the bbc�*s azaday moshiri has more.practised routines — the elegant nods, the hands above the waist and the excitement of courtship. well, maybe. the legendary ball season dates back to the 19th century. it took various forms as it was open to the general public and notjust austria's aristocrats. today, it's big business. vienna is known for the hundreds of balls it throws every winter, but the covid pandemic shut them down for two years. translation: the ball is not sold out. - of course, we hope for more guests. there are about 2,400 people in the house now. there's space for 3,600, but i still think it's good for the ball. a lot goes into an event like this. the flower ball showcases floral arrangements crafted out of thousands of blossoms, and some of the attendees said they've taken dance lessons every week since september. and with moves like this, it clearly paid off. azaday moshiri, bbc news. let's bring you some live pictures now from luzerath. these are some of the protesters there who have gathered to protest