IAEA Staff Association Ball
WHEN: Saturday, 7th of Ferbruary 2026
TIME: 19:00 - 5:00
WHERE: Hofburg Imperial Palace, Heldenplatz, 1010, Vienna, Austria
ROOM FOR ARGENTINE TANGO: Radetzky Apartment III (See "Discussion" for maps)
IAEA Staff Association Ball official website:
https://www.iaeastaffassociation.org/
Tickets:
https://www.iaeastaffassociation.org/ball/ticket-information
Tickets are in high demand and typically sell out within just 3–4 hours! To secure your ticket, make sure to purchase it on the first day they go on sale, using a PC with a fast internet connection.
Dress code:
Long evening gown, tail coat (white tie), tuxedo or black suit with bow tie (no tie!)
The dress code at the IAEA (Hofburg Imperial Palace) is highly formal. Men are expected to wear a tailcoat (white tie), a tuxedo or a black suit with bow tie (no regular tie!). Women should wear a long evening gown of any colour; it is highly recommended to avoid white as this colour is reserved for the “debutantes” (an idea for dancing the Argentine tango is to wear a dress as shown in the photographs in "Discussion"). National traditional clothes are also accepted, so if you have an attire representing your national traditions, you're welcome to wear it. However, please double-check with the above official website to avoid any misunderstanding.
TO CONFIRM: PROGRAM for the Argentine tango room is:
Room: Radetzky App. III (first floor)
DJs: TBD
9h30 – 4:00 ARGENTINE TANGO
Here are some recommendations for your attendance at the IAEA Ball:
• Your arrival between 7:00 - 7:30 PM is advisable since the opening ceremony is scheduled to start at approximately 8:00 -8:30 PM.
• Expect a queue at the entrance, given that approximately 3000 - 4000 people are es-timated to attend the Ball.
• Upon your arrival, head to the cloakroom on your left to leave your coat and larger bags and to change from walking shoes to dancing shoes.
• The opening ceremony takes place in the Festsaal on the first floor. Given the ex-pected crowd, aim for a spot in the front row for a better view.
• Once the opening ceremony concludes (around 9:00 - 9:30 PM), various rooms in the palace will open, each featuring a different music genre (e.g. rock n' roll, jazz, disco music etc.). Enjoy exploring the diverse rhythms in each room.
• Please note that the Argentine Tango will begin at approximately 9:30 PM, following the conclusion of the Opening Ceremony, in Radetzky App. III on the first floor.
Argentine tango organised by Argentine Tango @ TU Wien & ISTA Tango
http://tangogroup.eu/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1120801077942656/
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You might also be interested in:
Vienna Ball of Sciences
24.01.2026 TO CONFIRM: Milonga in the context of the Vienna Ball of Sciences (Rathaus)
https://www.facebook.com/events/2938124592995259
TU Ball
29.01.2026 TO CONFIRM: Milonga in the context of the Technical University Ball (Hofburg Imperial Palace)
https://www.facebook.com/events/975504934459388/
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FAQ:
1. Are these events Tango Festivals, Marathons, or Encuentros?
No, these are Viennese Balls, a tradition dating back to 1815. Viennese Balls have been held annually since then, with only two cancellations in history: during World War II and the COVID-19 pandemic.
2. In addition to Argentine Tango, can I dance the Viennese Waltz or other rhythms?
Yes, Viennese Balls typically feature 10 to 20 halls, each offering a different rhythm or style of dance.
3. Once I purchase a ticket, can I enter any hall?
Yes, once you are inside the venue, you are free to explore any hall and dance to whatever music you prefer, from the Viennese Waltz to Argentine Tango, swing to disco. Check the ball’s program for more details.
4. What is the dress code?
The dress code is very strict. Please refer to the website to ensure you meet the requirements, as entry could be denied otherwise.
5. Do I need to join with a partner?
No, you can come on your own. In the tango room, couples change after every tanda, and cabeceo is not necessary.
