The Duke of Kent will be the special guest at Swindon Dance next week.

He will see firsthand the work the not-for-profit dance organisation in the town centre does to bring world class dance development to Swindon and further afield.

During the visit, which will take place on Monday at The Old Town Hall in Regent Circus, the Duke will watch a selection of classes in ballet and contemporary dance.

He will also be treated to a short performance by some of Swindon Dance’s youth dancers, past and present.

The Duke, who has a keen interest in the Royal Ballet and opportunities for young people to develop in dance, will have the chance to speak to a variety of young dancers, who have accessed dance through the organisation’s various youth and community outreach initiatives.

Marie McCluskey, CEO and artistic director of Swindon Dance, said: “We are delighted to be hosting the Duke during his visit to Swindon.

“It will be a great opportunity to tell him about our work, which is to provide high-quality dance development for anyone and everyone who wants to take part.

“We hope the Duke’s visit will help shine a light on the importance of funding high-quality dance/arts provision and the access to it, so that it can be enjoyed by amateur dancers and budding professionals alike.

“We also hope that his visit will highlight Swindon’s artistic and cultural offer as a prominent centre for dance and the arts in Wiltshire and the South West.

“We are honoured to be part of this special visit.”

Swindon Dance is funded by the Arts Council England, Swindon Council and also receives funding from the Department for Education as a centre for advanced training through the Youth Dance Academy.

The group is one of five organisations that will take part with the Royal Ballet School on the national primarySTEPS programme.