The Ballet Department was thrilled to hold Royal Academy of Dance Ballet Examinations on Sunday 9th and 16th June. We welcomed Miss Despina Kefalidi and Miss Beverley Spencer from the Royal Academy of Dance who examined 47 girls from both the Junior and Senior school.
Pupils from Year 1, Year 3, Year 4, Year 6, Year 7, Year 8 and Year 9 took exams, from Pre-Primary to Intermediate. The girls were as enthusiastic as ever and approached the days with maturity and professionalism. The ballet staff would like to thank the girls for their dedication and enthusiasm and look forward to watching this progress continue after the summer break.
It was a particularly significant exam session for me as my last at Francis Holland. I first came to FHS quite unexpectedly in September 2019 to cover a few lessons, and was quickly welcomed in as a permanent member of the Ballet Department. From the get-go I was impressed by the girls’ enthusiasm for ballet and their strong work ethic, and I knew right away that this was a special place.
I have enjoyed the privilege of teaching children across the school from Reception to UVI. I will miss seeing them bounce into the studio (usually full of beans) excited to tell me all their ballet news…. they have always kept me entertained and inspired! Choreographing for Gym and Dance Displays and other performances has been a real highlight; getting to see the girls’ creativity and artistry come alive on stage is a memory I will cherish. Most of all though, I have been continually impressed by their commitment and dedication to ballet, particularly while preparing for examinations. Being in a position to see the girls achieve their goals, whether that be finally mastering skipping, nailing a pirouette, dancing en pointe for the first time, or stepping bravely on stage or into an examination, is pure magic. I will forever treasure these memories from my time at FHS.
Now, five years since I first stepped into the Sibley Ballet Studio, I must bid a fond farewell. It is time for a new chapter and new challenges. So, as I step away from ballet teaching and towards a new career path, I am inspired by the brave and fearless girls at FHS who “do it scared” every day. Thank you for all the pointy toes!
Siobhán Sexton, Ballet Teacher
