Students of The European Academy of Music and Art at the Austrian Embassy, Washington. The European Academy of Music and Art (EAMA) was founded by Dr. Bella Eugenia Oster in Maryland in 1991. The school is based on European teaching methods and on the high standards international instrumental performance requires. EAMA mainly specializes on piano studies and incorporates other instrumental departments, such as strings, winds, theory and history, or composition. EAMA focuses on the intellectual development of children through piano performance and on training the ability of students to perform in public. Their classical music repertoire consists of pieces at a high difficulty level. EAMA is affiliated with the International Associations for Musically Gifted Children (IAMGCI) which helps children, ages 3 to 18, to participate in advanced and internationally recognized programs from Pre-K through 12th grade. For this night’s performance, Dr. Oster is proud to present 12 young talents at the age between 6 and 17 years. The artists will perform various pieces, such as Costa Diva from Bellini’s Opera Norma, the Lacrimosa from Mozart’s Requiem and Grande Fantasie de concert on Verdi’s Opera Il Trovatore. Dr. Bella Eugenia Oster, who is the Principal and Professor of Piano Performance of EAMA, has 41 years of experience as a music educator. Thursday January 26 | 7:00 pm | Embassy of Austria | 3524 International Court NW | Washington DC 20008 Admission: $ 50, To purchase tickets and for further information please visit: www.thingstododc.com

Sunday, January 29, 1 - 3 pm
Intermediate Waltz Workshop with Donna & Mike. $15. Instructors Donna Barker & Mike Marcotte. Ballroom Annex, Glen Echo Park. "On Sunday, January 29, Donna and Mike will teach an Intermediate level folk waltz workshop in the Ballroom Annex, Glen Echo Park from 1 - 3 pm - ending just before the Sunday afternoon waltz that day. This class is appropriate for waltzers who are competent with waltz rhythm and footwork and comfortable with the basic half-turn. The instructors will move on from these basics to other figures - free spins, assisted turns, optical illusion, scissors, and more. The workshop will offer tips for effective leading/following so that the transition from the half-turn to these moves is smooth and musical.
No partner is required, and changing partners during the workshop will be encouraged. However, we urge leaders to invite a follower and vice versa to maintain gender balance. PLEASE arrive at 12:45 pm to pay at the door (cash/checks only) so that the workshop will start on time.
The waltz dance that same day runs from 3:30 - 6pm and features Waltzing Stars."

Sunday, January 29, 3 pm
Tamburitzans at Bishop Ireton High School, Alexandria, VA. 877.826.6437. $23, $26, $30.
Saturday, February 11, 7 pm
Tamburitzans at F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre, Rockville, MD. Ticket price $33/$36. $5 discount for senior citizens. For Tikets call 240-314-8690.
[I find the Tamburitzans to be a fabulous group of college kids who sing and dance up a storm. Lots of languages, cultures, costume changes. A wonderful afternoon or evening! -- Carol ] See also on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gQpwyU8-xlo

Wednesday evening, February 15, 2012, 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. An evening lesson in Viennese Waltz taught by Herbert and Carol Traxler is being held in the spacious and elegant ballroom of the Army-Navy Country Club, convenient to #395 in Arlington, Virginia. Instructors are Herbert and Carol Traxler. "This is a good opportunity to refresh your waltz steps, whether you are attending the Western Civilization Ball on February 18th or traveling to Vienna for the ball season. This lesson is also appropriate for beginners as an introductory class, so please bring a friend or colleague. Singles and couples are welcome. A Registration Form with further details is available to download for your use and to share." Dress: Business or Cocktail attire. Soft or leather soled shoes. Jeans and denim will not be permitted in the Clubhouse. Date: Wednesday, February 15 Time: 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. Place: Army-Navy Country Club, 1700 S. Army-Navy Drive, Arlington Virginia. Ample free parking. Cost: $40 per person R.S.V.P. Mrs. Robert Bocek, mbocek@verizon.net, 540-882-4808 Checks should be sent payable to Margaret Bocek, 15383 Loyalty Road, Waterford, Virginia 20197. Directions: From 95/495: Take 395 to Exit 7B ( North Glebe Road ). Stay on Glebe Road for about ½ Mile and make a Right Turn on to 18th Street . 18th Street quickly splits into 18th Street and 17th Road , Bear to the Right, which will be 18th Street and is a residential area. Stay on 18th Street as it will become the entrance to Army Navy Country Club. The Clubhouse is straight ahead. From Washington : Cross the 14th Street Bridge and following the Signs for 395 South. Stay on 395 until Exit 7 ( Glebe Road ). Exiting 395 South, stay in the Right Exit Lane and go to the Traffic Light. At the Traffic Light make a Right Turn on to Glebe Road . Stay on Glebe Road for about ½ Mile and make a Right Turn on to 18th Street . 18th Street quickly splits into 18th Street and 17th Road , Bear to the Right, which will be 18th Street . Stay on 18th Street until you see entrance to Army Navy Country Club. The Clubhouse is straight ahead.

