If you thought ballet dancing was performed only by smaller, petite dancers then you are very much mistaken.

Comedienne Dawn French in a tutu shadowing ballerina D’Arcy Bussell on TV a few years ago will, for many, be the only time they have seen a 'traditionally built’ lady pirouetting in public.

But now, The Big Ballet is booked to appear at Margate’s Winter Gardens in October for one night only and set to shatter that image.

The Big Ballet is performed by the Russian Evgenii Panfilov state ballet company made up of larger ladies and by all accounts has been winning great acclaim during its UK tour this year.

The troupe was formed 15 years ago by Panfilov to give ordinary women, tired of being taunted about their size, a chance to become professional dancers.

During the show, the audience is presented with an unforgettable fantasy from the land of sultans, luxurious palaces and harems, and shares the nomadic life of gypsies, full of vibrant colours, music, and wild dances.

The Big Ballet appears in Margate on Sunday October 26 at 7.30pm. Tickets are available by calling the box office on 01843 292795 or 01843 296111 or visit www.margatewintergardens.co.uk