Last Saturday, the Clarendon community came alive with vibrant glamour and boundless fun at the Black Tie to Bollywood Ball. Held at the stunning Ballarat Mining Exchange, this year’s ball was our biggest and most memorable yet, celebrating the spirit and togetherness of our community.
Organised by the Friends of Performing Arts (FoPA), all funds raised will make a significant difference to Performing Arts students’ experiences at Clarendon. Thanks to the invaluable insights and inspiration provided by our parents who were able to source and create key elements such as henna painting and rangoli, enriching our community with their vibrant cultural heritage.
Our students were the shining stars of the evening. From the Hamish McDougall Jazz Ensemble, Barry Currie Stage Band and guest singer Shanae (Year 11), the students added a touch of style and sophistication. FEET energised the crowd with their contemporary and Motown vibes and the Bollywood floorshow dances were particularly remarkable, showcasing incredible choreography and beautiful costumes.
Annriya (Year 10) expressed her excitement about performing Bollywood dance, “I was really excited to perform upbeat Bollywood dancing to the Clarendon community. It was a new experience and I am glad I took the opportunity. I loved expressing our cultural richness and vibing with the music.”
FoPA did an exceptional job organising this year’s ball. President of FoPA, Kate Clarke shared her gratitude, “We heard ‘WOW’ all evening! The decorations, the authentic Bollywood theme and the support from local suppliers and volunteers all contributed to a fantastic event.”
“My favourite part of the ball was seeing all of the colourful decorations and witnessing the culture come to life,” said Clarie (Year 11).
Special thanks also go to the Mining Exchange’s technical team, who transformed the venue with custom drapes, creating perfect acoustics and an intimate, on-theme effect.
The sense of community and inclusivity at the ball was palpable. Head of Marketing and Community Relations, Mardi Richardson praised the event saying, “There was such a wonderful sense of community and inclusivity. Everybody looked like they were having a wonderful time. The setup of the Mining Exchange was extraordinary!”
Kate also highlighted the connections made throughout the evening, “Everyone left their roles at the door and connected on a personal level. The generosity of spirit was incredible. I was loaned a beautiful saree, learned some Bollywood moves and was surrounded by pride, enthusiasm and laughter.”
Alice (Year 11) shared her experience, “Performing with my bandmates and doing a Bollywood-style dance was so much fun. The audience loved it and I had a blast working with my friends.”
The Black Tie to Bollywood Ball was more than just an event. It was a night of celebration, community and cultural richness, a testament of what we can achieve together. This event would not have been possible without the incredible support from our community. Thank you to everyone who attended, donated and volunteered. Your generosity has a tangible impact on our students’ experiences. We look forward to many more memorable events together!