A night of Austrian waltzing tradition to the soundtrack of the great entertainers awaits at the 41^stKaiserball on 31 December 2010. This year’s event, themed “That’s Entertainment”, promises well-loved melodies from artists including Frank Sinatra and Robbie Williams. Also Maya Hakvoort, who played the leading lady in the Austrian musical “Elisabeth”, will perform at midnight.

Austrian ball tradition also has a major part to play. The Colloredo Grenadiers will welcome guests at the entrance in line with traditional military ceremonial, the Elmayer dance school debutants committee will open with the traditional Fan Polonaise. The imperial couple Franz Joseph and Sisi will wish guests “Prosit Neujahr” (Happy New Year), while the dulcet tones of the Blue Danube waltz will provide a swinging start to the New Year. And ballgoers can also dance the night away until 3.30 am, with a particular highlight coming at 1.15 am when the floor is opened for a quadrille. This traditional dance will be moderated by Manfred Zehender, one of the dancers from the popular television show Dancing Stars.

Young people and the young at heart can dance to the disco sounds on offer at the “Tanzpalast bei Hof” and music from the eight live bands which move between the larger ball rooms. Culinary treats come courtesy of Catering’s Best by InterContinental. Guests can choose between a four-course gala dinner or sumptuous buffet. Cocktails are served in specially commissioned Kaiserball champagne flutes which visitors are free to take home as a memento of their evening.

More information, including admission prices www.kaiserball.com.