An Aycliffe dancer who has performed in Germany has returned to her hometown of Darlington as a dancer in a new pantomime.

Annis Rallis attended Darlington Hippodrome as a young child to watch the Christmas pantomimes and hopes to inspire the next generation of Darlington performers.

She said: “Every year I would go to the pantomime in Darlington with my family, I think we even saw the chuckle brothers one year. As a little girl I used to say to my mam that I wanted to be a part of the pantomime.”

The Northern Echo: Annis Rallis in Dance of the Vampires

Now, after performing in hit shows such as Rock of Ages in Germany Annis is thrilled to be performing on the stage she once aspired to, in Darlington Hippodrome’s Snow White pantomime.

Growing up with mam Caroline Race owning the South Durham School of Dance in Newton Aycliffe, Annis always aspired to a career performing and attended her mums dance school until she moved away.

The Northern Echo: Annis Rallis, left and Caroline Race, right at Darlington Hippodrome

After attending Stockton Riverside College for her diploma in performing arts Annis took to London to finish her studies completing a bachelor’s degree in musical theatre and professional dance at Urdang Academy London.

Annis then went on to perform as a singer and dancer on the Pacific Explorer cruise ship around Australia and New Zealand and then went on to Germany, where she now lives.

Starting as an ensemble dancer in acclaimed musical Dance of the Vampires, Annis went on to cover the leading role in the musical and even perform with Bonnie Tyler. She also performed in Rock of Ages the musical covering leading role Sherry.

The Northern Echo: Annis Rallis and co-stars in Dance of the Vampires in Germany

She said: “All my jobs since I’d graduated have been overseas, so this is also my first job in the UK.”

Annis has thoroughly enjoyed her time back at home with her family for the festive season, but a highlight has been speaking to aspiring performers.

She added: “It’s always been a dream of mine to be working at home with family, and to be inspiring kids like I was as a little girl.

The Northern Echo: Annis Rallis celebrating backstage at Darlington Hippodrome

“So many of the children from my mams dance school have come to watch and have said exactly what I used to say when I was little – that they want to be in the pantomime when they grow up, it’s like a full circle moment.”

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Annis will be travelling back to Germany after the pantomime ends but hopes to return to the UK and her hometown for more performances in the future.

Snow White is at Darlington Hippodrome until Sunday, December 31. Visit darlingtonhippodrome.co.uk or call the box office on 01325 405405 for tickets.