Big Ballet takes on 'slimmer ballerinas due to lack of plus-size dancers'

London, Feb 7 (ANI): The Big Ballet has brought down its requirement of 17-stone dancers to 15-stones because it is unable to find plus-size dancers.

The Big Ballet troupe was established 13 years ago by renowned Russian choreographer Evgeny Panfilo to prove that bigger women could still move elegantly

"The number of hopefuls weighing 17 stone has dropped significantly, coinciding with sustained global campaigns for healthier eating, perhaps most notably spearheaded by celebrity chiefs such as Jamie Oliver," the Telegraph quoted Tour producer of the Russian dance company, Alexej Ignatow, as saying.

Now for the first time in its 16-year-history, the performing group has dropped its requirements of heavy dancers.

The 16-strong alternative group was set up to challenge social standards in the ballet world and dancers weighed in at just under an average 20st during the last UK tour in 2008.

The 40-date tour starts in Eastbourne, March 1, and ends in Darlington, April 18. (ANI)