Madonna has been auditioning dancers for her "most unexpected" tour to date.

The 'Material Girl' singer - who is set to embark upon a six-month tour next autumn - road-tested dancers at the prestigious Aura nightclub in London's Mayfair district to find the perfect people to fit in with the "hip-hop" feel of the tour.

An insider said: "Madonna is in peak condition so the gruelling aspect of life on the road isn't a problem. She road-tested dancers at her favourite London club, and had her lover Jesus Luz give his opinion."

The performers showcased their talents in a cordoned off area of the popular nightspot, while the 51-year-old singer and her 23-year-old model lover graded each of them individually.

The as-yet unnamed tour - which is part of Madonna's deal with Live Nation - is expected to net the singer in excess of £100 million, and will see her "go back to her roots".

The source added to the Daily Mirror newspaper: "It's going to be her biggest, most unexpected tour to date. She is going back to her New York City roots, with a street/hip-hop feel, and wants to make it a physical, dance-heavy set of gigs."

Madonna's last tour - 'Sticky and Sweet' - finished last September.