It seems like an impossible task to write about the indescribable experience that was the TU Ball!
Throughout my entire life, the concept of a ball had an ethereal aura of yesteryear that I had only seen in the movies or had read about in passing. Now, with my research on the financial goings-on of opera houses, I caught myself considering balls as another revenue or expense category on the balance sheet rather than a lavish event overflowing with history and tradition. Merely finding myself walking past the Hofburg during the orientation in September had already been a dream in and of itself. But then, entering the building months later—in a ballgown no less—and stepping foot into the ornate rooms and halls was an unforgettable moment. When I looked up at the ceiling, the glittering lights of the chandelier and the intricate frescos were spellbinding.
To be in such a famous landmark attending this historical event; to see the attendees dressed so elegantly; to be surrounded by the sounds of the music, by the movements of the dancers—I felt transported back in time. I was afforded a new—and more immersive—perspective with regards to an event that encapsulated so many differing layers. From the silent disco room to the room with traditional music playing, each space was an unreckoned sensorial experience; it felt as if I was in an arcane realm, especially by way of the music and dancing. And the Festsaal! I was, unfortunately, not able to watch the opening ceremony. But, hours later, it was a beautiful experience to observe the attendees waltzing about, to witness the midnight quadrille and the playful chaos that ensued.
Reflections on the 2023 TU Ball
24 February 2023Following the 2023 TU Ball, we asked current program participant Alice Lee to share her experience at the ball.
By Alice Lee
The brunch on the next day (or rather, several hours later) was as enriching! It was moving to listen to Hermann Agis, the executive director of Fulbright Austria, share his personal connections to the TU Ball and to learn about the long-standing history of the event. And it was also a great pleasure to hear Dr. Christine Schwarz’s kind and encouraging thoughts and musings. The embrace between the two was heartwarming. And it further strikes me how close and community-oriented Fulbright Austria—and the greater Fulbright community—is, from the initial steps of registering for the event, to arriving at the Hofburg, to the brunch. Even at the institute where I am currently based, my colleagues (who have their own personal ties to the Fulbright Program!) kindly encouraged me to attend and gave me recommendations for dresses. Thank you to the Fulbright Austria team for your help with the registration process. Huge thanks to the kind Fulbrighters I met at the ball and the brunch. I am so grateful for your camaraderie and warmth; thank you for the laughs and cool stories, for fixing my wonky eyeliner, for the pep talks during photo ops. You are amazing! I am touched by the support that has been given to me.
Christine Schwarz, who organizes the annual ball, and Hermann Agis, the executive director of Fulbright AustriaIn spite of the excitement I felt, I was initially a bit hesitant to register for the TU Ball. I felt too nervous and shy; since I’m not based in Vienna, it was not possible to attend the waltz lessons; perhaps the travel to-and-from Graz would be too tight schedule-wise. But ultimately, I am so glad to have stepped out of my comfort zone. Thank you to Fulbright Austria, Dr. Christine Schwarz, and the Austrian Fulbright Alumni association for allowing this incredible experience. I will never forget it!
Alice Lee is a 2022–23 US Fulbright student living in Graz. Portrait courtesy of Alice Lee. See our Facebook page for photos from the 2023 TU Ball and photos from the post-ball brunch.