Debutantes dazzle as they are introduced into society at the Vienna Opera Ball.

All white on the night! Debutantes dazzle as they are introduced into society at the Vienna Opera Ball, while Brooke Shields attends as the date of Austrian billionaire Richard Lugner, 83 In the past, reality star Kim, who is now married to rapper Kanye West, and model-turned-actress Carmen Electra, have both accompanied the billionaire to the glamorous event, which sees some of Austrian society's most eligible young women making their debut as adults. The 18-24 year olds spend weeks rehearsing for their opening dance, which lasts just four minutes, and tensions certainly run high backstage which is captured in this candid behind-the-scenes photoseries. But while the moment is fleeting, it is also hugely popular - hundreds of thousands of people tune in to watch the dance played out from living rooms across the globe. The event's 60th edition is set to open on Thursday evening with a performance by renowned tenor Placido Domingo. The celebrity guest list features American actress Brooke Shields and former Playboy model Pamela Anderson, who will rub shoulders with Austria's political elite, including Chancellor Werner Faymann. In the UK, these traditions have been almost entirely forgotten, but Vienna's long history with balls means that it still a large part of becoming an adult in Austria. Although the Opera Ball is the best known, with tickets starting at £220 and a box as much as £16,300, the city hosts more than 450 of them every year. They include the Pharmacists’ ball, Lawyers’ ball, Coffeemakers ball - and even a weightlifters’ ball. JOIN VSP GROUP PARTNER PROGRAM: https://youpartnerwsp.com/en/join?98706