Lizzy following in her family’s footsteps at dance school

Three generations of the same family are putting their best feet forward in ballet classes at the same dance school.
By Tom Scargill
Published 11th Apr 2019, 10:35 BST
Updated 11th Apr 2019, 10:39 BST
Dance teacher Jessica Francis, with Pat Millichope, Lizzy and Caroline Whelan, three members of the same family taking ballet classes, at Jessica Francis Scool of Dance, Lightcliffe Club, HipperholmeDance teacher Jessica Francis, with Pat Millichope, Lizzy and Caroline Whelan, three members of the same family taking ballet classes, at Jessica Francis Scool of Dance, Lightcliffe Club, Hipperholme
Dance teacher Jessica Francis, with Pat Millichope, Lizzy and Caroline Whelan, three members of the same family taking ballet classes, at Jessica Francis Scool of Dance, Lightcliffe Club, Hipperholme

Grandmother Pat Millichope, 71, her daughter Caroline Whelan, 42, and Caroline’s daughter Lizzy, nine, are all students at Jessica Fisher Dance on Wakefield Road, Hipperholme.

Pat, who lives in Hipperholme, is in the over 55’s ballet class graceful ladies, Caroline, who lives in Shelf, is in the ballet burn class, and Lizzy is part of the junior ballet class.

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Caroline said: “It’s great. It happened by accident. Ballet burn was recommended to me by a friend and I really enjoyed it.

Pat Millichope, Lizzy and Caroline Whelan, three members of the same family taking ballet classes, at Jessica Francis Scool of Dance, Lightcliffe Club, HipperholmePat Millichope, Lizzy and Caroline Whelan, three members of the same family taking ballet classes, at Jessica Francis Scool of Dance, Lightcliffe Club, Hipperholme
Pat Millichope, Lizzy and Caroline Whelan, three members of the same family taking ballet classes, at Jessica Francis Scool of Dance, Lightcliffe Club, Hipperholme

“Then Lizzy started junior ballet and she’s really flourished. She entered her first competition recently and came third.

“Then mum started the Graceful Ladies class, which is so lovely. There’s a really nice atmosphere in it, and it’s great fun.”

When asked who of the three was the best dancer, Caroline said: “I think Lizzy, definitely! She’s fabulous. I don’t think me or mum claim to the best ballet dancers!

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“It’s really good for Lizzy’s strength and posture, she really enjoys it and Jess is so good with her and everyone in her class.”

Dance teacher Jessica Francis, with Pat Millichope, Lizzy and Caroline Whelan, three members of the same family taking ballet classes, at Jessica Francis Scool of Dance, Lightcliffe Club, HipperholmeDance teacher Jessica Francis, with Pat Millichope, Lizzy and Caroline Whelan, three members of the same family taking ballet classes, at Jessica Francis Scool of Dance, Lightcliffe Club, Hipperholme
Dance teacher Jessica Francis, with Pat Millichope, Lizzy and Caroline Whelan, three members of the same family taking ballet classes, at Jessica Francis Scool of Dance, Lightcliffe Club, Hipperholme

Jessica Francis has run the school for three years, and teaches dancers from four-years-old upwards in all disciplines.

She said: “It’s fantastic. It was brought to my attention by Pat, I didn’t even twig about it.

“I’m hoping to get them all together to perform in our next show.”