Thursday, September 13, 2007 at 6:45 PM Rare opportunity to learn ballroom dancing at the Embassy of France Learn how to dance the Viennese Waltz from the Traxlers as it is danced in Vienna, Austria Event Details Prior experience or a dance partner is not needed to sign up! For the first time ever, we are pleased to offer you a series of Viennese Waltz lessons to help you learn and master one of the most elegant and romantic dances in the world just in time for our Masquarade Ball and Anniversary Gala on Saturday October 20.  The series of lessons will culminate in a lesson followed by a Friday-night practice dance party in the ballroom of the French Embassy! The dance lessons will be followed by time to practice what you have learned and meet ICDC members who love to dance. You will also have the opportunity to meet the staff at the French Embassy who will take the lessons with you! What You Will Learn The Viennese waltz lessons include the Viennese waltz (Linkswalzer, Rechtswalzer, hesitation step), posture, dance etiquette, and the Handkuss (hand kiss), as well as an introduction to the Viennese balls and to the Viennese waltz music of the Strauss dynasty and other composers. The Midnight Quadrille (Fledermaus Quadrille) danced at midnight at the balls in Vienna is also taught. No Experience Required. No Dance Partner Needed! Individuals and couples are welcome. No prior dance experience is required. Dancers will change partners frequently throughout the lessons. Once dances or steps are introduced, they are reinforced at subsequent lessons. You may sign up for the entire series of 3 lessons and practice dance party and receive a discount or sign up individually on days that you can attend. We will always cover the basics at the beginning so drop-ins are welcome! Thursday September 13 Session Introduction to Linkswalzer, Linkswalzer with multiple turns, changing directions Lesson and Practice Dace Soiree - Friday September 21 Overview of previous lessons followed by Rechtswalzer - and Linkswalzer with multiple turns. We will conclude with the Fledermaus Quadrille. Learn to Dance in time for the Masquerade Ball The lesson will teach you how to dance the Viennese Waltz just in time for our Masquerade Ball and Anniversary Gala at the National Museum of Women in the Arts on Saturday October 20. Please note that space is very limited and we encourage you to make your reservations early. Dance Instructors Herbert and Carol Traxler The Traxlers are known in the Washington area for their Viennese waltz lessons. They have taught the Viennese waltz to the cotillion of young ladies and gentlemen who performed at the two Viennese Opera Balls in Washington and Balls at Meridian House, as well as to the hundreds of interested Washingtonians who attended their waltz lessons at the Meridian House, the Smithsonian, the National Museum of Women in the Arts, the Austrian Embassy, and the White House. They specialize in teaching the Viennese waltz as it is danced in Vienna, where the object is to flow around the ballroom, turning in each direction, navigating smoothly between the twirling couples. The Traxlers are the founding leaders of the Alpine Dancers. In March 1999 the Traxlers were honored by the Republic of Austria with the Decoration of Merit in Gold for promoting Austrian culture in the USA, especially the Viennese waltz and Austrian folk dance. Requested Attire Business or cocktail attire requested. Dancers should wear comfortable clothing that allows you to take large steps. Men are encouraged to wear shoes with leather or suede soles. Ladies may wear heels or flats but be sure the front of the sole is leather or suede so you may spin easily. It is important for all dancers to bring dance shoes with leather, suede or other smooth soles that allow you to pivot which is especially necessary for Viennese waltzing. Tentative Agenda (Agenda is subject to change) 6:45 PM Admission commences 7:00 PM Viennese Waltz Dance Lesson. Lesson 1 covers dance posture, triple step, hesitation step, introduction to Rechtswalzer, Rechtswalzer with multiple turns 8:15 PM Practice dancing Viennese Waltz with ICDC members The instructors will be on hand to give you advice and answer your questions. 9:00 PM Evening concludes. Tickets and Registration Due to security considerations at the embassy, we are unable to accept walk-ins. You must reserve a ticket in advance to attend this event. Discounted tickets are $20 for a limited time. We expect the dance lessons to sell out. Please reserve your tickets soon to join us for ballroom dance lessons at the Embassy of France. The lessons will be followed by time to practice what you have learned! After a limited time, tickets will be $30. Cancellation Policy Please note that all online ticket sales are final. We are unable to offer cancelations or refunds on online ticket sales. Address La Maison Française 4101 Reservoir Road NW Washington DC 20007 Directions Please call (202) 637 7000 for Metro directions. Additional Event Information & Notes Clothing and Shoes Dancers should wear comfortable clothing that allows you to take large steps. Men are encouraged to wear shoes with leather or suede soles. Ladies may wear heels or flats but be sure the front of the sole is leather or suede so you may spin easily. It is important for all dancers to bring dance shoes with leather, suede or other smooth soles that allow you to pivot which is especially necessary for Viennese waltzing. Please bring a bottle of water with you when you arrive. Please Note: Please note that since the ballroom dance lessons are held at the Embassy of France, the event might be rescheduled due to official embassy events or security considerations. This possibility is however, very unlikely. Nevertheless we kindly request you to check on the ICDC Web site 6 hours before the event to confirm that the lessons will go ahead as scheduled. In the event that the lessons are postponed, your ticket is transferable to the new date or a future dance lesson at the Embassy of France.