End-of-year celebrations and prize-giving assemblies 2023

As the School year draws to a close, we have been taking the time to celebrate and acknowledge the diligence and dedication our students have applied to their artistic and academic endeavours throughout the year.

Year 11 Celebration

On Friday 23 June, our Year 11 students donned their gowns and suits for a special occasion to celebrate their completion of the School’s Development Programme. The students performed a number of pieces, filling their loved ones with joy and pride, marking the end of their journey at White Lodge.

Performances included Dvořák ‘21 by Mark Annear, Billow by Morgann Runacre-Temple, two choreographic pieces by students Lauren Godfrey and Azusa Tanaka, and musical solos showcasing some of our student’s talents outside of their ballet training. Our Head Boy, Denis Teixeira, and Head Girl, Margarita Pigorini, delivered speeches alongside Artistic Director & CEO Christopher Powney and special guest Dame Monica Mason.

Read more about our Year 11 Celebration.

Final assemblies

Earlier this week, we held two prize-giving assemblies to celebrate the accomplishments of our White Lodge and Upper School students. Both were joyous occasions where we took the opportunity to acknowledge and praise students for their efforts and commitment.

The assemblies allowed students and staff to express their gratitude to departing Artistic and Pastoral staff members moving on to new adventures in September. We want to extend our heartfelt appreciation to our departing staff members for their valuable contributions to the School and wish them all the best in their future endeavours.

White Lodge

On Tuesday 11 July, during the final assembly, several White Lodge students were given prizes or scholarships as recognition for their achievements:

The April Olrich Award

This award is given to a dancer who possesses an extra ‘special something; that inner magic, that spark that fires the audience – the dancer who uses the eyes to communicate with the audience – the dancer who comes alive on stage.’ This award is kindly supported by Nigel Pegram and was presented by Christopher Powney and David Gajadharsingh.

Awarded to: Nanoha Shigeoka

The Valerie Adams Award for Exceptional Musicality

Our alumna Valerie Adams generously left a gift in her will, which provides this award in perpetuity. The award was presented by Christopher Powney.

Awarded to: Emma Lucano

The Frank Freeman Summer School Scholarship

This award is kindly supported by Malcolm Stewart and was presented by Christopher Powney and David Gajadharsingh.

Awarded to: Marcus Harvey

End-of-year celebrations and prize-giving assemblies 2023

Left: The April Olrich Award – Nanoha Shigeoka
Centre: The Valerie Adams Award for Exceptional Musicality – Emma Lucano
Right: The Frank Freeman Summer School Scholarship – Marcus Harvey

Upper School

Our Upper School assembly took place on Wednesday 12 July, with several awards and prizes presented to students:

The Ballet Association Award

The Ballet Association Awards are given in recognition of the contribution to dance of Sylvia Tyler and Joan Seaman through their founding and development of the Association and provide support for the costs of Upper School training. The Chairman of the Ballet Association, David Bain, presented the award.

Awarded to: Sigurd Blystad, Yasemin Caynak and Alejandro Muñoz

The Gailene Stock Award

The Gailene Stock Award is awarded to a 2nd Year student who has demonstrated exceptional progress throughout the year. The award is kindly supported by David Norman and was presented byChristopher Powney and David Gajadharsingh.

Awarded to: Emile Gooding