6. Can I rent a tuxedo or frac?
Yes, Vienna offers many places where you can rent them. A quick online search will help you find many options. We recommend booking in advance, as tuxedos and fracs are in high demand during the ball season.
7. Do I need to reserve a table?
In the tango rooms, a number of seats is available. However, if you prefer to enjoy the Main Hall or any other marvellous room in the Palace, you may want to reserve a table.
8. Can I get drinks and eat inside the venue?
There are several places where you can get drinks and finger food. However, there are no proper restaurants inside the venue.
9. Can I buy a cumulative ticket for both events?
No, events are organised by different entities.
10. What about Balls and Argentine Tango?
Argentine Tango was introduced to Viennese Balls in 2017, marking its debut after 200 years. However, Argentine Tango became part of Buenos Aires Balls (they were called Bailes de Carnaval) already at the beginning of the 1900. If you are interested in exploring the historical background in greater depth, the bibliography offers a list of documents.
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Please the following articles show the historical background.
ENGLISH:
https://www.tangomelbournetangueria.com/blog-tango-classes-lessons-tangomelburnetangueria-sidewalktango/2021/7/17/tango-traditions
https://www.tangovolver.pl/2021/04/09/balls-and-milongas-in-vienna-and-buenos-aires/
https://bautanz.com/2021/04/03/dancers-are-explorers/
http://tangoallison.squarespace.com/blog/2021/3/23/repost-balls-and-milongas-in-vienna-and-buenos-aires-analysis-and-comparison
https://aucklandtango.co.nz/comparison-of-tango-in-vienna-and-buenos-aires/
http://tangogroup.eu/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Balls_and_Milongas_in_Vienna_and_Buenos_Aires_Finale_V4.pdf
http://tangogroup.eu/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Argentine_Tango_has_made_its_debut_in_traditional_Viennese_balls.pdf
Pages: 62-63
https://view.joomag.com/tango-y-cultura-popular-english-edition-tycp-special/0046078001536102039?fbclid=IwAR0rN-cDR2YeV7r1KVvILXY0XNuoZZQ6wI1uBFjwH5Lf6hFeWmWDPV6XIY4
SPANISH:
https://elmontevideanolaboratoriodeartes.blogspot.com/2021/03/stefano-ele-especial-desde-viena.html
http://tangogroup.eu/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Grandes_Bailes_en_Viena_y_en_Buenos_Aires_FINALE_V3.pdf
Pages: 62-63
https://view.joomag.com/tango-y-cultura-popular-english-edition-tycp-special/0046078001536102039?fbclid=IwAR0rN-cDR2YeV7r1KVvILXY0XNuoZZQ6wI1uBFjwH5Lf6hFeWmWDPV6XIY4
ITALIAN:
https://tangoygotan.faitango.it/2020/10/21/gran-balli-e-milonghe/
https://tangoygotan.faitango.it/2019/09/27/il-tango-argentino-ha-fatto-il-suo-debutto-nei-balli-tradizionali/
https://tangoygotan.faitango.it/2019/02/14/il-tango-argentino-a-vienna/
GERMAN:
https://tango-graz.at/rund-um-den-tango/
https://you-tango.com/wiener-baelle-und-tango-in-buenos-aires/
https://75b0118c-2a7e-4201-841c-d24575b61a04.filesusr.com/ugd/1f1f16_6145b154b0ad41d9bbdf2db8f1b1d9cb.pdf
https://www.wissenschaftsball.at/tango-als-wissenschaft/
Pages: 28-29
https://issuu.com/kgloeffelmann/docs/balltotal_2020/28?fbclid=IwAR25jN2pojjGl-F9RjQ3oKf4LS4D0UxQqe8TneIY6CLrYkPj9qw5lHvJpq0
A good cause …
All money raised goes directly towards a special funding, giving financial support to students with children.
https://tuball.htu.at/page/history?lang=en
Looking forward to see you in 2026!
Kind regards,
Stefano
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