Britney Spears turns children's dance instructor

HER dreadful routine at an awards show shocked the world, but that has not stopped Britney Spears from landing her latest gig - as a children's dance instructor.

The troubled pop star's life once again raised eyebrows after details emerged over a recent trip to a Los Angeles dance studio.

Despite having recently lost custody of her children and being hospitalized at a mental facility, she taught a class of 4 to 7-year-olds.

Robert Baker, director of the Millennium Dance Complex, said: "The parents gave their permission."

Speaking to People magazine, he added: "They were thrilled. One parent summed it up: 'It's a once in a lifetime event.'"

Spears taught an hour-long session to the six children, chosen from the studio's junior programme. In addition to choreographed routines to vintage Madonna songs, Spears - wearing ripped fishnets, red boy-shorts and a blue top - also allowed her pupils to free-style dance.

"She even played age-appropriate games in a circle, pretending to be a choo-choo train," Baker said. "Britney was just amazing with the kids and everyone ended up having a blast. At the end of the hour class, all the kids hugged Britney and she seemed very happy."

Spears - who is currently trying to regain custody of her children Preston, 2, and Jayden, 1 - is due to take up another class this week. She has been at the studio working on her routine for a video for upcoming single "Hot as Ice".

"She seems very focused about getting back into her old life," added Baker. "[She's] focusing her energy on creating and dancing."