Prior to their visit to Darlington we caught up with the soloist from Varna International Ballet to get a glimpse of life behind the scenes. Vittorio Scole performs as Prince Siegfried in Swan Lake, Prince in The Nutcracker and Romeo in Romeo & Juliet.

Where did you train as a dancer?

Vittorio: I received my ballet education at the famous Vaganova Academy in St. Petersburg, where many famous dancers, such as Rudolf Nureyev and Mikhail Baryshnikov graduated from. I am grateful to the Varna International Ballet and its excellent ballet masters to work with us. They themselves were excellent artists in the past. Each year I realise that my professional level is rising from performance to performance.

Have you visited the UK before? What do you enjoy most about touring here?

Vittorio: I’ve had a good opportunity to perform for the British audience and I’ve always been amazed at how subtly the audience reacts and understand the slightest nuances in music and choreography. I was delighted to see the audience grasping my movements and emotions that I am trying to put into the roles.

How do you keep fit and healthy on tour?

Vittorio: Our ballet masters always tell us that touring has nothing to do with tourism. Ballet tours are very intense responsible work. Therefore, for dancers, there is not even a question of how to keep fit. We must be fit and be in good physical form because it is very hard to find a last-minute replacement for the role if someone is unfit or gets sick. It is extremely important to have a good rest and relax when you can. We try to walk around your cities because each of them has amazing history. The tour schedule permitting, we try to taste local cuisine and unique British beer.

How do you relax when you’re not working?

Vittorio: We are lucky in the home city of Varna where you can find the best sea resorts in Bulgaria. Swimming gives us the best anti-stress therapy!

Apart from ballet, what is your favourite dance style?

Vittorio: I periodically fall in love with different ballet styles, because each has its own special energy. Now I am looking with interest at hip-hop, which is evolving in an extraordinary way.  

Varna International Ballet comes to Darlington Hippodrome from Saturday 8 to Monday 10 February. For full details or to book visit www.darlingtonhippodrome.co.uk or call the Box Office on 01325 405405