News & Events

“Fairytale Weekend” a Dream Come True for Elmwood Head Girl

Ottawa, February 7, 2009 – The Viennese Winter Ball, one of Ottawa’s most magical and memorable annual events, took place at the National Gallery of Canada this past weekend. Elmwood’s Head Girl, Sophia, auditioned and was selected as one of just sixteen debutants representing schools across the region.

The girls, along with their cavaliers, learned and rehearsed a number of ballroom dances over the past few months, and their preparations showed. During their performances, the crowd was particularly impressed by the Viennese Waltz, which was full of fast-paced turns and ended with a 32-person lift.

Among the guests were Conservative MP Peter Kent, Senators Noël Kinsella and Donald Oliver, and Michael Chambers, President of the Canadian Olympic Committee. Mayor Larry O'Brien was also in attendance and Sophia was proud to be chosen to dance with him.

Of the experience, Sophia said “The whole evening was absolutely magical, and it was an honour to represent Elmwood at this annual event. It was the best night of my life, and it just feels like a dream.”

The ball will donate its profits—expected to be between $10,000 and $20,000—to Champions for Children, a fundraising foundation of the Children's Aid Society of Ottawa.