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The Ball of Dreams |
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The Ball of Dreams
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This ball of the Russsolo Family is originally inspired on the historical role of the Courtesans*. Courtesans were refined, educated, intelligent, free women who lived privileges denied to others. They met with royals, ambassadors and noble men...… During this exclusive evening for 100 guests in the Palazzo Contarini you will be welcomed with a cocktail and appetizer. The dinner will be served in the majestic, traditional dining room of the Palazzo . During the 'aperitivo' and dinner there will be several performances inspired by magic and dreams. This unforgettable night will end with an after party with modern music (DJ).
*This ball used to be the Courtesan Ball, but Google sees 'courtesan' as a 'dirty' word. So the name had to change to stay findable.... |
I Felt Like a Princess!
Giulia sent pictures of the costumes before we arrived and we got to pick which one we wanted. It was hard to decide because they were all so beautiful. The costumes were delivered to our hotel the day before the ball and were picked up from the hotel the day after the ball. Included were a purse, earrings, necklace and a cape in case it was chilly. And they were all beautiful!! The headpieces that went with the costume were exquisite. I can't say enough about my experience. It was like a dream!
Rachirach on Tripadvisor
Enchanting, intriguing, magical
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TicketsDream ticket (€ 500):
Dream package (€ 750): Dream ticket + historical costume from the regular collection Luxury package (€ 750 + € 200 supplement): Dream ticket + historical costume from the luxury collection Super luxury package (€ 750 + € 300 supplement): Dream ticket + historical costume from the extra luxury collection The dress code for the Ball of Dreams is historical costume with mask. Evening dresses or tuxedos are not allowed during the main event. |
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You can also attend the after dinner party only (€ 150) :
This is a disco party, there are no performances, but you can admire the costumes of the guests of the Ball. |
Open bar
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Dress code
Historical dresses designed by Giulia Russolo
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The dress code for the Ball of Dreams is historical costume with mask. Evening dresses and tuxedos are not allowed.
We advise you to choose a package. Renting a costume including all accessories is often more costly than the extra € 250 you pay for wearing the sophisticated dresses and costumes Giulia Russolo has designed for Sogno Veneziano Atelier. For hygienic reasons masks can't be rented, only bought. Mrs Russolo prides herself in dressing you as beautifully as possible. Make sure you are in time in Venice for the fitting. Don't forget to plan a photo shoot! |
An impression of the Ball of Dreams in 2019
Courtesans in Venice
There were two different classes of courtesans in Venice in the 16th century: the cortigiana onesta (courtisan of honour), the intellectual courtesan, and the cortigiana di lume (courtisan of candle light), prostitutes without much education. One of the most famous intellectual courtisans was Veronica Franco. She lived in Venice from 1546 to 1591. Being a daughter of a courtisan, Veronica wanted to marry a respectable, wealthy man. The marriage ended badly and in order to support herself, Veronica had to become a 'cortigiana'. She was consort of some of the most powerful notables and even had a liaison with Henry III, King of France. Her eternal fame did not come from her profession though, she was a succesful poet. She published books of letters, several anthologies and two volumes of poetry. She regularly visited the informal academic “salons” where concerts, debates and discussions on poetry would take place. Women were forbidden to attend universities. Soon she had earned enough money to stop being a courtisan. After two years outside of Venice because of the plague, she came back to discover her possessions were gone. To make things worse she was brought to trial by the Venetian Inquisition on accusation of practicing magical incantations in her home. She won the trial, but died impoverished some years later.
Veronica Franco
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When we too are armed and trained, we can convince men that we have hands, feet, and a heart like yours; and although we may be delicate and soft, some men who are delicate are also strong; and others, coarse and harsh, are cowards. Women have not yet realized this, for if they should decide to do so, they would be able to fight you until death; and to prove that I speak the truth, amongst so many women, I will be the first to act, setting an example for them to follow. |
Drawing by Veronica Franco
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