A DANCE prodigy who became only the third British male ever to train at the Bolshoi Ballet Academy has returned home.

Daniel Dolan, who attended The Hammond School in Chester, has been at the world’s most famous ballet academy in Moscow since September last year.

But for the past week the 17-year-old has been enjoying a well-earned rest from a gruelling schedule which has seen him pushed to the limits - and even perform in front of foreign diplomats and dignitaries from The Kremlin.

Daniel told the Chronicle: “It’s going great, I’m loving it over there.

“I did my first show three weeks ago and that was amazing.”

Not content with being only the third British male dancer in the Bolshoi’s 234-year history, Daniel is only the second foreigner in his year to train with the elite Russian class - with most other foreigners attending the international class instead.

He said: “There’s just me and a boy from Greece.

“It’s hard because everyone speaks Russian but I’m enjoying it.

“They push you to the limit and every day gets harder.

“It takes you a week to recover from just one session!”

He said: “This is my first time away from home but Moscow is such an amazing city.

“Why I’m back I’ll be catching up with some of my old school friends!”

Daniel flies back out to Moscow on Sunday but his first year could be his last.

He was only able to attend the Bolshoi after he was sponsored by a mysterious benefactor.

But now he needs more support if he is to stay for the remainder of his four-year course.

He said: “It’s not just the £15,000 a year fees, it’s living costs too - Moscow is a very expensive place.”

To sponsor Daniel, contact amydandolan@aol.com.