Disabled Rossendale girl's joy at learning to dance (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Disabled Rossendale girl's joy at learning to dance

10:00am Friday 20th January 2012 in Rawtenstall By Vanessa Cornall, Reporter

A FIVE-year-old who suffers from a rare genetic condition that leaves her unable to move on her own has fulfilled her ambition of learning to dance thanks to a special needs dance class.

Little Amelie Seedall suffers from ataxia, a neurological condition which affects her balance, co-ordination and speech and makes her dependent on a zimmerframe to move about.

She has now started attending Dansworks Dance Academy in Bacup.

The youngster’s little brother two-year-old Archie also suffers from the condition.

Their mum Nyree Balls, 35, from Rawtenstall, said: “Amelie adores dancing but we believed that because of her condition, she would not be able to achieve her dream of attending ordinary classes.

Then we heard about Dansworks.

“She started attending dance classes five months ago and already we’ve seen a vast improvement in her balance, speed, co-ordination and cognitive skills.

“It has also given her the confidence to believe in her own abilities and she is really happy and proud of her achievements.”

Amelie, a pupil at St Paul’s School, Constable Lee, near Rawtenstall, is just one of the success stories from the special classes held at the academy every Saturday.

Others include Letitia Hurst, 17, and Jenny Parkin, 18, who both suffer from learning disabilities.

The teenagers who met at the Alma Street dance studio are about to move into together in supported living in Colne.

Jenny’s mum Diane, from Barrowford, said: “Jenny has autism but she loves music and she feels totally at home here. She watches what people do and copies. She loves it because she gets such a lot out of the lessons.”

Dansworks principal Karen Scott-Roe said: “We believe that dance is an experience to be shared by all regardless of age, ability or disability. I have extensive experience of working with children and adults with physical and learning disabilities and have a passion to make dance accessible to those who have previously thought it not possible.”