Ambleside performs a magical surprise for 92-year-old former ballerina

Home news

Apr 10, 2019

Ambleside has surprised a 92-year-old resident with a trip to the ballet, that came with an extra special finale in the shape of a private meet and greet with stars from the Vienna Festival Ballet. 

The team at Ambleside runs a Wishing Tree initiative to help make residents’ wishes come true. They decided to surprise resident – and former dancer – Brunhilde Ellis with a special trip to see the romantic ballet, Giselle, on the Main Stage at the Royal Spa Centre in Leamington Spa, to make her particular dream come true.

Brunie, as she is known by friends and family, has three grandchildren and six great grandchildren. Originally from Manchester, she spent time in Italy and Monte Carlo in her youth, before returning to the Midlands. Her first ballet performance was aged five, taking to the stage at the Palais de la Méditerranée in Nice alongside her older brother Frederick, before her dancing career took her across Europe and America. Her favourite ballet is The Nutcracker and she has seen Giselle previously, in Covent Garden, home of The Royal Ballet.

Julia Joy, home manager at Ambleside, said: “Residents are at the heart of everything we do here at Ambleside, and we always like to go the extra mile to grant their wishes. I am delighted that we were able to make Brunie’s wish of enjoying a night at the ballet a reality. It really was a beautiful evening which everyone thoroughly appreciated, which was made extra special when members of the Ballet Company joined Brunie for a private moment at the end of the performance.”