Vienna  - Fewer top managers than in previous years were among the guests at Thursday night's opening of the 2009 Vienna Opera Ball, as the glittering event was overshadowed by the gloomy economic climate.

In addition to commenting on which managers were not attending the prestigious ball at the Vienna State Opera, society reporters focused on actress Nicollette Sheridan, one of the stars in the US television series Desperate Housewives.

"This is like a fairytale come true," the British-born actress told Austrian broadcaster ORF.

Dressed in a ruffled champagne gown, Sheridan said she was especially impressed by opera's young ballet students, who put on an energetic, barefoot performance at the opening of the ball.

In the midst of the global economic and financial downturn, which has led to layoffs and restructuring measures at Austrian companies, several business leaders chose not to be seen dancing in tailcoats on Thursday.

Among the notable absences were Frank Stronach, Austrian-born founder of Magna International Inc, one of the world's biggest car parts suppliers.

Although the ball was attended by few celebrities this year, some classical music stars including Japanese conductor Seiji Ozawa and Mexican tenor Ramon Vargas took part in the event.

Going along with the current mood of the times, organizers put some down-to-earth touches on the traditional ball, which coincides with the 140th anniversary of the opera house.

At midnight, debutantes let loose on the main dance floor as classical waltzes gave way to Yiddish songs and Roma music.

To ensure that everyone was prepared for a ball taking place in a tougher economy, Austria's Mister Manners Thomas Schaefer-Elmayer had even put down some new etiquette rules: don't talk about the financial crisis, don't show off flashy jewels, choose a low-key dress.

Fiona Pacifico Griffini-Grasser, an heiress to the Swarovski crystal glass fortune, seemed to have taken one of the tips to heart. Her simple black gown was a 25-year-old Valentino dress. (dpa)