PTA Summer Fair returns to White Lodge
We were delighted to see the return of our annual PTA Summer Fair to White Lodge on Saturday 18 June. This was the first time we have been able to host the fair on site since 2019 and we were thrilled to welcome so many fair-goers to the School. The Fair was opened by special guest Reece Clarke, alumnus and newly-promoted Principal of the Royal Ballet. As he opened the Fair, Reece reminisced:
I have many happy memories of my time here at White Lodge, and performing at the Summer Fair was one of the highlights of the school year for me!
Our historic grounds
The Fair took place on the beautiful White Lodge grounds. The public was invited on tours of the iconic historic site led by our Head of Special Collections Anna Meadmore, and learn more about the rich background of our younger students’ residence. This was an exciting opportunity, as the School is not usually open to the public.
Fun at the fair
The day was full of traditional fair excitement to enjoy, with crafts, games, face painting and tombola. Local artisans and dancewear and accessories suppliers also held stalls, and there was plenty of food and drink on offer, with pizza, cakes, crepes, ice cream and even a Prosecco bar.
A raffle was held with some incredible prizes. Highlights included signed pointe shoes and photographs from Royal Ballet stars including Matthew Ball, Yasmine Naghdi, Marianela Nuñez and Gina Storm-Jensen, luxury hampers, online and in-person dance lessons, physiotherapy sessions, and a stay at a luxury golf resort and spa. There was also dancewear, photoshoots, a flower arrangement and a paddle-boarding session to be won. The raffle draw was announced at the end of the afternoon.
Student performances
Royal Ballet School students from Years 7 to 11 performed throughout the day, although the performances had to take place inside the Margot Fonteyn Theatre due to unpredictable weather! Despite the drizzle, the performances were wonderful and our students danced beautifully. The programme consisted of a range of repertoire including pieces from The Sleeping Beauty, Swan Lake and Coppélia. Students also performed Scottish, Irish and Character dances as well as some of their own pieces from their choreographic programmes that have taken place throughout the year.
A great success
The Fair was a huge success, raising over £18,000 for the PTA. The money raised will provide invaluable support for our students, going towards facilities and equipment, supporting the students’ education and training and contributing to a positive boarding environment.
Thank you to the PTA for their tireless work throughout the year to make the event a success. Thank you also to all who generously donated their time and raffle prizes, and to all the students and staff who contributed to the day. We’re already looking forward to next year!
