TIP TOP tap maestro Adam Garcia gave a masterclass at a Poole dance school today.

The Australian actor, singer and dancer is known for his appearances in productions of Saturday Night Fever and Wicked, in popular cult film Coyote Ugly and as a judge on Got to Dance and the down-under version of Dancing With The Stars.

But on Sunday he took his first ever trip to Parkstone to coach a class of eager amateurs at Aimee's Dance Academy on the art of tap.

"It started last year when Danceworks invited me to their big studio in London, and from there I got more and more invites and thought I had better get organised," he said.

"So I am visiting established dance schools with dance workshops."

He had some kind words about Poole. "It is lovely, isn't it, I went for a walk along the beach earlier today," he said.

"A lot of dance schools offer tap along with jazz and ballet.

"Tap is something which a lot of dancers will do up to grade six but there is not a lot to do with it afterwards.

"It is uplifting, there are not really any sad tap numbers, it is associated with being happy, and you are making music while you dance."

Members of several local dance groups attended the event throughout the day, which saw Adam provide advice and demonstrate steps to youngsters, beginners and advanced adults.

The academy's principal, Aimee Irish, said: "This is a great opportunity for our dancers to learn techniques from him.

"It is inspirational, especially for the younger ones who want to go into performing. And he has been lovely and so down to earth.

"Tap is a bit of a forgotten dance, it is physically demanding but also mentally challenging because you have to be thinking about your steps all the time."

The academy has been based in the Parkstone Trade & Labour Club in Ashley Road for the past six years, but will be moving into its own newly-refurbished studio in Ringwood Road in a matter of weeks.