DANCE teachers in East Lancashire say they are reaping the benefits of TV dancing shows.

Instructors believe the popularity of Strictly Come Dancing and So You Think You Can Dance has boosted people taking to the dancefloor.

But they have warned that this increased demand has also led to more rogue teachers setting up business without the necessary qualifications.

Jane Vernon and her husband Graham, a former British Latin American dancing champion, lead the Dancing and Performing Arts school at Eanam Wharf, Blackburn.

She has been teaching ballet, tap, jazz, contemporary, hip hop, ballroom, Latin and salsa for around 25 years.

The principal said: “These TV programmes have definitely increased business.

"Right across the board from children to adults, it has exploded.

“These shows have shown there is something for everyone and it doesn’t matter what age or level of talent.

“Even something like Britain’s Got Talent has made an impact, for example with the belly dancing.

"Instead of someone thinking they are too old, or too unfit, it has made them call up.”

Chris Marlow, is a partner at Rossendale Dance and Drama Centre, with branches at Waterfoot and Ramsbottom, which celebrates its 30th anniversary this year.

It has about 500 pupils, a number Chris said had risen in part thanks to dancing being “back in fashion”.

He said: “There has been a surge in popularity for ballroom thanks to Strictly Come Dancing and dance in general with shows like So You Think You Can Dance.

"Dance has been recognised as an enjoyable way to stay fit.”

The centre is registered with the Council for Dance Education and Training, meaning it has passed an ‘Ofsted-style’ exam.

Chris, a performer, teacher, adjudicator and examiner, said: “There are lot of teachers out there who do not operate to these levels of compliance and that’s a problem because the public are not always aware.”

Jane said: “You need to ask to see their qualifications, ask what exams they have taken and whether they have had CRB checks.”