Strictly judge Darcey Bussell is at The Hammond School in Chester today, ahead of the top BBC show's Blackpool Bonanza this weekend.

The prima ballerina, who has been a judge on the celebrity dance show since 2012, is at the performing arts school to coach young dancers, give a talk and answer questions from students in the Hammond Theatre.

Chronicle reporter Lydia Morris is sitting in the theatre with Ms Bussell as she watches morning class.

Ms Bussell, who is considered by many in the dance world to be worthy of the title prima ballerina assoluta, is giving advice to the dancers on how to improve their postures and develop their moves.

The former Royal Ballet dancer retired from dancing in 2007. The Youtube video of her swansong has been viewed almost half a million times.

It seems it's all in the landing

Last March, Bolshoi star Irek Mukhamedov was at the Hoole Bank school to coach students ahead of their performance of La Bayadère.

Irek Mukhamedov with Katy Heriot and Matthew Phillips from The Hammond School

Following her visit today, Ms Bussell will be heading north to Blackpool where she will judge the final seven celebrities as they take to the dance floor in the famous Tower Ballroom. This year's Blackpool edition isn't just a treat for lovers of the show and ballroom dancing, as both Rick Astley and Simple Minds will also be performing.