Vienna here we come

In my last blog, I related a story of Ellya Sam Mun Yee the ballerina who ventured into Ballroom Dancing and took part in the Vienna Debutante Ball in October 2008 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Center. I further mentioned that Ellya and partner were selected as one of the top 5 couples invited to dance at the Vienna Opera Ball in Austria in February 2009.

The couple were pleasantly surprised to received a call from a representative of the Austrian Embassy that they were the best couple of the evening. Their prize for being the best couple, the return air tickets to Vienna fully sponsored by the Austrian Embassy and Qatar Airways.

A reception was held at the Qatar Airways office in Kuala Lumpur where His Excellency, The Ambassador of Austria in Malaysia, Dr. Donatus Kocek (L-4th) presented the Air tickets to the couple. Present were Mr Ravi Goonetilleke (L-3rd) the Area Manager of Qatar Airways (Malaysia) with their staff and Madam Emily Lim , Ellya's mother (L-2nd) witnessing the event.

On the 4th of February 2009, a dinner reception was hosted by H.E The Ambassador at his residence in Kenny Hills. A small speech was made thanking all the sponsors of the Kuala Lumpur Vienna Ball event. The official announcement that Jonathan & Ellya were the best couple for the event was also made at the reception. A familiar face, Mr. C.C. Lai the President of the Kuala Lumpur Dancers' Association was also present. The other four couples invited to Vienna to dance at the Vienna Grand Opera Ball were also present at the event. According to H.E. the Ambassador there will be 200 couples making the Grand entrance at the Vienna Opera Ball. When you compare to the 50 couples that participated at the KL Convention Centre it can be quite staggering.

To watch the practice session you have to purchase tickets costing Euros 100 approximately RM 466.00, Ellya's mother lamented that even that, all the tickets has been sold out. Do not even think of watching the Ball, the tickets were sold off a year ago and you can only attend by invitation. To be invited you must be a somebody.

Ellya & Jonathan will be leaving on the 12th of February 2009 and will be in Austria for 2 weeks. I have requested Ellya to keep me up dated on their foray in Vienna by email, particularly their experience at the Vienna Grand Opera Ball. Ellya will be keeping a Vienna diary and will cover the practice sessions, the accommodations, the food, the new friends she has met and made and generally her experience at the most prestigious ball in Europe. She promised me that she will be sending pictures too.

Thank you Ellya.

Photograph courtesy of Qatar Airways