BALLET lovers are usually obliged to brave a journey into the big city to catch a performance.

But this is set to change when Ballet Central glides into Chipping Norton as part of a nationwide tour. The company is expected to cover 10,000 miles and perform to over 10,000 people between mid-March and the end of July.

Anja Dobler, of the Central School of Ballet, said: "It's a very high quality programme, the sort of thing you would expect to see in a large theatre but brought out to local communities."

The evening's entertainment encompasses a range of dance styles, from classical ballet to jazz and contemporary dance.

There is also a new composition called Hands in the Clouds which draws on the 32 positions of the T'ai Chi form.

The dancers featured are amongst the most interesting and promising new talent on the dance scene.

Anja Dobler added: "The evening provides a chance to spot the stars of the future. It really is a gala evening with something for everyone."

Ballet Central will be at Chipping Norton theatre on May 10 and 11. Performances start at 8pm with tickets at £10 (£8 concessions) available on 01608 642350.