A former pop star was on hand to offer advice to aspiring young dancers competing for the chance to perform at Sadler’s Wells.

Former Pussycat Doll and professional dancer Carmit Bachar relived her popstar days with a performance of the group’s 2005 hit ‘Don’t Cha’ for students from five Wandsworth schools to mark the launch of the Step into Dance programme on Friday.

The students, aged 11 to 16, were competing for a chance to perform at Step Live! 2013, a one-off dance event being held at Sadler’s Wells, London on July 14.

Carmit was joined at the event at the Ashcroft Technology Academy in Putney by So You Think You Can Dance finalist and Step into Dance patron Kirsty Swain.

She told students: "Believe in yourself, work hard and you can achieve."

Ms Swain, who has carved out a successful dance career despite having a hearing impediment said: "We all have the ability – let your gifts shine through and you will overcome obstacles."

Southfields School student Taylor-Kae Knowtt said: "I have been dancing since I was three years old.

"Street dance allows me to express myself and gives me focus.

"My Step into Dance teacher, Marcio Salvador, is really someone to look up to and has helped nurture my talent."

Step into Dance is a partnership between the Royal Academy of Dance and the Jack Petchey Foundation.