Scotland's Billy Elliot returns to perform in front of home audience 

Reece Clarke will take to the stage at Airdrie Town Hall along with fellow dancers from The Royal Ballet.

Scottish ballet star Reece Clarke returns to perform in his hometown on Saturday.

He will take to the stage at Airdrie Town Hall along with fellow Royal Ballet dancers.

The shows celebrate Reece’s journey from local talent to international ballet sensation, with proceeds supporting The Guide Dogs charity.

Reece’s career at the Royal Ballet has seen him rise to the rank of principal dancer, performing major roles such as Romeo, Prince Siegfried in Swan Lake and the Prince in The Nutcracker.

He told STV News: “It’s a very special moment, first time performing in Scotland and for me there was no place I would want to do it more than my home town – back to the roots, back to where it all started. I’m going to be performing on the first stage I ever performed on, so it’s even more special.

“I’m going to be with a great team from the Royal Ballet and a couple from Scottish Ballet joining us. We have some live musicians from the Royal Opera House and even our technical team from London is coming, so it’s really the best of the best team coming to join us in Airdrie.

“Performing with my colleagues, in front of family and friends in my home community, will be an experience we will always remember. I am excited also to have the chance for my colleagues to experience the warm welcome from the town that provided such support to my early development and in the journey to performing with the Royal Ballet today.”

Janis Ridley, Reece’s former teacher and founder of the Janis Ridley School of Dance, will be attending the show.

The event has been brought together in collaboration with local firm Albert Bartlett and North Lanarkshire Council.

Reece’s performances will feature excerpts from iconic ballets and new works, showcasing the breadth of his artistry and the excellence of his fellow dancers from the Royal Ballet.

The shows take place at 2pm and 6pm on Saturday.

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