English Youth Ballet stars visit Ormskirk Hospital to launch fundraising appeal for cardiac monitor

Nov 1 2012 by Rob Pattinson, Ormskirk Advertiser

BALLET stars lifted spirits when they treated young patients at Ormskirk Hospital to a dance workshop.

The English Youth Ballet lit up the children’s ward for the launch of a new fundraising appeal for a cardiac monitor.

Money will now be raised at the company’s performances of Coppelia at the Southport Theatre and Convention Centre from November 9 to 10.

Leading ballerina Emma Lister joined the youngsters for the lessons. Principal artist and ballet mistress Julianne Rice Oxley led the workshop and gave the audience an insight into the life of a professional dancer. And a mini-rehearsal was held with young English Youth Ballet cast member Harriet Royle, 11, learning the Coppelia Doll Dance. Amanda Walker, play specialist at the hospital, said:“We are very grateful to the English Youth Ballet for hosting the workshop and for their fundraising efforts towards a monitor.”

The children also had the chance to watch one of the doctors, Dr Tim McBride, learn to partner a professional dancer.

Both children and staff on the children’s ward were delighted to see the dancers perform in their exclusive performance.

The cast will feature seven professional dancers and 100 of the region’s young stars of the future.

During the visit the playroom was turned into a ballet studio and stage for the workshop. The day also included a performance of part of Coppelia while patients got posters signed by the dancers.