Lilia Kopylova: Matt Dawson, Aled Jones or Darren Gough?

Fresh from starring on the BBC's Strictly Come Dancing, Lilia Kopylova is back to her best, performing in her first fitness DVD, Latina Size. The first workout of its kind to fuse the passion and moves of Latin American dance with an excellent fitness programme, is at number one in the UK fitness video chart. Married to fellow Strictly dancer Darren Bennett, they have competed and won numerous awards since turning professional in 1997. Not one to take too much time off from her love, she is currently training hard to retain her title as the British National Professional Latin Champions later this year.Not just content with being a superb competitor, Lilia is also involved in coaching, choreographing and training many of the top junior and amateur dancers in the UK.Achieving great success on Strictly, winning the title in 2005 with her partner Darren Gough and just missing out in 2006 with rugby player Matt Dawson, we caught up with her to ask if she is ever going to slow down and take a much earned break, and ask the question on everyone's lips, will she do another Strictly?How did dancing become such a passion of yours?Since i was very little i always knew i wanted to be a performer. I trained in ballet, gymnastics and ice-skating since i was 4 years old becoming Moscow champion figure skater and then Latin American and knew i wanted to make a career out of dancing. I liked Latin American because its much freer and you can express yourself more. The DVD is perfect for the post Christmas bulge and the New Year diet resolutions we all make, but what made you decide now to make the fitness video?

I was contacted and just asked if i wanted to do a Latin fitness DVD. I said yes because there hadn't been one done before, combining latin dance into a fitness programme. It was very exciting for me, because it was something new and i was able to put my own input into the video. I choreographed all the routines, chose the music and the outfits...everything! What are the benefits of combining dance into a fitness programme as a way of losing weight and staying healthy?

It is very healthy for you. It can improve your stamina and make you stand tall and you feel much lighter. Its not just about losing weight, dancing makes you feel happy and you can get so much enjoyment out of having fun whilst exercising. The routines aren't hard, so you don't have to think about them, its not like spending half hour on a cross-trainer in the gym, where it feels like a job and working out becomes a chore. This is much more fun.

Who is the DVD aimed at?

Its aimed at anyone. You don't have to be extremely fit and healthy, like i said its just about having fun. I've included basic latin steps with aerobics. The programme is split into 5 sections, Simply Salsa, Cha Cha Burn, Rumba Tone, Sambasize and Jump 'n' Jive. All the routines are given a full explanation and as you progress through they get a bit more intense to work you harder. As with anything the more pratice you get the easier it gets.

Were there any plans to include your Strictly partners Matt Dawson or Darren Gough on the DVD seeing as you were all so successful on the show?

No (laughs). They are both wonderful but its just me dancing and the four girls. No men unfortunately!

Who has been your favourite dance partner, your husband, Matt Dawson, Darren Gough or Aled Jones?

This question is so hard to answer, everyone always asks me this, its just unfair! They have all worked so hard and i have been very lucky with my dance partners. They have put in 100% and that is all i can ever ask for. It doesn't matter if you are good at dancing or not as long as they show commitment to dancing. I have to say my husband though because he's such a great dancer and i do love dancing together.

You have achieved great international success throughout your career especially after turning professional in 1997, is their any rivalry between you and Darren?

No, there's no rivalry between us. We always both support each other. On Strictly there's no time for rivalry. In the final we had five dances to perform, so it was all about concentration. There was only just enough time to stop off for a drink before we had to start training again! We just support and help each other when ever we can.

You have won so many titles but which one are you most proud of?

I'm proud of them all especially making the final of the World Championships. The most proud has to be twice winning the British National Professional Latin American Championship in 2005 and 2006 because i worked so hard.

What are your plans for the future

I think a rest is needed! After Strictly it was so much hard work. My next competition is the World Moscow State Championships and then the Nationals in Blackpool, so its back to training again. But i also tour with workshops and shows across Britain which keeps me busy.

Since appearing on Strictly you have become a favourite with the audience, Will you be back next year to take on the challenge?

I would love to do it again next year. It has been brillant fun.

Latina Size is available to buy from the 26th December 2006

Adele Moore