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Salsa masterclass with Lilia Kopylova

Find out what happened when Strictly Come Dancing star Lilia Kopylova put Ronita Dutta through her paces.

The lovely Lilia Kopylova may have been knocked out of Strictly Come Dancing 2007 in the early rounds, but she's not had her dancing feet up on the table. Oh no. She's been working hard training for the Strictly Come Dancing tour and putting together the eagerly awaited follow-up to her chart topping Latinasize DVD.

I joined Lilia for a one-to-one dance class and a chat about her new dance DVD Latinatone. I arrive at the dance studios nervous, but keen. Lilia is pretty in a pink vest and sweatpants and I am immediately struck by her tiny frame. She's petite yet curvaceous - proof if any were needed that dancing gives you a softer, more toned and feminine figure than the muscular physiques of many an ardent gym bunny. I'm already impressed.

So it's straight to work. I tell her that I'm holidaying in Cuba soon and would love to learn some simple salsa moves. After a quick warm up she choreographs a special Salsa routine especially for me. It's easy to see how she turns dance novices into dance maestros in Strictly. She explains things clearly, breaks down the moves for me and is very encouraging - even when I keep stepping back on the left foot instead of the right. After doing our stretches we sit down for a quick interview.

What is it that dancing gives you that the gym doesn't?
Dancing gives you everything. It energises you, gives you coordination, and puts you in a good mood. It keeps you fit without you having to think about it too much.

What do you say to people like Alex, iVillage's diet and fitness editor for example, who claim to have two left feet?
Rubbish! There are some people who are more co-ordinated than others, but dance actually helps develop your co-ordination. I don't think there's anyone out there that can't dance. It's more of a mental block than a physical one. Once people actually try, they usually love it.

Why do you think Ballroom is so popular all over again?
Ballroom dancing has become a very fashionable and modern thing to do. It's not just old fashioned sequins and feathers. Strictly Come Dancing has definitely helped bring back its mass appeal. The great thing about it is that you can enjoy it at any age and at any level - socially or professionally.

Is a dancer's life as glamorous as it looks?
It's glam at times - being a professional dancer you get to go into the best parts of the world and visit beautiful counties and beautiful places but apart from that it's very, very hard work. Hours and hours of training.

And finally. Who do you think will win Strictly?
I'd really like Aleesha to win. She's a great dancer, but in Strictly it's not always the people you want to win who will win. I think Letitia has come a very long way too - she's overcome the barrier of being nervous every week.

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