Irina's ballet dream comes true

A Russian ballerina is to fulfil her dream of performing at the Royal Albert Hall four years after visiting the world-renowned venue as a tourist.

Irina Novikova came to Britain for a short holiday in 1998 and headed straight for the hall. She sat on steps opposite in Hyde Park and imagined herself gracing the stage to thunderous applause.

On Sunday the 22-year-old's vision is set to become reality as she performs in Sleeping Beauty with the St Petersburg Ballet. Speaking through an interpreter, she said: "I never imagined I would be back as a dancer, let alone as a soloist. I am thrilled to be in London, which is one of the world's great dance centres, and in particular the Albert Hall which is famous throughout Russia.

"I will no doubt be nervous but I'm sure it will be the highlight of my career to date."

Ms Novikova, who is single and from St Petersburg, trained at the city's legendary Vaganova Academy before joining the Kirov. She was then headhunted by her present company, where she is the youngest principal dancer. A spokesman for the St Petersburg Ballet said: "Irina is one of our hottest talents and is set to make a major impact on the international ballet scene."

Sleeping Beauty, in which she plays Princess Florine and Princess Aurora on alternate nights, is one of three ballets being staged during a five-month UK tour ending with Swan Lake and The Nutcracker, also featuring Ms Novikova, at Wimbledon Theatre from 26 February to 2 March.

The one-off Albert Hall date is the only opportunity London ballet fans have to see Sleeping Beauty. Only a few tickets remain.

"My family back home in Russia are very excited about Sunday and I have been ordered to telephone them as soon as I come off stage," said Ms Novikova.

And she admitted another reason for her joy at being in London: "I can go shopping in Kensington and Belgravia! I can't wait. I can get some real fashion bargains."