A young woman who once had to give up dancing for fear it could kill her is now passing on her expertise to budding York performers.

Lisa Ransome, 21, is now back at home in North Yorkshire after several glittering years on stage throughout Europe, starring alongside big showbiz names.

But as a ten-year-old dance 'veteran' of seven years, doctors told her to stop dancing because a blood disorder meant a knock to the head could have caused a brain haemorrhage.

For two years Lisa suffered from idiopathic thrombocythopenia, a condition that caused unstoppable bleeding if she was cut or knocked. Having her spleen removed eventually alleviated the condition and Lisa went on to perform in Riverdance in Spain, in cabaret on Malta, and taught in Germany.

Now the determined hot footer wants to do what the Bettany School of Dance, near Selby, did for her by teaching a new generation of dancers by launching a weekly class at the Copmanthorpe Women's Institute Hall.

"I want to pass on what I know to others and I'd like to make teaching my full time career. I've already had about 25 inquiries so I can't wait to get started."

Lisa, from Sherburn-in-Elmet, is starting her classes at the Copmanthorpe WI Hall from Saturday, March 4, at 10am. For details contact Lisa on 01977 683335 or 07714 513192.

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