Show
This year it's a story: the DWU Christmas Workshop. Every class is a stop on Santa's tour as the elves get Christmas ready, and it ends with Santa himself. Every DWU dancer is invited onto the stage.
This was last year
Real DWU dancers at our 2025 Christmas Show. Sparkly costumes, proper stage lights and a hall full of family cheering.
Two ways to book
Book your dancer's place first; it includes a ticket for one grown-up. Then add tickets for everyone else who's coming to watch.
Performer place
For every DWU dancer in a kids' class
- Costume hire for every number they dance in
- A photo with Santa in his grotto, taken by our photographer
- A present from Santa
- All the show photos and the full show video
- One ticket for a grown-up to watch
£5 off a second performing sibling: book them together. Solos and duets are by teacher invitation and cost nothing extra.
Book a performer placeAudience tickets
For family and friends
- Every child ticket includes a present from Santa
- Under-3s sit on a lap for free; add a Santa present for £5
- Book children's tickets by 20 November and their present has their name on it
Community Places are available for families on a low income, with the same package for £30. Email hello.dancewithus@gmail.com; we'll keep it between us.
The story this year
Santa's workshop needs help to get Christmas ready. Two Head Elves lead the tour, and each class is one stop along the way.
The Elf Workshop
The toys come to life. Our youngest dancers go on early, so they can sit with you afterwards.
Snow & Ice
Snowflakes, skaters and a frozen night: ballet, contemporary and musical theatre.
The Nutcracker Party
The big finish: acro, Bollywood, commercial and jazz, then the whole school back on stage.
Yes, Santa is coming
No long queue at the end, and every child gets a proper moment with him.
How the day works
Rehearsal times go by age, so the youngest dancers arrive last and aren't waiting around all afternoon.
- From 1.15pmDancers arrive for rehearsalOlder dancers first, little ones from about 3.30pm. Your child's exact time comes by email.
- AfternoonStage rehearsal and Santa's grottoEach class rehearses on stage, gets into costume and visits Santa. Our team and chaperones look after them.
- 4.40pmDoors open for the audienceSeats aren't reserved. Have your booking name ready at the door.
- 5pmThe show startsAbout an hour and a quarter, with no interval.
- around 6.15pmCollectionWe bring children out class by class, youngest first, and sign each one out to you. Please bring their costume back in its bag at the same time.
Watch them, not your screen
It's a phone-free show. Our photographer and videographer capture every dance, and every performer family gets all of it. At the finale we'll have one "phones up" minute for your own photo.
Key dates
Four dates to put in your calendar.
Questions parents ask
Does my child have to perform?
No, it's their choice. Most children love it, and every class gets a dance that suits its age. If your child is nervous, tell their teacher; we'll place them where they feel safe, usually next to a friend.
My child is in two classes. Do I pay twice?
No. It's one price per dancer, however many dances they're in, and a costume for each dance is included.
Do I need to buy a costume?
No. Costumes are hired as part of the place. We'll ask for your child's clothing size and height when you book, and they try everything on in class in the week of 30 November.
How long will my child be there?
Older dancers arrive from 1.15pm and the youngest from about 3.30pm. Your child's exact time comes by email by 27 November. Everyone is collected at the end of the show, around 6.15pm.
Can my little one leave straight after their dance?
Yes, if they're under 5. Our youngest classes dance near the start, and you can choose on the booking form to have your child brought to you after their dance to watch the rest with you.
Does the performer place include a ticket for me?
Yes, one adult ticket is included. Buy extra tickets for anyone else: £12 for adults, £10 for children aged 3 to 15 (including a present from Santa). Under-3s sit on a lap for free.
Can I film the show?
It's a phone-free show, so everyone can watch and other families' children stay off personal phones. You'll get all the professional photos and the full video, and there's one "phones up" minute at the finale.
Who appears in the photos and video?
The show photos and video go only to performer families, through a private link. Photos are used in our marketing only for children whose parents have given photo consent.
Are the Santa presents safe for allergies?
Any treats are nut-free. Tell us about allergies on the booking form and we'll give your child a non-food present instead.
Can I get a refund?
Performer places can be refunded until 20 November. After that we've ordered the costume, so we can't refund unless we cancel the show.
I've missed the deadline. Is it too late?
Email us. We can add dancers until Friday 27 November if we can still get a costume in their size.
