FROM Claines scout hut to Athens Opera House is a fair leap, but it just shows what you can do if you try hard enough.

For dancer Luke Baio the journey took 16 years but, as he's only 22 now, you gather he started young.

Little could the youngster, who used to accompany his older sister to dance classes at the village scout HQ in the 1980s, imagine that one day he would appearing at top international venues or starring with one of Britain's top dance companies.

If only his old classmates at Nunnery Wood High could see him now.

Well, they can, because on November 15-16, Luke is appearing with the Richard Alston Dance Company when it plays Malvern Theatres as part of its latest national tour.

It'll be a chance to enjoy some of mum's home cooking! said the lad whose family home is still in the St John's area of Worcester.

Regulars at the city's Swan Theatre will remember Luke, who was a keen member of Worcester Youth Theatre in the mid-Nineties and appeared on stage many times, usually in an acting role.

In fact, I'd started dancing before that, he said, because I went along to lessons in Claines scout hut when I was only six.

My sister Rachael was two years older than me and I went with her and really liked it.

However, at school acting took over until he moved to Worcester Sixth Form College and was re-introduced to dance by his tutor, Rhona Davies.

From then on, I decided to concentrate on dance. I found it was really what I wanted to do.

Luke studied at the Northern School of Contemporary Dance and London Contemporary Dance School, before performing with the Guildhall School of Music in the opera The Snow Maiden.

He joined Richard Alston two months ago.

I just love the whole 24 hour life-style of dancing," he added. It's very challenging and you've got to be completely devoted.

You use up so much energy, you've really got to make sure you eat the right thing, like plenty of pasta, and keep ultra-fit.

The rewards, though, are considerable and have allowed Luke to perform at some of the top venues, both at home and abroad, including the aforementioned homes of the Greeks.

Strangely enough, this will be the first time I've appeared on stage at Malvern. I'm really looking forward to it.

The prodigal returns.

The Richard Alston Dance Company appears at Malvern Theatres on Thursday November 15 and Friday November 16. Tickets £10-£8. Box office 01684 892277.