AWARD-WINNING performer Adam Cooper has been described as the David Beckham of dance.

Now, in his most swashbuckling role yet, he is reclaiming dancing for the real men as he stars in the musical Zorro.

Adam never really felt like he fully fitted in at The Royal Ballet Company. The dancer, who is built more like a footballer than a ballerina, is playing the part of Ramon, a role that has been created especially for him - something to which he has become accustomed in recent times.

Adam trained at The Royal Ballet School before moving onto the Royal Ballet Company for several years and, despite having been principal dancer in various shows, he always craved more and felt something of an outsider.

His big moment came with Swan Lake. Adam created the role of The Swan/Stranger in Matthew Bourne's production and has performed it in London, New York, Los Angeles, Japan, Cologne and on tour in Britain. He also created the role of the Pilot in Matthew Bourne's Cinderella and Badger in Wind In The Willows.

Adam, who is over six foot tall and has muscles like an athlete, started tap and ballet dancing at the age of seven after becoming intrigued by the hobby when accompanying his dad to rehearsals at their local drama club. His father played piano.

He went on to secure a host of parts from a very young age with a career that has seen few breaks or lows, unlike those of many others he has met.

Adam was offered the opportunity to play the adult Billy Elliot in the 2000 hit film, a role for which he was selected in order to depict the ultimate male dancer.

He can be seen when the movie concludes, in a scene where Billy's father and brother arrive at a professional ballet. The film ends as the older and more mature Billy takes the stage to perform the lead in Matthew Bourne's Swan Lake - a role Adam was actually playing in real life during filming.

"I thought the Billy Elliot film achieved a lot for young lads who have a passion for something that is not in line with the norm, like dancing," said Adam. "I think it came just at the right time to have an effect on the way the world sees male dancers. When I was approached for the part it was such an honour. My advice to kids is go for it and do whatever makes you happy."

But despite his many achievements in ballet and classical dancing, Adam does not class himself as a ballet dancer, but rather as a performer.

He said: "I never felt like a ballet dancer. I wasn't like a lot of the other male dancers. I am into football and spending time with my mates and most of them just weren't like that. I never really felt quite at home or that I really fitted in completely. I think I always knew I wanted to do more than just ballet. I enjoy all aspects of performing and didn't want to have done only one aspect my entire career. Plus a ballet dancer's career life is far shorter than other areas of performing, such as acting and choreographing, and at 36 I'm nowhere near ready to stop yet."

Branching out into the world of musical theatre, Adam has choreographed and starred in various successful productions, including a reworking of Singing in the Rain.

In 2005 he realised a long-held ambition with his own production of Les Liaisons Dangereuses. The entire show was choreographed by Adam and he starred in it as the lead, Viscomte de Valmont.

The dedicated performer has also tried his hand at more traditional acting, appearing in a two-handed play called Wallflowering alongside his wife Sarah Wildor, who is also a performer.

Adam added: "These days I am only doing roles which either I have choreographed or have been designed with me in mind - including Zorro, which I have choreographed, so I can play to my strengths. I am working on a new project for later this year but its top secret at the moment so all I can say is watch this space. But it's going to be great."

Having recently appeared in Guys and Dolls at The Piccadilly Theatre in London, Adam's dancing shoes have barely touched the ground between shows, with rehearsals for Zorro starting within days of the final night of his previous show in London.

Manchester Opera House hosts the world premiere of Zorro before it moves to London's West End. Director Christopher Renshaw, whose recent West End and Broadway credits include The King and I and We Will Rock You, leads an multi award-winning team, including the internationally renowned Spanish choreographer Rafael Amargo and RSC associate stage designer Tom Piper.

This legendary story of good versus evil, action and adventure, romance and thrilling sword fighting, has been the subject of numerous best-selling books and movies. Now it promises to be the must-see theatrical event of the year.

  • See Adam in Zorro, calling at Manchester Opera House from April 1 to April 5. Tickets from 0844 847 2277.