WORLD class dancers tiptoed on to the stage of Preston's Charter Theatre on Sunday for a delightful performance of Coppelia.

The fairytale classic was enacted by the European Ballet under the exquisite choreography and direction of the troupe's founder Stanislav Tchassov.

Stanislav also played leading man Franz alongside beautiful Alla (Swanilda) Martinkevitch who captivated the audience with her elegant charm.

Tokyo born Ayumi Hikasa gave an outstanding performance, and clearly revelled in the spotlight - she barely stopped smiling throughout! One of the highlights of the ballet was the awakening of the clockwork dolls who gave a splendid tick-tock dance on cue from toy-maker Doctor Coppelius played by Lawrence Beazley.

A far too brief Japanese-like pas de deux by Ayumi and Kim Wilkinson almost stole the show in the final scene.

But youngsters from Christine Clarkson's Studio of Ballet and Stage in Leyland took the prize for cutest dancers when they provided a light interlude before the finale.

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