DANCERS from Ludlow will take centre stage when they provide the backing for pop princess Pixie Lott at Wembley Stadium.

A dance group from the town will be among the pre-match entertainment at Wembley Stadium when Saracens take on Harlequins in the Aviva Rugby Union Championship.

Sixty dancers from Ludlow and the surrounding area are being led by Ema Paton who gave up teaching to set up the Fuzion Dance and Cheer Academy.

The dancers have been putting in hard work to perfect the routine by meeting three evenings a week at the Appletree Theatre and Teme Leisure in Ludlow.

It is a gruelling routine for Ema who was a pupil at Ludlow School before going to Kidderminster College and then studying dance at University in Leicester.

As well as teaching dance the 30-year-old performs as a cheerleader at events all over the country and also looks after her young son.

“The talented dancers, who will be making the trip to London at the end of March, all train at Fuzion Dance and Cheer Academy," said Ema.

"They are very excited to be part of this fantastic opportunity and to perform alongside 12 other dance schools on the pitch with Pixie Lott as she performs two of her tracks in front of more than 80,000 people.”

Ema’s dance school, which has classes in Ludlow, Tenbury and Leominster, is in its 10th year.

“This is one of the biggest opportunities that we have had so far and we are really looking forward to it,” said Ema.

“I set up Fuzion initially as a bit of a sideline but now it has become a full time job and we are going from strength-to-strength.

“Dancing is a great way to exercise and keep fit but it also involves discipline and team work. There is also a great support network with people of college age helping much younger dancers.”

But it is hard work getting ready for the big event as they learn the choreography by Jess Hobson, who also choreographed the opening ceremony of the 2013 Rugby World Cup.

“The opportunity presented itself when Pro-Excel got in contact and told us about their work and this amazing opportunity, which we just couldn’t let pass,” added Ema.

“It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity and one that the dancers will remember forever.”

The dancers, aged 7 to 18, will be joined by a coach full of 120 family and friends who are travelling to London to support the event.

They may also be seen on television as the game on Saturday March 28, which kicks off at 3.15pm, is being broadcast on BT Sport.

But it will be an expensive trip and Ema hopes that businesses or individuals from the area will be able to come forward to help with the cost of the coach travel.

Anyone who is able to help or would like to get involved in dancing should contact Ema Paton on 07921331764