A BASINGSTOKE dance troupe is set to entertain some of the Formula 1’s finest as they travel to Abu Dhabi to perform at its Grand Prix this month. 

Members of FatBoyZ, a Basingstoke-based dance group, will take to the stage at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix – a race which will see this year’s Formula 1 winner crowned.

Set up by dancer Sonia Dawett nine years ago, 15 of the group’s performers will travel to the capital of the United Arab Emirates to join the likes of Lionel Ritchie and Rhianna in showcasing their talents across the weekend of November 25/26/27.

“It just shows if you continue with your dreams they can come true,” Sonia told The Gazette.

“This is an important message for young, aspiring dancers that if you work hard, the stage will be there for you.

“I’m ever so proud of the dancers - all of them - who have worked on a daily basis to reach their goals and to see them get up on that stage will be just amazing.” FatBoyZ, the reigning UK Street Dance Champions, are the first British dance act to perform live for four days across the weekend.

The group will perform a piece choreographed by 21-year-old Liam and his sister Shivani Dawett – World Champion dancers – who have become fixtures within the UK’s dance scene since springing on the scene at the age of 13 and 10 respectively.

“Honestly, it’s the most surreal thing being offered this,” Liam, a former pupil at Great Binfield Primary School and The Vyne, said.

“It’s an honour that I can go from teaching my classes in Basingstoke to playing in front of millions of people. But it’s what this is all about. 

“The opportunity to play on the same stage as the likes of Rhianna and Lionel Richie is amazing.”

He added: “I’m not nervous at all – I’ve been doing this so long, it’s just the adrenaline that I love now.”

Shivani, who along with her brother collected Ambassador awards at 2009’s ‘Basingstoke: A Place to be Proud Of’ awards, said: “It’s crazy. Such a big thing. I wouldn’t have imagined this when I started dancing all that time ago.

“I honestly haven’t got a clue about Formula 1, but I’ve seen highlights and the atmosphere looks amazing. We’re all super excited.”

To find out more about FatBoyZ, visitfatboyz.org.