Saturday, February 18, 2012, 8:30-pm - 1:00 am 30th Annual Evening of Viennese Waltzing at the Organization of American States Ballroom , located at Constitution Avenue and 17th Street, NW, Washington, DC. This glorious annual event is sponsored by the Committee for Western Civilization. To request that an invitation be mailed to you, please call Mrs. Robert Schadler at 202-338-3239, or send an email to the Committee for Western Civilization at cwestciv@yahoo.com. Leave a detailed message pronouncing clearly your name and mailing address. Once you receive the invitation, you may request on the reverse side of the Reply Card, seating with friends or singles in your age range. (photos) Held in the magnificent ballroom of the Organization for American States building, this annual Viennese Waltz Ball is a spectacular event that you will long remember! Doors open at 8:30pm, Grand March commences at 9:00 p.m. at the grand staircase. The Ball concludes at 1:00 am with dancing to the Blue Danube Waltz. Evening includes Champagne reception, open bar, a spectacular Viennese dessert buffet (including fruit/cheese, crepes, cordials, coffee/tea) and waltzing to favorite melodies by Strauss, Lehar, Waldteufel and Tchaikovsky performed by the music of Con Brio! full dance orchestra. $180 per person. White Tie (optional).

Saturday, February 18, 2012 - 7pm to midnight
Annual Fasching/Mardi Gras Prize Masquerade Ball of the Washington Saengerbund. Reserve this date to join the people at this festive Costume Prize Masquerade Ball held at the elegant Kena Ballroom, 9001 Arlington Blvd., Fairfax,Va. 22031. Enjoy great live dance music with a wide variety of tunes, including waltzes, polkas, disco, sambas, Karneval, Latin and other ballroom dances. Delicious German food specialties, German and domestic beer and wine, soft drinks, and champagne. Prizes awarded for best costumes (singles, couples and groups), and door prizes.

February (TBA)
Viennese Waltz Lesson by Herbert and Carol Traxler for the International Club of DC in preparation for the ICDC Ball on February 25.

Saturday, February 25, 2012
8th Annual Viennese Ball at the National Museum of Women in the Arts: A Night in Vienna.

Saturday, March 11 at 8:00 pm Sunday, March 12 at 3:00 pm Metropolitan Chorus: Music to Sooth the Soul - Mozart Requiem A choral masterpiece full of drama and power, with the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra featuring Grammy Winner clarinetist Richard Stolzman. Alexandria Choral Society. Metropolitan Chorus.Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall, Alexandria Campus, 3001 North Beauregard Street, Alexandria, VA 22311

Saturday, May 12 at 7:30pm
Metropolitan Chorus: Music to Stir the Soul - Triple B's: Bach, Beethoven and Brahms. Master composers from three different eras. Mount Olivet United Methodist Church of Arlington, 1500 N. Glebe Road, Arlington, VA, 22207

Saturday, April 28, 2012 - AN EVENING WITH STRAUSS. A Benefit Dance for Glen Echo Park featuring OLDE VIENNA with Alexander Mitchell, Elke Baker, Barbara Heitz, Dave Wiesler, Ralph Gordon, 8 pm - Midnight in the Spanish Ballroom, $20

October and November (TBA)
Viennese Waltz Lesson Series by Herbert and Carol Traxler in preparation for the NSAL Ball on November 10.

Saturday, November 10
Viennese Ball by the National Association of Arts and Letters to be held at the Cosmos Club. Details TBA.

November (TBA)
Viennese Waltz Lesson Series by Herbert and Carol Traxler in preparation for the Viennese Christmas Ball.

Traditional Viennese Christmas Ball organized by Margaret Bocek. Details TBA.

December 2012 (TBA)
Beethoven's Birthday Ball to be held at the Silver Spring Civic Center. Featuring: The McLean Symphony performing waltzes for dancing under the baton of Maestro Dingwall Fleary.

For ballroom dance see DCDanceNet.com

For polka opportunities, see the calendar of "Let's Polka."

For Sunday dances, see Waltz Time Dances at Glen Echo Park, organized by Donna Barker and others. Every April there is a very nice Viennese Ball, "An Evening with Strauss" held at Glen Echo's Spanish Ballroom, featuring the Old Vienna orchestra.

For English country, contra, and folk dance, see Folklore Society of Greater Washington.

For info on trips to Vienna for attending the balls, see www.traxlers.org/groups.html as well as the link from www.viennesewaltz.org

Viennese Ball Opening Committee ("Cotillions") have been performing at Viennese balls in Washington since 1997, as described at that page. For information about Viennese balls and similar events, you may sign up for Carol's Viennese waltz e-mail list, at www.traxlers.org/groups.html.

Viennese Ball excellent site by Nelson Bridwell. For ball schedule, click on "Calendar."

Film Programs - ongoing: National Gallery of Art | Library of Congress | Goethe Institut

Visions of Austria online video

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Melissa Müller presented her book "Lost Lives, Lost Art " in 2010 at the Austrian Embassy. A new online database recording 20,000 works of looted art is at http://www.errproject.org/jeudepaume/.

Leslie Huber, author of the new book, The Journey Takers spoke in 2010 at the German-American Historical Museum. The related site is www.thejourneytakers.com.

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