Mum here!!!!!!! (end of first term)

At the end of first term, my mum came to visit me!!!! She arrived a few days before the end of term, which meant that she could come to school while the students were there to watch a few ballet classes. She loved it!!!

When she came, she brought with her the music for the Elgar cello concerto. We went up to the Salon and played it together with me on the cello and mum on piano. What a grand and historical room to be playing such a personal bit of music between mum and I. We played underneath all the great portraits of royalty!!! Quite fitting!!

Mum playing Elgar

 We stayed in a lovely apartment in Richmond while she was here and while I was on holidays. We decided to stay in the London area for the time that she was here, so we could do all the London attractions and go shopping......which we did quite a lot of. I think I visited every Fossil shop in the greater London area looking with mum for a handbag.....she ended up taking two home with her!!!!

We went to Greenwich one day as a little outing......it was freezing cold!!!!!!!!!!!!! It was a great day though. We visited the Royal Observatory and watched the red orb drop to mark the time. We also found the sight of the Tudor palace (a little gem find). A walking tour made us familiar with the area and was very informative. We then headed further east towards the Thames barrier (which mum was determined to see for some reason). Despite a great fear of heights, mum and I went on the Emirates Sky Rail (a cable car) up high and over the river. Many excellent photo opportunities from up there.

Mum freezing at Greenwich

 We also traveled to Windsor Castle! We felt very special seeing the royal flag on the flag post, indicating that the Queen was in residence.....sadly we did not see her (haha!!) The staterooms and changing of the guard were quite spectacular. A guided audio tour filled us in on the vast history of the place.

A day trip to Cambridge was also included in our little tour of the London area. We decided to take an open top bus tour around Cambridge. It is such a beautiful place!! After seeing all the sights such as the colleges and finding out little facts such as the only degree offered at Cambridge other than medicine and veterinary science is Arts! Fancy that!!

Kings College Cambridge (shot from tour bus)

The rest of the week was made up of long walks, resting, eating and shopping.
I had a simply amazing time with my mum and it was great to see her for the first time in a few months. I can't wait for August when both my parents come to visit me.

A beautiful shot of my beautiful mum

Turbulent times at White Lodge... (second half of first term)

After the half term trip to Ireland, the remaining weeks of the first term were quite a difficult few for the seniors at White Lodge. They were busy doing auditions and filling out application forms for various schools across the country and the world.
As the term progressed, the big "Upper school" audition came and went with as much nerves as anticipated. After seeing all the year 11's work so hard for this, I decided to get them all a little sweet treat so I bought some very decorated cupcakes. Not many complaints about those coming from the common room!!

A day after their final Upper School Audition, they found out the results. I can't imagine what they went through.....the stress and anxiety would have crushed any other person....but these kids are ready for it. They have been ready for events like this for their entire lives as it takes a certain kind of person to reach this stage in the dancing world. Their determination, courage and love for ballet will never change, regardless of the result of their auditions.

After a very stressful two hour wait, they all had the results for Upper school. Some were teary, others were joyous and some were just like normal.

After only knowing these kids for a few weeks, I know that they will do well no matter where they continue their dance studies.

I wish all year 11 the best of luck with your future dance studies!!!! I look forward to seeing a few names in future ballets.

:)