THEY’RE not making a big song and dance about it but rock and blues band 8 Before Ava are taking steps in the right direction – because they’re all acclaimed ballet dancers.

The band, who tomorrow night play a gig at Henry’s Blueshouse in Birmingham, have all danced with the renowned Birmingham Royal Ballet company, where three of them still work.

8 Before Ava made their Henry’s debut this summer, when they went down such a storm that they’ve been booked to play a second show at the club, based in Barbara’s Bier Haus on Broad Street.

What’s more, admission to the Tuesday October 20 gig is free. They’ll be playing two sets from 7pm, so get there early.

Guitarist Max Maslen, drummer Lawrence Massie, frontman and guitarist Miles Gilliver, and bass player Kit Holder, met while working at the ballet company, based at Birmingham’s Hippodrome theatre, a dozen years ago.

Miles and Max still dance there, while Kit now works as artistic coordinator. The band’s enigmatic name refers to a particular cue point in a ballet production they were working on when the band first formed.

“All four of us are professional ballet dancers who have danced with the Birmingham Royal Ballet, and we originally wrote our first songs backstage in theatre dressing rooms,” says Kit.

“Our debut single 10×10 was recorded in a dressing room nearly three years ago but our real focus is building a growing audience for our live gigs. Playing two sets gives us a chance to play a real range, and we’ll include some choice covers as well as our own work.”

* 8 Before Ava play Henry’s Blueshouse on Tuesday October 20 at Barbara’s Bier Haus 195-196 Broad Street, Birmingham, B15 1SU. Doors open at 7pm, with live music from 8pm to 10pm. Admission is free.