A BASINGSTOKE dance group is set to conquer Dubai this week, as it triumphantly returns to the Middle East after performing at last year’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Eight members of FatBoyZ, a Basingstoke-based dance group will head out to Dubai to perform at Virgin Radio RedFestDXB – the city’s largest music and performing arts festival.

The group, fronted by choreographers and dancers Liam and Shivani Dawett, world champion dancers and siblings, will join the likes of Sean Paul, The Veronicas and Tove Lo onstage at the Dubai Media City Amphitheatre across February 2 and 3. FatBoyZ, set up nine years ago, will perform a piece choreographed by Liam and Shivani – who collected Ambassador awards at 2009’s ‘Basingstoke: A Place to be Proud Of’ awards.

FatBoyZ director, Sonia Dawett said: “It’s a total honour.

“To be now a celebrity endorser for one of the Middle East’s biggest fashion designer is another achievement, but it’s been a fantastic year for the group.”

She added: “It’s the world class choreography by them that people love. That blend of Bollywood, street dance and hip-hop. I think because we create that fusion as a company we bring something completely fresh to dance. There’s lots of energy and we create pieces that suits a range of audiences.”

Last year, FatBoyZ performed at the finale of the Formula 1 season in Abu Dhabi. And although Sonia is delighted the group are heading back out to the Middle East, she said the group had its sites firmly on its own world tour.

“Abu Dhabi was phenomenal because the crowd seemed to just fall in love with us after our performance,” Sonia said.

“We had some fantastic comments and great feedback saying how much people enjoyed the show. And now we’re keen on doing our own world tour, FatBoyZ at last year’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The dance troupe are returning to the Middle East to perform in the Virgin Radio so with that kicking off in May in Winchester it’s a great chance for our local fans to get to see us.”

To find out more about the group, visit fatboyz.org.