Metro

Tuesday July 3, 2007

Having a ball of a time

By THO XIN YI
Photos by AZLINA ABDULLAH

Sheer elegance: The debutantes make a stunning appearance in the ballroom.
THE Viennese Ball, usually held in the heart of Europe, was transported to the streets of Kuala Lumpur recently.

And, instead of being purely Austrian, it was drizzled with a dose of Malaysian culture.

Fun times: The debutantes enjoying themselves on the floor with their partners.
Dressing in dazzling ball gowns, about 550 guests at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC) were ready for a sensory experience in an elegant old Viennese setting and lavish ambience.

During the evening cocktails, guests were entertained by a string quartet from Ann Perreau’s Music Studios, playing music composing of both Malaysian and European melodies.

Dancers from Aswara also dazzled the guests with Mengadap Rebab, which is traditionally performed before royalty.

Later, guests were served a four-course dinner paired with wines specially flown in from Austria.

They were also given the chance to enjoy a fashion showcase by local designer Datuk Tom Abang Saufi and a jewellery showcase from Korloff Paris.

Finally, the highlight of the ball - the opening ceremony performed by 40 debutantes and their partners - kicked off after dinner.

Donning long white gowns and long white gloves, the debutantes became the centre of attention while they swayed elegantly with young men in tailcoats and white gloves.

Accompanying them were the 20-piece Viennese orchestra under the baton of Prof Helmut Steubl, opera and ballet performances by Harald Baluch, Sarah Millner, Michael Wagner and Brigitta Karwautz.

The fusion of two cultures made the ball one-of-a-kind, leaving long-lasting impressions on everyone who was present.

“Finally, our dream is realised in a marvellous way. Culture knows no borders.

Thanks: Dr Koeck presenting a souvenir to the event's patron, Tunku Naquiyuddin.
“This evening transports Austrian culture here while also displaying Malaysian music, dances and fashion,” said Austrian ambassador Dr Donatus Koeck.

Patron Tunku Naquiyuddin Tuanku Ja’afar said it was nice to see everyone dressing up for the special occasion.

He added that he enjoyed himself while watching the debutantes and their partners walking confidently on the dance floor.

One of the debutantes, Hua Sia Yen, 27, described the evening as “definitely great, stunning and exciting” and she was most happy about her performance.

A clearly overwhelmed Osama Jamshaid, 22, admitted that he was nervous at the beginning, but it had all turned out amazing.

Floor show: Guests joining the debutantes in dance.
“We have done our best,” he said, grinning from ear to ear.

This cross-cultural event was organised as the Austrian Embassy wanted to celebrate Malaysia’s 50th anniversary of independence and Visit Malaysia Year 2007.

It was organised by the Austrian Embassy with sponsorship by many corporations like the BMW Group, KLCC, Renaissance Kuala Lumpur, VAMED, EON Bank, Siemens, Austrian Airlines, etc.

The Star and Astro were the supporting media for this event.

All proceeds from the evening would go to WWF and Yayasan Tunku Naquiyuddin.

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