Binoche learns to dance

Actress Juliette Binoche is taking time out of Hollywood to learn to dance.

The intrepid star has agreed to perform a contemporary dance work by choreographer Akram Khan at London's National Theatre next year - even though she has never had lessons in her life.

Kahn has defended his unlikely casting, insisting Binoche is bound to be a natural.

He says: "She has been training a lot in the past year and I have no doubts of what she can achieve. From seeing her in some films such as Damage and Three Colours Blue I knew she had an ability not to be afraid of taking on demanding roles, and that she has a very lithe body which is very much in tune with movement and music.

"Her body has great expression."