Cadet Ball - La Vie en Rose

By Isla Poustie ‘26, Staff Writer; Edited by Mia van Beuningen ‘26, Staff Editor

Cadet Ball is a time for all of the Grade 11 and 12s at Ridley to get together, look their best and have fun. This year’s event started out with a gathering outside of School House to take photos – smiles all around! The weather turned out to be beautiful- nice and sunny, with a refreshing chill in the air. The guys looked sharp, wearing their cadet uniform, while the girls all looked gorgeous in the array of multicoloured gowns. Once everyone got some memorable photos- we all loaded onto the buses to go to Club Italia for the night.

Club Italia was beautiful! As everyone arrived, we all had time to find friends and enjoy a delicious Shirley Temple in the foyer. The theme: La Vie En Rose, a Paris-themed night that reflected, “Seeing the world through rose-coloured glasses.” We began the night with a toast, before sitting down for a lovely 3-course meal. It consisted of charcuterie, pasta, meatballs and finally chicken and roasted vegetables. It was all finished off with cookies for dessert and a candy bar. Everything was fantastic, and it definitely energized us for a night full of dancing. During dinner, students were called up by house to take photos, and some groups took pictures with friends at the photo booth. It was a huge hit! The photo booth ended up running out of photo strips because of its popularity. Some people decided to brave the cold and take photos outside, with a beautiful sunset background.

Finally, the dancing began. The Prefects and their dates were the first ones on the dance floor, leading a beautiful waltz enjoyed by all. Seniors were given dance classes in the weeks leading up to Cadet Ball- so everyone danced beautifully!. After one song, the DJ turned everything up! Then everyone was on the dance floor. Fun was had by all. At 11, when we heard Bye, Bye, Bye by NSYC- we knew time was up! The buses took us back to Ridley and everyone went back to their houses. The good night went quick, feet hurting, exhausted from all the dancing- but grateful nonetheless. All in all,

Cadet Ball was a big success!