IT was a Copacabana of a night in Cardiff as Olympic champion Robin Cousins unveiled his latest ice extravaganza.

Despite freezing temperatures outside, the atmosphere inside the Motorpoint Arena was sizzling on Tuesday night with everyone from young children to grandparents eagerly awaiting the start of Tropicana – the Passion Tour, the latest installment from the Holiday on Ice shows.

And MBE Robin Cousins didn’t disappoint, appearing on the specially-laid ice rink himself to introduce this two-and-a-half-hour tribute to his personal friend and legendary songwriter Barry Manilow.

Performances came thick and fast from some of the world’s most exciting new ice skaters, with a pulsating mix of individual, couples and company numbers.

The first half provided two show-stopping couples' performances; a 1950s-inspired routine complete with a jaw-dropping array of lifts and throws which perfectly complimented the jiving music, and a dreamy Valentines’ themed dance, so sublime it made us all want to get on the ice and float away.

Just before the interval came one of Barry Manilow’s greatest hits, Copacabana, interpreted for the ice with a magnificent and colourful array of fruit-laden costumes sure to get the party started.

Following the interval, Robin Cousins presented his handpicked star for the future, 12-year-old aspiring skate Lowri Jones who stole everyone’s hearts with her beautiful routine to pop hit Skinny Love.

The 34-strong cast immediately quickened the pace with a Rat Pack-style montage, an ode to Christmas including dancing teddy bears and gingerbread men and then a moving rendition of Mandy.

Sarah-Yvonne Prytula was mesmerising as she combined her accomplished skating skills with a routine on the aerial ropes, leading to one of the biggest cheers of the night.

With 220 costume changes including several breathtaking ice Queens and some cumbersome revolving stars on the backs of some dancers, and a giant LED screen, Tropicana was a spectacle to behold from start to finish. And with not one mistake, the skaters certainly deserve high praise indeed.

Tropicana is on at the Motorpoint Arena, Cardiff until Sunday, February 12. Call 02920 22 44 88 for tickets.