On Tuesday afternoon, squeals of delight could be heard from classrooms across the Emma Willard School campus: Principal's Play Day had been announced for the next day! This exciting reprieve each year allows students and faculty to leave the classroom in pursuit of rest, recreation, and connection. 

Although it usually happens later in the spring, Head of School Jenny Rao surprised students by planning a mid-winter day of fun. Plans included morning trips to Albany Indoor Rock Climbing, Lazy Axe, Orange Theory Fitness, Anatomie, Good Karma Studio and Ninja Lab. In the afternoon, students could enjoy spa treatments of paraffin wax, hair styling, face masks, and chair massages before stopping to have their caricature drawn.

At Albany Indoor Rock Climbing, students and chaperones experienced an indoor caving system, complete with a 60-foot indoor zipline, as well as climbing walls that closely mirror the experience of climbing outdoors.

At the Lazy Axe, participants had the opportunity to try their hand at the age-old tradition of axe throwing. Although it's not something you might think of first when looking for stress relief, sometimes nothing is more satisfying than cleanly hitting your target with a well-thrown axe.

Students who chose a visit to Orange Theory Fitness got to work out alongside Ms. Rao in her natural habitat. The orange-lit studio she attends each week invigorates the group workout, which was led by experienced, certified personal coaches.

Students who chose to go on the Anatomie trip were in for a morning of spinning! The cycling rhythm class combines high intensity cardio and music for a fun, motivating ride.

At the Ninja Lab, students got to explore their inner ninja on the latest and greatest obstacles… warped walls, salmon ladders, quintuple steps, parkour and more!

Good Karma presented us with a unique aerial yoga experience, where spirits were lifted both literally and physically.

A day away from the classroom is sometimes good for the soul. Now, students and faculty alike will have the energy for academic pursuits!