A YOUNG man whose love of dance helped him overcome depression and express himself has achieved his dream to perform in a smash hit musical.

Gustave Die, from Crook, County Durham, is part of the ensemble in The Bodyguard Musical and is dancing in eight shows a week at the Musical Dome in Cologne, Germany.

The 22-year-old discovered his love of dance at a young age and his passion for the art impressed tutors at the prestigious Urdang Academy in London so much they offered his a half scholarship to study a BTEC Diploma in Professional Musical Theatre.

This was later changed to a full-scholarship, with Mr Die working in restaurants to help fund his living costs.

“The moment I discovered my love for dance was when I started freestyling in my own bedroom,” he said.

“Dancing became my comfort zone as it helped me through bad situations, such as family issues, relationships with friends, depression, financial problems. Dancing was the only thing that helped me get through everything in life.

"It then took over my life eventually, after a few performances as a soloist, I felt like I was expressing the real me.”

Mr Die enjoys a wide variety of genres, but is especially drawn to hip hop and commercial dance. He is thrilled to be a part of The Bodyguard, a musical inspired by the blockbuster film starring Whitney Houston and Kevin Costner.

“I couldn’t be more grateful for how my life is right now and I really hope I’ve inspired a lot of people from all over the North-East who would like to come a professional performer,” he said.

“My advice is to never give up on your dreams. If you really want it, go for it and believe in yourself. It will all happen before you know it. Work hard every day, push yourself to your very limit and do not be afraid to face new challenges as you will grow up and be better than you were before.”

Mr Die, who also studied dance at Gateshead College, said his former dance crew in Bishop Auckland, XDF, hosted by Ashleigh Lovette, has supported him throughout.

He also thanked the National Career Service, particularly careers adviser Tracey Kent based in Bishop Auckland, for helping him secure funding for his university course.

“They did a lot for me and I couldn’t be more thankful and grateful for their support,” said Mr Die.

“The understood how much this meant to me and how motivated I was to achieve the dream. I couldn’t have done this without the wonderful woman Tracey Kent who listened to all my words and put it together to make it all happen.”