If you liked Shall We Dance, and you want to see what it would look like if it had a Christmastime setting, check out the Hallmark special Christmas Dance. Richard Gere isn't the only one who can take secret dance lessons and practice during work. Andrew McCarthy can do it too!

Teamed with dancer Michelle Nolden, there's an extra element to the story that makes for a sweet romance with a heart-wrenching conflict. While Andrew takes private dance lessons to impress his girlfriend, the boss's superficial daughter, he's drawn to the serious, calm, and steady Michelle. She's about to get evicted from her dance studio, curtesy of Andrew's company, but she doesn't know he's involved. Of course, he lies to her about his identity because he doesn't want to hurt her feelings - and because he's falling in love.

The one fly in the ointment? Mary Long's character, Andrew's mother. Nothing against Mary, especially since I enjoy seeing her in other movies, but she's far too involved with her grown-up son's love life for my taste. Besides that, this is a really sweet Hallmark movie. Believe it or not, it has more dance sequences than A Nutcracker Christmas, and they're very fun to watch.

DLM Warning: If you suffer from vertigo or dizzy spells, like my mom does, this movie might not be your friend. During some of the waltz scenes, the camera swirls. Also, there are strobelights in the dance club in the beginning that will make you sick. In other words, "Don't Look, Mom!"

Andrew McCarthy, though finally looking a little older, has never been better as far as this wonderful, endearing film goes.

He is the hot-shot in a business firm, successful and just about ready to marry the daughter of the boss. To impress them at their holiday dance, he takes dancing lessons and that's where the fun begins.

The more complications that come into the plot, the story just seems to get better and better. When the dance studio is threatened with eviction, McCarthy soon learns that his business is leading the way for this. He can't bring himself to tell the owner, his dance instructor, and besides the two beginning having a fond attachment for each other. You just wonder when she will find out who he really is. We know that has to happen since life follows a natural order. Yet, you don't care because the story between choosing love over wealth is forever endearing.

I enjoyed this movie very much and so did my wife. Its very romantic. The leading lady is very beautiful and moved gracefully. Perhaps the plot is nothing new but it worked for me. I also thought the lighting was very well done, especially in the dance studio scenes which certainly set the tone for the film. Andrew McCarthy is a fine actor and the movie suited his talents. There were times when things developed in a clumsy fashion but for the most part it sailed along in fine style. I'm not totally sure the chemistry between the two leads was dead on but the chemistry between me and Christine was awesome! This is a classy movie with a good cast and I give it a solid edge over most similar holiday fare...try it out!