She's been labelled 'vile' by GMTV presenter Fiona Phillips and the 'Queen of Mean' by the X-Factor's Simon Cowell, but Arlene Phillips, easily the best known judge on the BBC's Strictly Come Dancing panel, says she's not that bad.

'I can be pretty harsh, but that's just what I'm like when I'm working: I want people to put in their best, that's all. But I can give praise when it's due,' she says. 'It's absolutely thrilling when I see non-professional dancers progress and successfully put a sequence together, and I will tell them when they've done well.'

So far, Arlene's acerbic opinions of the celebrity contestants appear to have been tamed. 'I've been impressed so far, and the men have been a lovely surprise.'

A professional choreographer, Arlene has worked on some of the most famous West End musicals, including Saturday Night Fever, Starlight Express and Grease. She is now choreographing The Sound of Music, starring Connie Fisher, the winner of the BBC's How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria? 'It's incredible to see my routines performed on stage', she says. 'But I'd never want to be up there on stage with them - I leave that to the dancers.'

'One of the most important things about dancing is learning to feel good about yourself and enjoying it so that you can do it day after day,' she explains. 'If you're watching Strictly Come Dancing and wish you could do it too, then just join a ballroom dance class or take a beginner's lesson in salsa. I really do believe that anyone can learn to dance - you just have to try.'

Interview by Huma Qureshi

1. New York City Ballet Workout: Raising The Barre (£11.06)

They say:This is a revolutionary fitness programme that will help you begin to develop sculpted legs, perfect posture and the grace and poise of a dancer, by ballet master Peter Martins and four of New York City Ballet's beautiful dancers. In addition to the challenging exercises, there is an introduction to the joys of ballet as a conditioning programme. Overall, this has a colourful and fresh approach to ballet, which will motivate you toward creating an even better body and healthier lifestyle.

Arlene says: This explains posture and technique, and all the tough moves too. There is a gradual progression through moves, and you build on each new step. It's got an excellent warm-up which I'd recommend. Score: 5

2. Ministry of Sound: Pump It Up Hi-Energy Ultimate Dance Workout (£16.99)

They say:Dance yourself fit with this high-impact dance-aerobics DVD with programmes by award-winning fitness instructor Agata Pienio. The workout also includes a bonus 'Dance it up' section, put together by acclaimed choreographer Sean G Huston. Shot at the legendary Ministry of Sound and set to an exclusive soundtrack of 15 explosive club hits, Pump It Up gives you a fun yet effective way to dance yourself fit.

Arlene says: This is full of girls in bikini tops and hot pants - and is probably aimed at girls who go the gym a lot. It's quite technical and a little hard to follow, and you have to like dance music very much to enjoy it. A good aerobics and dance workout. Score: 6

3. Hip-Hop Dance School 2: Create Your Own Choreography (£13.61)

They say:Four-time world choreography champion Sally Sly teaches you all about choreography and creating dance routines. This interactive DVD reveals all the secrets and fun ways to keep fit by dance and to imagine your own choreographies...

Arlene says: This is not a DVD for beginners. It moves at a very fast pace and is better for intermediate and advanced performers. I think the warm-up could get boring after a while. It has good interactive features that show moves from different angles, which helps improve spatial awareness, but it's very advanced. Score: 4

4. Anyone Can Dance: Learn To Salsa (£8.50)

They say:A guide to the seductive steps, exotic beats, passionate movements and explosive turns of salsa. Donald Johnson and Kasia Kozak teach a simplified salsa for beginners that still allows them to experience the wonderful, hot sensation of salsa dancing. With careful and detailed instruction, they will guide you through the basic elements of this wonderful dance.

Arlene says: I like this. It has a lovely inspirational introduction which would make you fall in love with salsa. It explains the timings well and is an excellent DVD. Beginners might be a little lost as you are expected to pick things up as you go along. A great refresher course. Score: 5

5. Modern Jive: The Easy Way To Learn - £14.46

They say:A step-by-step beginners' guide to learning modern jive, also known as Ceroc. Ceroc is the fastest growing dance phenomenon in the UK, a modern fusion of jive and salsa that can be danced to any music with a regular beat, from 40s swing to today's chart hits. This DVD presents all the basic moves to get you started, demonstrated in three routines to allow you to feel confident on any dance floor.

Arlene says: This is the best of all the DVDs: clear, accurate and moves at the right pace. By the end of the first chapter, you've been taught a sequence of eight steps and pieced together a routine. With instructions on how to link steps, it's a fantastic way to start dancing. Score: 9

· All the DVDs on test are available from www.amazon.co.uk

Personal Shopper Tips

If you want to dance like J-Lo, a beginner's dance DVD is a brilliant way to pick up steps at your own pace and in privacy.

· Pick the right dance style. Starting off with street dance is a good way to get used to learning an adaptable choreography.

· Check that there is an additional chapter that breaks down and explains steps.

· Don't choose a DVD on the basis of the celebrity endorsing it, choose one by a recognised dance school or pick a DVD which accompanies a recognised dance course.

· Push yourself - don't keep hitting the pause button, as tempting as it is.

· Don't be too dependent on the DVD - try to memorise the steps.

· Try what you learn on the DVD at a dance class for individual attention.

· Enjoy it - anyone can learn to dance and a DVD will help you gain confidence.