Familiar storybook characters are dancing across the Royal Wanganui Opera House stage as they rehearse for their Christmas programme which opens tonight.
The Shirley McDouall School of Dance will present Toyland and A Christmas Tale and every dancer - from the smallest to the tallest - has a part.
Some of the cast will dance more than one part like Leila Collinson who will dance as Mary one night and as the Spirit of the Past in A Christmas Tale the next.
Leah Aiono will dance the same parts on alternate nights and other dancers will also share different roles.
School principal Melissa Tate said the rehearsals have been going well and everyone is excited about their performances.