Vince Virr was preparing to study psychology at university when dance changed his life.

Now Bradford’s Billy Elliot is dancing in Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake, the worldwide hit modern reinterpretation of the classic ballet. Vince will be in Bradford with the show next week, before touring with it in Japan, South Korea and Greece.

Vince started dancing at 18 when Bradford-based Dance For Life, providing dance opportunities for young people, came to his school.

“I was hooked,” he says. He landed a place at the Northern School of Contemporary Dance in Leeds and became a professional dancer and dance teacher, before joining Matthew Bourne’s New Adventures company.

“I’m based in London, so it’s great returning to Bradford,” says Vince, 27. “My family and some old teachers are coming to see me in Swan Lake. It’s my first performance at the Alhambra – I’m more excited about that than going to Japan!”

Upturning traditions of classical ballet, Bourne’s Swan Lake blends dance and humour with flamboyant costumes. A male dancer plays Odette and a menacing male ensemble of swans replaces the female corps de ballet.

“These swans are aggressive and masculine, not ballerinas in tutus,” says Vince. “The show inspires boys like me to dance. They identify with the dancers because they look and move like men, they’re not a faceless ensemble. It makes ballet less elite.

“Matthew uses humour to break the ice with the audience, especially those who’ve never seen a ballet.

“I play several roles; as dancers we’re encouraged to develop our characters, like actors, with facial expressions and mannerisms.” Swan Lake runs at the Alhambra from Monday to Saturday, April 3. Ring (01274) 432000.