Comedian Dr. Bohl wows at opera ball casting with girlfriend!

Comedian Dr. Bohl wows at opera ball casting with girlfriend!

On October 11, 2025 it was announced that the renowned Vienna Opera Ball will take place on February 11, 2026. Preparations for this social highlight of the Vienna ball season are already in full swing. This year around 600 young couples applied for the opening committee - 100 more than last year. This development shows the clear trend that the Opera Ball is getting younger and younger.

In order to select the 160 couples who will ultimately dance, it is important that the applicants have a good sense of tact and tradition. Female applicants should be between 18 and 25 years old, while men can be up to 29 years old. Around half of the applicants also appeared in person in front of the jury in the Gustav Mahler Hall. The comedian was also among them Paul Bohl, known as Dr. Bohl and prominent through his participation in “Dancing Stars”. He would like to open with his girlfriend Léa, which would make rehearsals more pleasant for him.

The jury and the level of the applicants

The jury that evaluates the applications consists of the professional dancer Maria Angelini-Santner, her brother Christoph Santner and the opera ball organizer Susanne Athanasiadis. The jury praised the impressive level and ambition of the young dancers and will announce the final selection in the coming weeks. The 2026 Opera Ball promises to present a particularly young, elegant and dance-loving opening.

The Vienna Opera Ball has a long tradition that dates back to 1814. The first ball in the opera house took place in 1877. It is considered one of the highlights of the Vienna Carnival season, which is held annually on the Thursday before Ash Wednesday in the Vienna State Opera. The ball attracts heads of state and prominent figures, but is not just limited to the local elite. The Opera Ball has also achieved great international fame and is known for its extravagant ball culture.

A captivating experience for everyone

In 2026, the Opera Ball will begin at 10 p.m. with the ceremonial entry of the Austrian President and his guests. The evening includes impressive artistic performances by the State Opera Ballet and traditionally begins with the opening waltz “On the Beautiful Blue Danube”. The event is a top-class social event that brings together 5,150 ball guests on site and also reaches millions of viewers through the TV broadcast. In an atmosphere full of elegance, the ball guests are expected to wear floor-length evening dresses and tailcoats.

Over 500 people involved in the process of converting the auditorium into a ballroom ensure everything runs smoothly. The conversion takes around 30 hours, while dismantling takes another 21 hours. The Opera Ball is therefore not only a feast for the senses, but also a logistical masterpiece that fascinates with its attention to detail.

Further information, reservations and tickets are available on the Vienna State Opera website. History and elegance come together in this unique event, which impressively represents Viennese culture. The Vienna Opera Ball remains a fascinating symbol of cultural life in the city and will continue to attract dancers and guests from all over the world in future years.