A Fairytale-like Viennese Experience for Exchange Student Senna van Litsenburg

A grand ballroom in Vienna, full of splendor, with people dancing the waltz. No, this isn’t a scene from a Sissi movie, but a Saturday night in the life of Senna van Litsenburg, a bachelor’s student in International Business Administration. ‘A gala dress must meet certain requirements here.’

It almost feels like a fairytale—the enormous ballroom at the Hofburg Palace in Vienna. ‘The fancy balls in Austria really attracted me,’ says Senna van Litsenburg (21) during a video call. This was one of the reasons why the International Business Administration student went to Vienna last September for her exchange program.

Expensive Tickets

But once in Vienna, getting into a ball isn’t that simple. How did she manage to make it happen? ‘You can buy tickets, but they’re not cheap. Renting a seat at a table normally costs 200 euros.’

‘Luckily, student dances are also organized. The tickets for those are 55 euros each, which is much more affordable.’

A Partner with Waltz Experience

In Austria, Senna also meets her boyfriend, an Austrian who’s long been familiar with the elegant balls at the Hofburg Palace. ‘If you study at WU (Vienna University of Economics and Business), you can organize a ball with your student association.’

Senna and her boyfriend are both studying at WU at that time, so they decide to check out the ball together. He’s experienced in the waltz, while she isn’t.

Now that Senna knows she can enter the Hofburg Palace, she still needs to find a dress. Luckily, there’s a gala shop on every corner in Vienna. And that’s convenient, because the dress has to meet certain standards. For example, your feet and knees must not be visible.

From Heels to Sneakers

Senna makes sure to arrive at the palace not only in style but also well on time so she can take in everything. ‘First, the debutants open the evening with a waltz in the most beautiful room of the palace. It’s very impressive. People from Vienna and the surrounding area can all dance the waltz; it’s customary here to learn it.’

After the opening dance, everyone is free to hit the dance floor. ‘The waltz is mainly danced, but there are also options for people who aren’t as familiar with it. Smaller rooms offer disco or jazz music.’

Senna swaps her heels for a pair of sneakers, ready to join the dance herself. In Vienna, students also know how to enjoy themselves, as the ball, according to Senna, lasts until five in the morning.

Studying is Free

‘It’s truly a special experience. And also funny because of the stark contrast. You see all the wealthy people enjoying luxurious appetizers, like caviar and truffles, while the students sneak off to McDonald’s to avoid the expensive food.’

Senna enjoyed the dance so much that she’s now craving more. ‘I’m considering doing my master’s in Vienna as well.’ The benefits? ‘Studying here is free, and I could even open one of those balls myself.’