Dream come true
Reporter: MARINA BERRY
Date published: 17 February 2009
FAIRYTALE princess Charlea Armstead had her dreams come true when she took centre stage in world-famous ballet “Swan Lake”.
The adorable Heyside six-year-old was guest of honour with the Russian Classical Ballet Theatre at Manchester Opera House.
Charlea has a rare genetic disorder — Niemann Pick Disease Type C — a degenerative neurological condition.
The offer to star in last night’s opening performance came from the Make a Wish Foundation, a charity which grants the wishes of youngsters battling life-threatening illnesses.
Charlea is waiting to go to Disney World in Florida, but charity workers from Make a Wish contacted her mother, Danielle Craig, just two weeks ago to make the surprise offer.
Danielle said: “When I spoke to them about Charlea’s wish to go to Disney World, I mentioned that she loved anything to do with singing and dancing.
“Then we got a call out of the blue asking if she would like to dance in ‘Swan Lake’.
“It was a lovely surprise. Charlea was over the moon and has been singing and dancing round the house and doing the splits ever since.”
Danielle (23) was in the audience to see her daughter transformed into a ballerina before a packed house.
The Blackshaw Lane Primary School pupil admitted to an attack of the butterflies during the afternoon as she prepared to make the trip to Manchester with her mother.
“We were both very excited and nervous,” said Danielle.
“But we were really looking forward to it as well.”
Charlea met the cast and was treated to a backstage tour — then put through her paces by principal dancer Kristina Terentieva before changing into a costume she was allowed to take home as a memento of her special day.
With her own dressing room and make-up artist, brave Charlea won the hearts of everyone she encountered.
Eager to take her place on stage, where she showed off a perfected curtsey to the charming Prince Siegfried, Charlea wore a smile bright enough to light the entire theatre.
She said: “I always wanted to be a ballerina and I have been practising at home.”
The Make a Wish Foundation works closely with Ellen Kent Productions which staged last night’s show.
To date, it has given more than 20 children the chance to shine on stage for a night.
