MARCHING OUT: Cooper Moller plays the Nutcracker in the Southern Star Academy of Dance Christmas concert. His toy soldiers watch on from behind. Photo Tessa Mapstone / South Burnett Times

MARCHING OUT: Cooper Moller plays the Nutcracker in the Southern Star Academy of Dance Christmas concert. His toy soldiers watch on from behind. Photo Tessa Mapstone / South Burnett Times Tessa Mapstone

MENTION the Disney film Frozen and the faces of 80 little dancers light up.

Southern Star Academy of Dance principal Danielle Wilkin said when she was planning the Christmas concert, as well as songs from The Nutcracker and The Grinch, she knew Frozen star Elsa had to be included.

"It's their favourite," she said. "We couldn't not do it.

"They get to dance with Olaf the Snowman and Elsa the Snow Queen, and we have a sugar plum fairy and a Grinch."

For the younger dancers, some as young as two, it will be their first time on stage.

Ms Wilkin said seeing how far they had come was one of the most rewarding aspects of her job.

"It gives them the chance to get on stage and perform and they love it," she said.

The Kingaroy concert will be the second time Cooper Moller, 9, has performed on stage after taking up dancing this year.

Despite being new to the academy, he will perform in 10 dances, in styles including tap, jazz, ballet, hip-hop and neo. He will even star as the Nutcracker.

But Cooper said he was ready for the challenge.

"I practise a lot - three days a week. I'd like to be a dancer when I grow up."

The Nutcracker Grinch that Froze Christmas in Toyland will be performed at Kingaroy Town Hall on Saturday, November 29.

Christmas concert

WHEN: Saturday, November 29, 5.30pm

WHERE: Kingaroy Town Hall

TICKETS: Adults $15, children and concession $10