A FORMER star of the Bolshoi Ballet came to Chester to pass on tips to dance stars of the future.

Irek Mukhamedov, patron of The Hammond in Chester, visited the Hoole Bank premises to give masterclasses to students.

They included Sharif Afifi and Michael Keen who have just secured roles in the new Broadway production of Chicago on The Royal Caribbean Cruise this year.

Irek began his professional career at the Bolshoi Ballet where he was the youngest man ever to dance the leading role in Spartacus.

For nine years, he was the company's leading male dancer. His repertory included Don Quixote, Swan Lake, Romeo and Juliet, Giselle and Raymonda.