Saturday saw the Christmas lights being switched on in Halifax and Hoofers Dance Studio first off the mark in getting into the spirit with their Dancing into Christmas show.

The first half was themed around tunes and songs with "dance" in the title, starting with some amusing disembodied feet tapping from under the barely raised curtain. As usual pupils from babies to adult tap and every age and level in between were ingeniously included to strut their stuff on the Victoria stage with boys, alas, and as usual, greatly outnumbered by girls.

Moondance found the adult tap dancers, sporting shiny silver hats and waistcoats in smooth, stylish form: Song and Dance Man showcased three big boys and four smaller ones with panamas and canes, I'm in the Mood for Dancing featured some nifty and graceful lifts, Dance Yourself Dizzy had a disco feel, whilst the Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy appropriately inspired pink tutus and ballet moves, some en pointe.

Against various festive backdrops the most successful Christmas numbers, featuring rollerbladers, cute little reindeer, jivers in Santa hats and shades, dolls of every description and costumes from all over the world, were those that really illustrated the music. The finale found the whole cast on stage, with Santa in a magnificent sleigh amid a cascade of glittering snow.

Young saxophonist AJ Brown, also a talented dancer, impressed with his mature, suave, and atmospheric interpretations of Morning Dance and Silent Night.