Government to extend school dance lessons

The government looks set to extend its efforts to teach dance to school children after its initial success in previous years.

As part of the new £5.5 million Strictly Youth Dancing initiative, specialist dance classes will be trialled in schools, with six centres of dance training to be established by 2011.

Andy Burnham, the culture secretary, revealed that the effects of teaching dance in schools could be far-reaching.

"Ballet or ballroom, hip-hop or Highland, dance is something we're really good at in this country," he said. "It also combines physical activity, creativity and beauty in a way that appeals to all."

Mr Burnham added: "So it's right and good that government support for the dance world should be put on a new footing and I look forward to seeing the next generation of dancers - and the one after that - benefit from it."

According to research by PE and School Sport Club Links scheme, dance is the second most popular activity of school children behind football.