RIGHT: DUTK.com contributor Douglas McFarland performs infront of a 10000 strong crowd with his student Kyle Marston, at this year's Australia Day celebrations on Gosford waterfront.

Dougie has taken time out of his hectic training schedule to chat to his student, Australasian Champion Kyle Marston about his part in Down Under the Kilt: Reel Men Do Dance!

Kyle, I wanted to take some time out so our DUTK.com readers could get a chance to know you before your starring role in Down Under the Kilt: Reel Men Do Dance. So firstly; how do you feel about your inclusion in the show?

Excited...the past two shows have been massive and this one will be as well. Working with a cast of male dancers will be an awesome experience and should be a lot of laughs during rehearsals.

Without giving too much away, what can the audience expect?

The two dances I performed in previous DUTK's have been quite strong and fast, so I am looking at doing something a bit softer, but nothing is set yet so you never know!

With the experience from the past two DUTK's; you'll be able to lend some support to your fellow cast members - are you looking forward to having that heightened presence?

Everyone in the cast will have lots of experience working in shows. I'll probably help them with some Aussie slang and give them a lift to their hotel. I've met most of the cast and they're all great blokes. Getting the chance to work with Tony is awesome as he's the best male dancer I've seen.

This time you join the cast with quite a bit more silverware, how have you adapted your life given your recent successes

Nothing has really changed, I've started training harder but that's all that has changed.

Of those successes including the International, Australasian, Eastern Australian Championship crowns, winning the Australia medal and qualifying for the World finals, which is the most special to you?

Qualifying was very special, it was a goal I set early last year so when it happened it was a great feeling. Winning any championship is special but winning the Australian medal was amazing, as well as winning the Internationals which brings the best dancer's to my backyard!

A lot of people won't know you were a late starter, and furthermore were going to quit at 13, what happened that sees you here now, Australia's International Highland Dance Champion?

I started competing at 11 but stopped for most of the year when Iw as 13. You pretty much stopped me quitting for good.I'm very happy you told me not to and offered to teach me along with your Mum, otherwise I wouldn't be here.

Had you quit, how would your life be different without Highland Dancing?

It wouldn't be as busy :), I have learnt a lot from dancing and I don't think I would work as hard at my job if I didn't dance. The people I have met through dancing have changed my life. I wouldn't have met my girlfriend (Georgie), so I have a lot to thank dancing for.

You've started to expand your contribution to dancing, teaching the Highland Warriors, is teaching something you see fitting into your life permanently?

I would like to, it's something I will pursue when I finalise my competitive career. I would like to start up a class and teach young dancers. Helping to teach the Warriors is a lot of fun and great laughs.

As you get more involved in the sport, do you think of what changes could be improve the administration of the sport?

Well I've never been involved with any administration but from a dancer's point of view I would love to see Highland Dancing develop a season in Australia, building up to the bigger championships. Every other sport I know has a 5-8 month season which either has finals or a major event as the culmination of the season. Here we dance from February to December so it's hard to keep going all year long. It's also hard to explain to my football mates what the difference is between the different championships.

Finally, mate, you've inspired so many young dancers - what words of wisdom can you offer your fans?

Just keep going! You'll have good days, but it's the days you aren't dancing well that you have to dig deep and put in the extra effort. And have fun!

Thanks for taking time out for DUTK.com readers. Look forward to your involvement in Down Under the Kilt: Reel Men Do Dance!

Kyle will join Douglas McFarland's Down Under the Kilt: Reel Men Do Dance when it plays the Parkview Room at the Central Coast Leagues Club July 24th 2009. Tickets go on sale 1st June 2009 right here @ www.downunderthekilt.com