The waltz isn’t a dance typically done by college students, but this weekend it will be pretty popular as the Davies Center turns into the 35th annual Viennese Ball.

Jennifer Brockpahler, the Viennese Ball’s artistic director, said planning for the ball is a year-long process, but the end effect is worth it.

“When we open the doors for the ball, we have done our best to convert Davies Center into a mini-Vienna, complete with shops, food and entertainment,” she said. “It shouldn’t be missed.”The Viennese Ball is open to both students and the Eau Claire community. Many rooms of Davies showcase different music styles where attendees can dance. Waltz, big band and polka music plays throughout the night.

Though dancing to the specific styles isn’t mandatory, some take lessons to ensure their fun. Senior Dave Long and junior Bridget Simmons took the Two to Tango lessons on Sunday nights to learn the waltz specifically so they could dance at the ball.

“I didn’t go to the ball for the last three years I’ve been here because I didn’t know how to dance any of these styles,” Long said. “But the Two to Tango lessons really helped, and the instructor even said I was pretty good.”

Simmons said she is excited for the ball because she finally knows how to dance the waltz.

“I can’t wait to show off my mad dance skills,” she said. “I feel more prepared now after the lessons.”

But dancing isn’t the only part of the Viennese Ball.

“It’s a great opportunity to really dress up and dance to live music, but that certainly isn’t the only reason to attend,” Brockpahler said. “Many people don’t dance at all and still manage to have a great time.”

Attendees that don’t dance still have the opportunity to have a fun time, Brockpahler said. There are many different forms of entertainment at the ball.

This includes: The American Bar, a sing- along piano bar, shopping at the Edelweiss Market, where items like candles and jewelry are sold, or venturing into the Memorabilia Room, where the history of the Viennese Ball is displayed. Brockpahler suggests going to Demel’s Café, where German tortes and coffee are served.

While The Viennese Ball is there to entertain, all proceeds go to different scholarships for students. This year 14 scholarships will be awarded. Seven go to senior music students, four go to international students or students with plans to study abroad, and three go to Davies Center student employees with a history of working for the ball.

For those that have never attended, Simmons said it’s worth going to.

“It just has a great atmosphere,” she said. “It’s also really fun to watch other people who actually know how to dance really well.”

Long is also excited to try something new.

“I’ve been hearing about the Viennese Ball for three years now, and I’m just trying to break out of my comfort zone,” he said.

Brockpahler said her favorite part of the ball is seeing the mix of students and community members.

“Everyone pulls together to create an event that I believe is unmatched anywhere else in the region,” she said. “I love to see the students at the ball with their friends and families, just having a great time.”

Tickets are still available for Friday night but Saturday night is sold out.