The Saltus Performing Arts Trip to London over the Spring Break included 19 students (Years 9 through SGY1) accompanied by staff members Lisa Maule, Rebecca Dorrington and Steve Miles.We had been fundraising for it all year, and all of us had great expectations for the trip.The first stop was a tour of the Guildhall School.“It was interesting to actually visit a school that we might consider as one of our options for the future,” said Mikaela Buryj.During the tour, we really got a sense of what it would be like to go to a performing arts school, and we learned just how much commitment it takes to be a professional in the business.We finally collapsed onto our beds after a great day that had been long anticipated by us all, and it was a great start to our trip.The next day we took a tour of Drury Lane Theatre, in which we got to see the king’s room, where several members of the royal family had been seated.A few students got spooked on the tour as our tour guide told us tales of the Man in Grey, and even more so when we went to see the Woman in Black later that night!There were many different reactions; some were terrified, whereas some were intrigued, but we were all very impressed.“Woman in Black was really a highlight of the trip since it was so anticipated. Everyone was excited (and scared) for it because of what we’d heard, but I think everyone enjoyed it,” said Jessica Petty of the play.Woman in Black was one of the three productions we got to see on the trip, the others being 39 Steps, a comedy, and Les Miserables, a musical.The trip also included two acting workshops: A Midsummer Night’s Dream themed workshop at the Globe Theatre, and a 39 Steps workshop, both of which were fun for us all.After taking in the beauty of the city from a sightseeing tour along the Thames, we took a visit to the O2 Arena, where we toured the British Music Experience, learning about British music through the ages, getting to try different instruments, and even recording songs.“It was an amazing experience, and it was fun to see all the different eras of music,” said Shona Maule.Of course, there were some non-performing arts related activities as well, including riding in the London Eye, visiting the Natural History Museum, and ice skating (which was a first for many of us).“Ice skating was probably the most exciting thing we did — I liked watching the first timers getting the hang of it!” said Anna Petty, who spoke for us all in saying that it was a highlight of the trip.Of course, all good things must come to an end, so on our final day, we visited the Natural History Museum and took a coach to Gatwick, saying our goodbyes and looking back on what had been a fantastic and unforgettable experience.“We had a unique experience that most tourists don’t get to have,” said Francesca Maiden. “All of us got to see the City in a whole new light.“All of us now have it to look back on as a great opportunity which definitely broadened our horizons and was just all around enjoyable.”Unfortunately, we’ll really never have the same experience again, but performers and non-performers alike can all say that there were no regrets, and that this will be one of the fondest memories from our years at Saltus.