The Ball of Dreams

This second 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 like to be invited

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

Tickets

The guest listof the Ball of Dreams is complete for 2019.

Dream ticket (€ 380):

Entry to the Palace at 20:00 h.
Welcome cocktail with appetizer
Dinner at 21.30 h.
Entertainment with international artists
After party (disco) with open bar from 23:00 h.
After dinner menu
Water taxi on demand

Dream package (€ 580):
Dream ticket + full historical costume

The dress code for the Ball of Dreams is period costume with mask.
Evening dresses or tuxedos are not allowed.

I like to be invited

You can also choose to attend the after dinner party only (€ 150) :

Entry to the Palace 23.00 h.
Disco with open bar
After dinner menu (pastries, bisquits, chocolate)

Dress code: black tie/evening dress or period costume with mask

I like to be invited

Open bar

Historical dresses designed by Giulia Russolo

Dress code

The dress code for the Ball of Dreams is period costume with mask. Evening dresses and tuxedos are not allowed.

We advise you to choose the € 580 package. Renting a costume including all accessories is often more costly than the extra € 200 you pay for wearing the sophisticated dresses and costumes Giulia Russolo has designed for Sogno Veneziano Atelier. For hygienic reasons masks cannot be rented, only bought. Mrs Russolo prides herself in dressing you as beautifully as possible. Don't forget to plan a photo shoot!

tips for romantic hotels

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

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.

Veronica Franco

Drawing by Veronica Franco