Ballet visits ward

Nov 8 2012 by Rob Pattinson, Ormskirk Advertiser

BALLET stars lifted spirits when they treated young patients, including two sisters from Birkdale, 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 Coppélia at the Southport Theatre and Convention Centre from November 9 to 10.

Leading ballerina Emma Lister joined a host of eager youngsters for the lessons.

Principal artist and ballet mistress Julianne Rice Oxley led the hospital workshop on the ward 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 Coppélia 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.”