A STREET dance professional, who has worked with some of the biggest names in the business, has pumped his life savings into opening a dance academy in Basildon.

Nader Boulila has transformed an empty shop, in Market Pavement, into the uber-sleek Kayzar Dance Rhythm and Funk Performing Arts Centre.

Nader set up Kayzar Dance seven years ago and it has gone from strength to strength.

However, until now the school’s hundreds of members had to attend classes at Woodlands School, Takely End, Basildon, as the centre had no place of its own.

Nader, 30, who lives in Basildon, and has worked alongside Diversity and other big names, said: “It was always a dream to have a stylish studio and base for the kids to meet, learn and take exams in – and now we’ve got it. The place is really something to be seen.

“I’ve spent over £100,000 on it. Professionals from London have been telling me it’s the best dance studio they’ve seen.

“When we first looked at the outlet, it was a mess. There was no running water, the electric sockets were hanging off and there wasn’t a single thing that didn't need tearing down or fixing.

“I got some builders in and they said it would take until January to complete. But I wasn’t happy with that.

“I had promised our kids at the school that we’d have our own base by Christmas. So I got stuck in and helped with the work and eventually it was completed within seven weeks.”

The school offers a variety of urban street dance classes for youngsters, as well as classes in more traditional disciplines including ballet, tap, jazz, modern, singing and drama.

Dad-of-one Nader, who is originally from Tunisia, added: “I’ve remortgaged my house, sold off property I had and got out loans for this place.

“I believe in it and I believe that youngsters across Basildon and Southend have a lot of talent and a hunger to learn.”

Nader has set up Kayzar as a non-profit-making company and plans to make it a charity so that every youngster, no matter what their background, will have access to dance classes.

l For more details about the school e-mail info@kayzar.co.uk