What appeals to you about performing each ballet in Britain?

These performances have been in our repertoire for a long time already and we have toured in Europe and Asia with them, but this is our first visit to Great Britain. This is a great motivation for us and we hope your audience will be pleased and will enjoy our performances.

What other resources do you draw upon to bring the ballets to life?

Two of these performances, Don Quixote and Giselle, are an entirely Bulgarian creative team, starting from the direction, the choreography, the costumes and the sets so I hope your audience will be able to experience an entirely Bulgarian production.

What will a live orchestra bring to the audience and what effect will it have on the dancers?

We prefer a live orchestra because it is a special occasion for the dancers. When you have live music playing during the performance, the dancers merge with the music and you really create a unique experience every time.

What has been your highlight so far of being the Artistic Director of Sofia National Ballet?

I want to focus on providing as much space as possible for the young talents. I have always believed that ballet is an art for the young and I have tried to allow young dancers to go on stage. I have been keen to develop the repertoire, to make it as rich and diverse as possible including Russian and western European classics. I have also been working in partnership with American choreographers on modern ballet.

How many people will be part of the company?

The whole group touring Britain is 91, but the ballet members are 45. The complete troupe of the Sofia National Ballet is about 70 people and we have chosen the best for the UK. Our members have studied at the national dance art school, and after that there is regular competitions to enter the national ballet company. Sometimes, we have guests from other places, for example, we have one dancer from Italy, who is now a permanent member.

What do you think the main challenges will be for the dancers while touring the UK?

The programme is a busy schedule. There is a show almost every day and some days there are two. Apart from this, I don’t see any serious challenges. We are used to being on the road and I am sure the theatres will be a pleasure to work in.

What training and fitness routines will dancers be following while on tour?

Of course, taking care of the physical condition is the top priority for any dancer and for our troupe as well. Also very important is food, the relevant diet, and to have opportunities for relaxation.

What is your favourite ballet?

Don Quixote is one of my personal favourites as a ballet because it is very joyful, very light, nobody dies and love triumphs all over.

Of course technically it is very difficult for the soloists, but for me it was a great pleasure to perform Kitty, which I think I managed quite well.

Here are the dates, times and performances of the Sofia Ballet Company’s UK Tour in the north west:

Liverpool Empire Theatre July 1 to 3. Call 0844 871 3017

Giselle 1 July - 19:30

Don Quixote 2 July - 7:30

Swan Lake 3 July - 7:30

Tickets: £10, £18.50, £24, £29.50, £34, £38