AMATEUR ballroom dancers were kept on their toes yesterday when a Strictly Come Dancing star dropped in to offer some tips.

Celebrity dancer Erin Boag visited Dance Rhythms dance school in Roman Way, Cowley, Oxford.

More than 50 amateur tango enthusiasts, many of whom took up dancing because of the TV show, listened intently as she taught them the right way to appear on the big stage.

Ms Boag was voted off the show along with partner and former snooker player Willie Thorne on Sunday in front of more than seven million viewers.

The 32-year-old was in Oxford to film part of the BBC's Strictly Come Dancing on the Road programme, putting members of Dance Rhythms through a Latin-American cha cha cha workshop.

Ms Boag said: "The dancers are great. It is nice seeing so many beginners dancing because of Strictly Come Dancing, and it is nice to see all these different age groups."

Susan Curtis, director of Dance Rhythms, said: "It is fabulous that Erin has come. There was lots of excitement in the school.

"I think the programme is so popular because it is one of the few things on TV that the family can watch together.

"I think Erin was unlucky to have been knocked out this week as Willie did a very good tango."

Denise Barulis, 39, from Crown Road, Wheatley, was one of the amateurs taught by Ms Boag.

She said: "My partner and I are Strictly Come Dancing addicts and it is very nice to be taught by someone as friendly and talented as Erin.

"Having an expert of that standard in front of you means you can see exactly how it is meant to be done."

Alex Whittenbury, 32, from High Street, Cuddesdon, said: "It has been fun. Seven of us come to the school every Wednesday morning and we were inspired to start dancing by Strictly Come Dancing.

"Today has been fantastic - a great opportunity to see a professional celebrity dancer."

Oxford's dancers will be able to watch themselves in action from tomorrow at www.bbc.co.uk/strictlycomedancing And Ms Boag offered a few final tips for making it as a top dancer: "Make sure your posture is correct, make sure your footwork is correct, always smile and remember to wear deodorant!"