History

The Russian Ethnic Representative Council of Victoria (RERC) has been hosting balls for more than twenty years. It is a community event which promotes Russian presence in Australia by bringing our community and its cultural and business partners together. Representatives from State and Federal Governments, Russian diplomats, business and community leaders join RERC to celebrate the historical and cultural diversity of our Balls. 

This year, Grand Ball celebrates its 21st Birthday
and invites everyone to join the festivities!

St Vladimir's Grand Ball is one of the events which keeps the spirit of the Russian community and culture alive here in Melbourne, showcasing a range of Russian artistic talents in the cultural performing arts. Ballroom dancing skills are not a prerequisite – all who love music and dancing look forward to a magnificent evening of entertainment – an explosion of sights and sounds to enchant both the young and the young at heart!

The first St Vladimir’s Grand Ball was held in 1991 in Tudor Court Reception. The Ball was named in honor of St Grand Prince Vladimir, or “Shining Light”, as the Russian people called him. We remember Grand Prince Vladimir as the person who introduced and disseminated the Orthodox Faith. Orthodoxy in Kievan Russia brought with it the light of spiritual culture, beauty, books, education, craft and art. Russian literature and music had its start here. St Vladimir himself was known for his Slavic high-spiritedness; he enjoyed games, celebrations and festivals.

Honouring the enlightener of the Russian land, RERC held its Ball for many years on the Friday closest to 28th of July, which is the Feast-day of the equal-to-the-Apostles St Grand Prince Vladimir. In fact, the importance of 28th July is now celebrated as an official Public Holiday in Russia.

It has become customary that individuals, who have made outstanding contributions to the Russian community throughout the year, be honored at St Vladimir’s Grand Ball with a special Honorary Award. You can view a list of recipients of the Honorary Awards by clicking here.

Past Balls

2012 – War & Peace

The French invasion of Russia of 1812 (also known as the Patriotic War of 1812) was a turning point in history, resulting in Leo Tolstoy’s epic novel “War & Peace”, Tchaikovsky’s 12th Overture and other internationally acclaimed works of art and literature. 200 years later, RERC is proud to bring you “WAR & PEACE” as the theme of the 2012 St Vladimir’s Grand Ball, to celebrate the Victory of Peace.

Experience the beauty and excitement of a Napoleonic era Russian ball, as it was during imperial times: in imperial greatness and luxurious splendour. To let the epoch that inspired some of the world’s greatest masterpieces capture your imagination, we invite you to join us in re-creating Tolstoy’s War & Peace!

For more information: Ball website

2011 – Firebird – a Russian Fairytale

This enchanting theme was selected for a special reason – 2011 celebrated the 50th Anniversary of Yuri Gagarin’s world-first manned flight into space in 1961. Man’s fascination with exploration into space has fuelled the wildest imagination of people all over the world. Yuri Gagarin’s flight saw the rebirth of hope and belief that anything – even what seems just a “fantasy” – is possible!

It can be said that exploring the world of fantasy started with the telling of magical fairytale stories to children in all corners of the world.

And so these two “fantasies” were merged to form the theme of the

“Firebird – a Russian Fairytale”.

The ball was held at the Plaza Ballroom, Regent Theatre in Melbourne.

For more information: Ball Website

2010 - The Enchanting Waltz - Grand Spring Ball

Celebrating Spring in all her beauty and color

2008 – Winter Masquerade

Just as the Russian winter masks the countryside in a blanket of snow and crystals, we invite you to sparkle in the magic of a Winter Masquerade Ball

ANSWERS TO FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is the deadline for bookings?

Please finalise all ticket purchases by 7 September 2013

Tickets are $160 per Guest or $150 per Guest when booking a table of 10-12

(limited number of tables of 12)

There will be no ticket sales at the door.

EARLY BOOKINGS ADVISED

Tickets are to be presented on arrival to be eligible for Lucky Guest Prizes.

Please phone the Hotline 0448 100 929 to book.

What food and beverages will be served?

As you can imagine, The Regent Theatre offers an extensive and exclusive dining menu at top rates.

Just to give you an idea: at last year’s Grand Ball, canapés were served with pre-dinner drinks in the foyer. At the table, entrée was duck parfait, Veneto salami, ciabatta and candied chilli. This was followed by choice of 2 mains (grilled fillet of blue eye or seared Asian-style duck with sauce of ginger, orange and palm sugar and a sald of cranberry and witlof. The dessert included a trio of: shot glass of honey and chamomile infused fresh fruit and a pearl of raspberry sorbet + cappuccino mousse in chocolate + banoffi pie served with white chocolate mousse. Then coffee and tea with homemade petit fours.  Both red and white Australian and New Zealand wines were served throughout dinner.

You can expect similar sumptuous fine wine and dining to be served at this year’s Grand Ball.

Will any entertainment be provided?

As at previous St Vladimir Grand Balls, there will be live traditional Russian dancers, singers and musicians performing during the evening for the enjoyment of guests of all ages and backgrounds. And of course, you will be entertained by Surprise Guest Appearances!

What is the dress code?

St Vladimir’s Grand Ball is the only formal and truly spectacular ball organised for our Russian community. It is a unique, once a year Event in the best venues in Melbourne, attended also by parliamentary and Russian Embassy dignitaries as special guests, and even televised by SBS & Channel 31.

Therefore, formal dress is required: long evening ballgowns for the ladies and black tie for the gentlemen. As these Balls have a DIFFERENT THEME EACH YEAR, it is more enjoyable and interesting to dress in an appropriate theme costume or mask. Prizes for BEST COSTUME will be awarded.

What is the usual age group of guests at the Grand Ball?

The Grand Balls are always enjoyed by all age groups with any dancing skills. It’s the ideal Ball for our young people to attend, especially those who’ve already been to a Debutante Ball as they will really enjoy the ballroom dancing as well as all the glamour and excitement of a Grand Ball. Our older citizens will feel re-born and re-energised as they allow themselves to be swept away by the magic of the Ball and their own beautiful memories.

Will there be only Ballroom Dancing?

The dancing at our Grand Balls is not strictly professional ballroom – anyone who loves music and dance will love coming out onto the dance floor and dancing to their heart’s content – or even sitting in comfort and watching from the sidelines!

Thank you for your enquiries. Please feel free to email us or explore our website for more information.

We would love to inspire both the youth and those who are young at heart to catch the Russian Spirit and soar with it into the future! All are welcome!