SIBF 2025 erupts as Ping Pong Pang turns sport into a glowing dance spectacle

It was a burst of light, motion and music as Ping Pong Pang, the Italian dance phenomenon that stormed global talent stages, brought their electrifying performance to the Outdoor Theatre at the ongoing 44th Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF).

With high-octane moves, luminous props and a beat-driven fusion of sport and art, the crew transformed the morning atmosphere into a sensory spectacle for hundreds of schoolchildren who gathered for their debut act at SIBF. Using ping pong bats, basketballs, LED lights and even lightsabres, the dancers bounced, juggled and spun in perfect sync, turning athletic coordination into a rhythmic form of visual storytelling.

The 30-minute performance had the open-air venue erupting in cheers as the audience joined in spontaneous dance and applause. A message flashing at the end summed up their philosophy: “In a world of light, sound, and code, power is not in the system — but in connection.”

“We dance with table tennis rackets and ping pong balls, blending bounce and rhythm,” said Patrizio Ratto, choreography director and co-founder of the Rome-based troupe alongside his sister Rachele. “But this show goes further. We wanted to open new worlds of sport, light and energy to create something complete and immersive for the crowd to connect with.”

The performance struck a chord with young audiences. “It felt like watching a video game in real life. The lights, the music, everything was so fast and fun,” said Sara, a Grade 5 student from Sharjah. “I never thought ping pong could look this cool,” added her friend Zayed.

Founded in 2022, Ping Pong Pang gained international fame after earning the Golden Buzzer on Italia’s Got Talent 2023 and performing on Britain’s Got Talent 2025, where they wowed both judges and audiences. The troupe also represented Italy at the World University Games in Turin, becoming the first Italian crew to win a silver medal at the Portipop International Championship.

Their debut at SIBF was met with rousing applause as children mirrored their dance steps and waved imaginary lightsabers in the air. “The energy of the kids here was incredible,” said Rachele. “Their joy made this performance truly special.”

Ping Pong Pang will continue to perform at the Outdoor Theatre until November 14, as part of the many live shows and cultural experiences lined up under the theme ‘Between You and a Book’, organised by the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) until November 16.