IT WAS a dream come true for Adrian Spuria, 23, to find out he would be dancing at the Sydney Opera House in the Puccini opera, Turandot.
With only six years' dancing experience, the Turrella-based performer smiled at the role he received — that of the Prince of Persia who goes to any length to win the cold heart of Princess Turandot.
"I'm Italian but one of my friends used to say I looked Persian, and he started calling me the 'Prince of Persia'," Spuria said.
Turandot's decree is that her suitor must answer three riddles or he will be killed.
Unfortunately for the prince he does get beheaded, but thanks to being able to don a black mask he gets to dance on stage again after his "death", although in a different guise.
"I've taken to dancing like a fish to water and I find it so exciting," Spuria said. "I didn't get involved with dance when I was younger.
"I was drawn to the creative side of life but it was only after I travelled overseas that I thought I'd like to dance."
Originally from Melbourne, he relocated to Sydney earlier this year because he thought he would offer more opportunities.
Turandot, Sydney Opera House, until August 28;
bookings: 9318 8200 or opera.org.au;
