The opening of the ball was truly impressive: guests heard welcoming remarks from Olga Viktorovna Petrova, Deputy Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation, witnessed a solemn procession of debutants from more than 35 countries, and enjoyed a Russian dance from the ballet «Swan Lake».
The ceremony also featured:
a performance of the National Anthem of Russia by the international choir of RUDN University, accompanied by the orchestra of the International Ball Association (IBA);
recitations of poems by Pushkin and Lermontov;
an aria from the opera «Prince Igor»;
the famous romance «Ochi Chyornye» («Dark Eyes»).
The opening ceremony concluded with a dance by 54 debutants to «Russian Waltz» by D. Shostakovich.
Under the guidance of dance masters Yulia and Mikhail Gribov, the ball’s dance programme unfolded: first, guests immersed themselves in the atmosphere of classical dances — the Viennese waltz, tango, quadrille, and polka‑galop — followed by the vibrant rhythms of Latin American and jazz styles: swing, cha‑cha‑cha, merengue, and salsa.