Parties and Ceilidhs and Dancing, Oh My!

If you thought that America was serious about Christmas festivities, think again: Scotland is where the party truly is. Or, should I say, the parties: we've had three in less than a week, and that's not counting an outing to a traditional British pantomime and other holiday celebrations. I must say that this was by far the most interesting December I have experienced in quite a while-- but that's a good thing. In fact, I'll just let the pictures speak for themselves: there are definitely plenty of those.

Saturday night, Heyworth House held its own Christmas party full of love, gratitude, games, and Prosecco. This was our time to unveil our Secret Santa gifts, dance to Justin Bieber, pull our Christmas crackers (I had never seen one before!), and relax after our last full week of school.It was especially welcome at this time, since half the boarding house has been off sick with a cold. Everybody knows that the holidays are the best cure for that sort of thing.

 After hours of napkin-folding, paper-star-making, and general decorating, Heyworth girls spent the night enjoying each others' company-- and, of course, embarrassing ourselves with outrageous games. Pie-Face was my personal favorite, where each girl took a risk of taking a face of whipped cream. And, of course, we were obligated to watch "Elf" afterwards. This was our last weekend of the year together, and I cannot think of a better way to spend it at all.

Bente and Helen making a fool of themselves. 

Eline transforming into a pie.

Also, shoutout to my Secret Santa for getting me "The Little Mermaid" socks (so I can wear myself on my feet) and delicious jalapeno bread. Anna, you know me too well. And from the Duncans, I received luxurious, fragrant soap and lotion from Lush Body Shop. Do I smell a spa night? I think I do.

Ruby, Henni, and Anna, ready for some Christmas food.

Ruby, posing with my very first Christmas pudding.

The next night was the annual Boarders' Dinner and Ceilidh, which was a real treat for all of the boarding community at Dollar. After a wonderful three-course meal accompanied by rocket balloons and noisemakers, I got my very first taste of traditional Scottish folk dancing. In fact, I was so busy twirling that I almost forgot to take pictures, so please forgive me for the lack of imagery here. It was also our chance to perform the skits that we have been rehearsing for weeks now, and although we lost to Argyll House, we still thoroughly enjoyed the chance to poke fun at ourselves (and the other houses). 

Mia, me, Hamish, and Sandra, all being Dancing Queens.

I spent most of the night dancing with Hamish Munro, my best friend from McNabb house. Thankfully, he has a Scottish background, so he (mostly) knew the moves. It's difficult to describe what Scottish dancing looks like; the only comparison I can make is the village scene from the movie Tangled. What I can say without difficulty is that it is very, very good exercise. We all felt it the next day, I guarantee you that. Thankfully, I took a video to give a demonstration of its rigor. 

And then, just two days later, we did it again-- except this time at the Form V and VI Ceilidh, and with more than 300 people instead of 70. Yet, the crowds did little to dampen our spirits. This time, I was much more confident of all the moves, and was therefore dancing with more people. Scottish social dances usually occur in groups of 2, 4, or 8, and they can sometimes be progressive (where dancing partners change throughout the song). Translation? I danced with lots and lots and lots of people, some being complete strangers. 

But that only added to the fun. When we just had to catch our breath, my friends and I hung out in the library and snacked on macarons and punch-- not a bad way to spend a break. There were also various contests throughout the night of the funniest or most passionate dancers on the floor, which of course ignited my competitive nature. At the end of the party, everyone sang Auld Lang Syne together in a circle, with everyone all tired and sweaty in their mini dresses, tuxedos, or (for the hardcore Scottish men) kilts. 

Heyworth girls in Forms V and VI, all spiffed up and ready for some twirling. 

I cannot explain the feeling of taking part in these traditions, some being older than my own country. And everyone participates with such passion, such enthusiasm, that I cannot help but dive into this rich and open culture. As time passes, I begin to feel more and more at home, with these events just being the icing on the cake Christmas pudding. It's hard to believe that this is only the end of the first term, and there is still so much more to experience here. Although my holiday break will be filled with amazing opportunities (and food) in Italy, I know that I will be more than happy to return here once again in January. 

Merry Christmas, and a happy New Year! Greetings from the Eternal City soon!

Glorious Sounds (and Sights) of Christmas

This week, I had the privilege of traveling twice in three days to my new favorite city in the world, Edinburgh. Both trips were, of course, having to do with the holidays--as are most events in December.They were also both an excellent way of ignoring our upcoming (and increasing) school responsibilities, with prelims slowly but surely approaching in January.

My first journey on Sunday was one of the many weekend trips with Heyworth House to keep us occupied, but this does not mean it was any less memorable. Between helping each other make agonizing decisions over which shoes to buy for the upcoming dance and enjoying the exciting and busy atmosphere of the city, our holiday spirits were tangibly rising. The yearly German Christmas markets were in full fling, bringing with it the smell of currywurst and mulled wine as we strolled by the stations of handmade goods and treats.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...

 My friends Ruby and Una were so inspired by the festivities that they went on one of the many mini rides scattered around the city center, while the rest of us sat back and laughed at the sight of their feet dangling just about over the famous Scott Monument. It was certainly a nice escape from school, not to mention an excuse to indulge in some hot chocolate and give fashion advice to each other.

Homemade German truffles? Yes please. 

Ruby and Una, after their thrilling ride and before shopping 'till they drop.

The second trip on Tuesday was something that has been on my schedule for quite some time: the Dollar Academy Usher Hall concert. Pupils have been actively preparing for this performance since just about the beginning of the year, and just this past week we have all been positively bombarded by missed school days due to the continuous rehearsals. In fact, because I am in two choirs and the senior orchestra, there were two days in the past week where I spent my whole class day in the auditorium instead of the classroom.

An organ in the Usher Hall that would surely make Mr. Gouwens jealous.

The rehearsals really did pay off, however. The concert itself was remarkable, despite all the teachers' --and students'-- frets leading up to the performance.  Every group from the prep and junior choir (children about the age of 5 to 13) to the Dollar Academy Jazz Orchestra (more commonly known as DAJO) played and sang their heart out to an audience of about 1700. The Usher Hall is an absolutely gorgeous venue; it was a great privilege to play in a building with such pristine acoustics and a rich history. I cannot accurately express the way the sound of over 400 student performers, whether singers or instrumentalists, aged 5 or 19, resonated through the air-- especially on our finale, Orff's famous Carmina Burana. I can tell you now that there is no better way, except perhaps the Christmas Markets in Edinburgh, to realize that Christmas is right around the very corner.

A warm-up before the big event. 

My friend Hamish, keeping me company in the long hours of setup before the concert.

Also, I must add that Christmas carol tunes are much different here than in the States. When I first saw familiar songs on the program such as Away in a Manger and Oh Little Town of Bethlehem, you can imagine my shock when it was a completely unfamiliar melody. It's one of those little things that catch me off guard once in a while, reminding me that I am living in a completely new world than before.

The Mixed Voice Choir and Wind Band, only about half of all the performers!

But the holidays are far from over for Dollar pupils. This weekend, I have another performance with the Chamber Choir, a House Christmas party, a pantomime show, and the Boarders' Caleigh (Scottish translation: party) to look forward to-- and that's not counting all the festive events next week. Then on Friday, I'll be on a taxi in the wee hours of the morning to catch a flight to Rome: is there possibly a better way to spend Christmas? Well, maybe at home with family. But I promise, through all of these festive events, that you all will be on my mind and in my heart.