FANS of classical ballet are in for a treat in Ayr next month as dancers from all over the world come to town.

Crown Ballet, from Moldova, is coming to the UK for the first time with a show featuring dancers from many different countries - including Ukraine.

The dance company is staging two performances at the Gaiety Theatre on October 10 and 11. 

The first of its two shows is the family ballet Sleeping Beauty, telling the story of Princess Aurora, cursed at her christening by the evil Carabosse to prick her finger one day on a spindle and die - until the Lilac Fairy and a certain prince intervene.

The following night will see a performance of possibly the most famous ballets in the world - Swan Lake.

The compelling legend of a tragic romance tells how a princess, Odette, is turned into a swan by an evil curse - until Prince Siegfried chances upon a flock of swans.

When one turns into a beautiful young woman, he is instantly captivated – will his love prove strong enough to break the evil spell that she is under?

Ayr Advertiser: Sleeping Beauty, by Crown Ballet, is at the Gaiety on October 10Sleeping Beauty, by Crown Ballet, is at the Gaiety on October 10 (Image: Crown Ballet)

From the opulent splendour of the palace ballroom to the moonlit lake where majestic swans glide in perfect formation, this compelling tale of tragic romance has it all.

Producer Alexej Ignatow, of Crown Ballet, who has co-ordinated the UK tour, said: “We are constantly on the lookout for new challenges, to ensure that our ballet audiences get a chance to experience a wide spectrum of various classic pieces.

“With extensive national tours that get our productions seen the length and breadth of the country, we are able to offer national audiences in various theatres an unforgettable experience at a fraction of the price of the major opera houses, all without sacrificing quality.

"We aim to deliver top quality productions every year and make new converts wherever we go.

"We are therefore especially excited to present this very diverse ballet company from Moldova for the first time in the UK."

Both Sleeping Beauty, on Monday, October 10, and Swan Lake, on Tuesday, October 11, start at 7.30pm and ticket prices range from £24 to £30.

Book your tickets at thegaiety.co.uk or phone the box office on 02192 288235.