White Lodge students dance as latest P&O ship is named by Darcey Bussell

On Saturday 10 April, former student Darcey Bussell CBE, officially named P&O’s latest ship Azura, before the £380 million cruise liner set off on its maiden voyage around the Mediterranean.


Darcey had been invited to become Azura’s Godmother in keeping with the theme of dance which is reflected in the ship’s three magnificent dance floors. Darcey danced an extract from the great MGM musical The Band Wagon in the style of Cyd Charisse. To entertain the 1200 celebrity guests 16 White Lodge boys from years 10 and 11 performed a Hornpipe, especially created for the event by Royal Ballet School teacher Tania Fairbairn.

The event benefitted three charities supported by Darcey Bussell – The Prince’s Trust, Sydney Dance Company and The Royal Ballet School.


A small piece of footage of the event can be seen at the following link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3eHRKsGi0rU


Photo: courtesy of P&O Cruises