The Latin formation team from Preston's Fever Dance Company will be taking to the stage of the Royal Variety Performance.

The 30-strong group from Mornington Road will be performing at the Blackpool Opera House on December 7 – just two days after their next competition in Germany.

They will be appearing on a star-studded bill including funnyman Peter Kay, X Factor winner Alexandra Burke, Lady Gaga, Lulu and Hollywood
legend Bette Midler.

Director Stephen Holland, who runs the dancing school with his wife Rachael, said: "It's a massive coup for us. It's such an honour to be asked.

"They asked a few schools around the area but the governing body ended up going with us, which is wonderful news."

The group, which is the current British open champions, will be appearing on stage alongside celebrated conductor and violinist Andre Rieu.

And while the 15 pairs aged 16 to 43 are more used to funky Latin routines, Rachael has choreographed a beautiful ballroom number.

Stephen added: "They've been putting in a lot of hours.

"Ballroom formation is not something that we do.

"The dancers do ballroom, but not all he time.

"They've been brushing up on their technique and getting everything ship-shape.

"They're all experienced dancers and most have been dancing since they were 10.

"We've been training every Sunday since we were asked, so we've done about 6 weeks from 10am until 4pm."

And performing for the Royal family tops off a bumper year for the studio which began just five years ago.

The formation teams were crowned both the UK open and closed champions this year, and Stephen added: "They're getting the best in the business."

The group will be dancing in front of the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh on December 7.

Demand for tickets for the show – the first in Lancashire since 1955 – was so great the application process had to be suspended.

The show will be broadcast on ITV on December 13.

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