This is the incredible moment a young gorilla showcased just how light he is on his feet by performing an impromptu version of Swan Lake.

The hilarious video was captured by staff at Twycross Zoo in Leicestershire and shows the three-year-old ape named Lope pirouetting before rolling on the ground.

The clip was posted to Facebook where it quickly picked up more than a million views and amused users shared their thoughts on the unlikely ballet dancer.

Light on his feet: The three-year-old ape named Lope danced a version of Swan Lake for staff at Twycross Zoo

Talented: After a quick warm up the ape pulled out all the stops by standing up on two feet and dancing

Speaking to MailOnline, a spokeswoman for Twycross Zoo revealed that the gorilla, who turned three in January, was simply having fun.

She said: 'He's basically just playing. It's natural behaviour and it's important for young apes to learn.'

Lope, along with other gorillas his age, is known to dance like this on occasion - suggesting his instinctive moves have been refined slightly.

'I have personally seen him do it a few times while playing,' said the spokeswoman. 'Imagine a human three-year-old, it's the same sort of thing.'

Controlled: The gorilla is seen holding his right arm out straight in front of him and pirouetting gracefully

Gracious: The talented ape turns in a controlled manner five times while tilting his head slightly

In the video the ape is initially seen rolling on the ground of his enclosure while grabbing hold of some straw and throwing it about.

Lope then gets to his feet and plays with a piece of hanging rope before deciding to take to the dance floor and spinning to his left.

After a quick warm up he then pulls out all the stops by standing up on two feet, holding his right arm out straight in front of him and pirouetting gracefully.

He turns in a controlled manner five times while tilting his head slightly before calling it a night and rolling to the ground again.

Perfected: Lope, along with other gorillas his age, is known to dance like this on occasion at the zoo

Enough for one day: Eventually the gorilla decides to call it a night and rolls to the ground for a rest

The video maker can be heard saying: 'I'm so glad I got that. I got it on video,' as the incredible clip concludes with the ape having a rest.

Commenting on the video, one viewer said: 'Lope is my little boy's favourite at the zoo - he is three-years-old just like Lope and they often run back and forward either side of the glass together.'

Another said: 'Very graceful! Or as graceful as a gorilla can be!'

Viral sensation: The clip was posted to Facebook where it quickly picked up more than a million views