Christmas Spectacular rehearsals begin; tickets on sale

Queenstown School of Dance level 2 hip-hop dancers practise for their performance in the Christmas Spectacular. Dance teacher Anna Stuart said 124 dancers from the school, ranging in age from 7 to mid-40s, would be dancing in the show. "It's the first time we have done a little hip-hop routine," Ms Stuart said. Photo by Christina McDonald.

Producer Jan Maxwell said the show would feature more than 150 singers and dancers.

"That makes it the largest showcase of local talent on the annual event calendar and, as it's a family favourite, we're expecting tickets to sell quickly," Mrs Maxwell said.

Featured in the show would be almost 100 dancers, performing alongside an ensemble cast of 35, in addition to the now infamous Remarkable Men's Ballet Company - this year debuting a new work entitled Swamp Lake.

The show is being directed for the third time by local theatre stalwart Simon Green.

"It was great fun getting everyone together on Monday for the first sing through. We're looking forward to adding all the layers as rehearsals progress," he said.

This year's show would have "a real, fun energy" from beginning to end, and include everything from traditional Christmas carols and quirky Christmas tunes to the latest chart-topping hits.

The Shotover Jet Christmas Spectacular has become the catalyst for a host of Yuletide events in the Wakatipu, which now include the Remarkables Park Christmas Family Fun Day on November 24; the Shotover Jet Locals' Day on November 17; the Hoamz Wishing Trees at ASB Remarkables Park Town Centre, the Queenstown Events Centre and the Hoamz sales office from November 19 until December 1; the MoreFM Spirit of Christmas Promotion; and ASB Remarkables Park Town Centre free Santa photos from December 15-24.

• Tickets for the Shotover Jet Christmas Spectacular are available from the Queenstown Events Centre, i-Site Queenstown and online at www.ticketek.co.nz.