The semester is finally over! And for some of us that means a nice, chill holiday before the next semester starts again or finding a job and getting ready for graduation. But before the coming future of endless possibilities begins, MUSA Activities put together one last huzzah for Monashians. A night of fun-filled activities and magical splendor, where all students can immerse themselves in the underwater world of Atlantis. 

Once the elevator doors open to the Andaman Grand Ballroom floor, you’re immediately greeted by students dressed in their beautiful flowing dresses or stylish formal tuxes. Girls adorn varying shades of blues and whites, from sparkles to silk, stunning and ready for the ball. Guys in their formal tuxes are also ready, chatting with their friends or taking photos for the girls. The hubbub of the guests adds to the glittering atmosphere. 

Before the night kicked off, MUSA Activities opened the award nominations for the night where guests got to vote for who would be the Emperor, Empress, Best Dressed, Best Couple, and Best Table of the ball. These awards would be announced later on in the night where the nominated individuals would get on stage and guests would get to know them before the voting began. There was also a scheduled fashion show later in the night to present the few nominated for best dressed at the ball. 

Soon the gates to Atlantis started to open, everybody couldn’t wait to enter. The spectacularly well-decorated ceiling, illusions of arches and pillars with floating shimmering lights and glowing doves. Showering the ballroom with midnight blue lights allowed for an immersive experience. It was truly a sight to behold, the overall decorations added so much to the theme and the overall festivities. 

As the night began, there was a light show presented by Andaman themselves, an exciting flashing of lights and upbeat music set the tone for the evening. It wasn’t long before guests were allowed access to the buffet. Though slightly messy and some tables unsure whether they could approach the buffet, everything continued on smoothly. 

On a slightly personal note, this would be my last article for MONGA as I will be graduating. Over the years, I have written several MONCH articles and fully enjoyed the experience in doing so. Therefore, allow me this opportunity to delve in a short review of the food served at the Monash Ball. 

At first glance, the menu provided on the tables promised a selection of dishes, though some of these stand out more than others such as the lychee shrimp balls with cheese and the braised bean curd with black truffle, mushroom and bonito flakes. So it’s probably no surprise to anyone when I say that those two dishes ended up being my favourites of the night. Some honorable mentions would be the deep fried soft shell crab and the luohanzhai (buddha’s delight, plate of steamed veggies in sauce) for balance. Overall, the food was satisfactory and kept everyone full and energised for the whole night. 

Throughout the night, guests were well entertained by the several performances from the Monash Chamber Orchestra, Nyana and Crystal, and Sixth Sense. With their melodic instruments and harmonious voices, like sirens in the palace of Atlantis, one couldn’t help but sway along to the tunes. While many enjoyed the entertainment inside the ballroom, some guests were making their way outside where a photobooth was set up. With their phones out and their camera app on the ready, more and more guests became busy, walking around the inside and outside of the ballroom snapping the perfect photo amongst the gorgeous atlantic decor.

As the night approached its end, the fashion show began and voting for the nominations came to a close. While some people were making their way to the exit, all partied out for the night, there were many whose night had just begun. DJ Alexis Grace made her way to the stage and not long after music started blasting at full volume and guests started getting up off their seats and making their way to the bottom of the stage, gathering among the crowd. 

While I wish Atlantis could stay open forever, all good things must come to an end. After a night filled with fun, friends, and gorgeous Atlantic decor, the night slowly came to a close. Despite its slightly low turn out, MUSA Activities really outdid themselves with the abundance of dazzling decorations and keeping everything on theme. This was my first time ever attending a Monash Ball and, while it will be my last, this ball will certainly be added to one of the best memories I will have in my last year at Monash. 

Written by Simone Tan

Photos by Thong Chen