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Thomas Schäfer-Elmayer

 

On 8th October 2024, the eleventh award ceremony was held in the Marchfelderhof Restaurant, in Deutsch-Wagram. The recipient of the Golden Johann Strauss was Prof. Dkfm. Thomas Schäfer-Elmayer, Head of the renowned and traditional Elmayer Dance School, for his endeavours to preserve the art of dancing the Viennese Waltz.

After the unveiling of the commemorative plaque on the outer wall of the restaurant, the concert band of the Deutsch-Wagram Music School, dressed in their historical uniforms , opened the ceremony in the restaurant’s tapestry hall. The musical programme, consisting of compositions by Johann Strauss, was presented during the six-course meal by Rondo Vienna, an all-female ensemble.

In his keynote speech, Prof. Widholz, President of the Johann Strauss Society of Vienna, emphasized that the famous Viennese Waltz must be professionally taught to the young people of future generations. Having been practised for over 200 years, it is the most famous dance of all time, and epitomizes Austrian cultural heritage. Its preservation is the primary function of Austrian dance schools, above all the widely known Elmayer Dance School, which contributes directly to Austria’s presence on the world stage.

Dkfm. Schäfer-Elmayer expressed his thanks for the accolade and introduced four dancing couples, whom he had invited to join. They danced the sixth tour of the Fledermaus Quadrille and the Kaiserwalzer – both in the award-winner’s own choreographic style. There were also many prominent faces in the audience including Dr.Othmar Karas, the retired First  Vice-President of the European Parliament, with his wife,Christa Karas-Waldheim, Dr.Werner Fasslabend,Federal Minister and First President of the Austrian National Council, with his wife Martina Fasslabend, Prof.Werner Resel, retired Chairman of the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, Oberst Prof.Mag. Bernhard Heher, Head of  Military Music and Guard Band Master, Trixi Schuba, European and World Champion as well as  Olympic Champion in figure skating 1972, the magician Magic Christian , intendants Bernd Roger Bienert and Ks. Clemens Unterreiner (Opera Burg Gars) and the actress Edith Leyrer, that is just to mention but a few of the honoured guests present that evening.

The crowning conclusion was formed by Elmayer’s iconic words „ Alles Walzer“. Many prominent guests  took to the dance floor and danced to the  sounds of the Blue Danube.

The award ceremony evoked avid media interest, and was even associated with the coining of a new term,“Walzer Oscar“. In addition, TV 21 Austria perfectly captured the celebratory mood of the award ceremony.

 

 

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