Strictly Come Dancing stars jive back to school

Lucky Barnsley youngsters from Hoyland St Helen's RC Primary School were the first in the county to take part – with a workshop and question- and-answer session, for them and other children at neighbouring St Michael's School, in Wombwell.

But Darren and Lilia, who entertained with a jive and a cha cha cha, weren't the only stars.

Also showing how it should be done were Karen Byron School Of Dance students Declan Dickinson, aged 12, of Darfield, his dance partner Alisha Dirienzo, 10, of Conisbrough, and Alex Gilberthorpe, just five, of Sprotbrough.

The TV dance couple, who will star in their own West End show Latin Fever, were also impressed with a performance by St Helen's children of the Sleeping Beauty Waltz.

"They were all great. You could see how much they enjoyed it. This is what we want to see more of – with every child given the chance to dance in school,'' said Darren, a Strictly winner with dance partner Jill Halfpenny.

He said: "We are visiting schools here in South Yorkshire and in Manchester. But we're hoping it will become a national scheme. Dance is good for co-ordination, exercise and communication skills."

Lilia, who won Strictly Come Dancing with dance partner and cricket star Darren Gough, said: "Darren and other men on the show have encouraged more boys to take it up. It's so fashionable."

St Helen's headteacher Phil Harrison said: "We began dance workshops last autumn but we never thought Darren and Lilia might turn up. They are inspirational. We're proud to be taking part."

For more details about how schools can get involved, visit www.essentiallydance.com