A HOLLYWOOD and West End actor descended on a Halliwell studio to share his tap dancing techniques with dozens of young people.

Australian-born Adam Garcia, who has starred in films such as Coyote Ugly and Kangaroo Jack, and who is one of the judges on Sky TV’s ‘Got to Dance’ show, led two exclusive masterclasses at Theatre Dance Studios.

Participants between the ages of eight and 45 copied a range of rhythm and syncopation exercises to warm up before learning a full tap routine.

Mr Garcia said: “I have always enjoyed teaching, and tap dances have a cultural prerogative to be passed down. It is a hand-me-down craft.

“I’m not structured in the way I teach. I try and use different elements and encourage people to feel the music and make the rhythms go through their feet.”

The intermediate and advanced classes which took place on Thursday follow a recent workshop given by Pussycat Doll Kimberly Wyatt.

Pupil Sofia Ward, aged 12 from Bradshaw, was one of more than 100 dancers to take part.

Sofia, who has been dancing since she was just two years old, said: “I enjoy that you can express yourself through different styles of dance.

“It was really exciting to have guest teachers. They taught us a bit of everything.

“I liked learning the choreography and being able to dance in the full performance. Having a star teacher made it special.”

The studio’s successful application to the National Lottery resulted in them being gifted a £10,000 grant.

This is being used to host a range of events for various Bolton dance schools over a 12-month period to coincide with the studio’s 30th anniversary celebrations this year.

Principal Sarah Ward said: “We are thrilled to be hosting this series of events for our students and those of other local schools.

“Like Kimberley, Adam is a highly talented dancer and renowned judge.

“Everyone who attended was able to pick up skills that will stay with them for a very long time.

“The excitement among our students was unbelievable.

“We must say a huge thank you to our organiser Lynn Wells and also to the National Lottery, whose grant assisted us in putting this event on.”

Mr Garcia, aged 45 travelled from his London home to lead the classes.

Ms Wells, whose son dances at the studio, said: "We are really grateful to Adam for travelling to visit us.

"This has all been arranged for the kids and the community.

"It is something out of the ordinary, different to their usual classes and exams.

"We have held dance workshops, invited professional make-up artists to teach them and organised a costume-making course.

"We are also trying to organise for street dancer Ashley Banjo to come and see us next."

Their latest star guest, Mr Garcia, is set to tour Australia with Dannii Minogue.

The former X Factor judge is the presenter on Australian television series Dance Boss, in which Mr Garcia is a judge.

Earlier this year it was also announced Mr Garcia will star as The Artilleryman in Jeff Wayne’s musical version of The War of the Worlds when it returns to UK arenas next year.