Con Ball 2026: Pose

The Sydney Conservatorium Students’ Association is proud to present its annual gala for 2026:

Con Ball: Pose ✨

It was in 1990 that Madonna sang to “strike a pose”, opening her single ‘Vogue’ — a song that would go on to become a massive global commercial and cultural triumph. 

Celebrating and showcasing queer life and culture at the height of the AIDS epidemic in the U.S.A., Madonna has never shied away from supporting and humanising those were so often vilified by society. The song was written in reference to the queer, black, and latino drag ballroom scene, originating in New York City, with its name taken from the dance style of voguing, which it helped bring into the mainstream. 

The name for vogue dance was, in turn, taken from the fashion magazine Vogue, as its movements mimic the very angular and stylised poses of the high-fashion models it featured. It is central to the ballroom scene — inspired by debutante and masquerade balls of the late 1800s — as dancers try to out-pose each other.

We welcome you to join us in celebrating the virtuosity in diversity of everyone at our castle of music over the past year.

Details

Date: Thursday the 10th of December, 2026
Time: 19:00-23:00
Location: Darling Island: North Wharf — Doltone House
Dress code: formal — camp, high-fashion, avant-garde, Met Gala, etc.

Please note that this event will be strictly 18+.

Highlights

• Live music by your peers throughout the night

• 2-course dinner

• Bottomless wine, beer, and soft drinks

• Photobooth and professional photographer

• Annual Association awards

Tickets

Tickets are open to the public, so even if one doesn't study at the Conservatorium of Music or the University of Sydney, they are able to attend the Ball. 

Ticket Releases

1. Early Bird — $145 — 29 October

2. General Release — $155 — 11 November

3. Late Release — $165 — 25 November

All ticket sales end on the 2nd of December.

All attendees must be 18 years of age by the time of the Ball in order to attend. Tickets will not be refunded if attendees are not 18.

If you have any general questions, please write to the C.S.A. Executive at info@usydcsa.org.

There are equity tickets available, upon application, for any student who would like to attend the Con Ball, but are prevented from doing so because of the cost. They are only available to students currently enrolled at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music who are members of the Conservatorium Students’ Association.

For more information, and to apply for an equity ticket:
https://forms.gle/t3qBgpPynZiCiQgcA

MobTix

There are also MobTix anutomatically available to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students at the Conservatorium; as well as Māori and Pasifika from other countries.

The Executive of the Conservatorium Students’ Association is committed to ensuring the Con Ball is accessible and safe for all students of the Conservatorium and their guests.

If you think it is necessary, please let us know, when purchasing your ticket, of any accessibility requirements, dietary preferences or restrictions, allergies, or medical conditions — this will enable us to best support you whilst planning the Ball and during the night. Questions will be asked after checkout, so that you can update them afterwards if needed.

All information provided will be held in strictest confidence to the relevant members of the Con Ball Committee, and will only be used in the planning and management of the event.

Event Welfare Officer

Jess Lee, the President of the Contemporary Music Society, will be the sober Event Welfare Officer during the Ball. She is certified in delivering first-aid, and experienced in conflict resolution,

You can raise any concerns or issues to Jess or any other member of the Executive present during the event. Her phone number will be made available to attendees on the night as well.

If you need assistance completing this form, or have any questions or concerns regarding accessibility, please contact Jess at contemporary.president@usydcsa.org.

You will be able to choose your tables and seating from 11 November (when General Release tickets are released).

If you buy an Earlybird ticket, you will be emailed when seating is able to be chosen.

We must send the seating chart and any dietaries and allergies to the venue at least 5 days before the Ball, so if you have not chosen a table then the CSA Executive will allocate you a seat at a table. We will endeavour to seat you with people in your year group or in your discipline.

Nominations for the Association Awards will be announced shortly.