The turnout was a disappointment for organizers, who had hoped to double the previous record of 1,150 dancers set in Germany in 2004.

But Guinness record keeper Carey Low told AFP "it's still fantastic that so many people came out on such a cold day in Toronto."

Children, parents and grandparents came from all over the city to dance, hand in hand, for five minutes starting at 8:45 am (1345 GMT) to the Rockettes' "Radio City Christmas Spectacular" music.

Terry, 60, and Jennifer, 30, arrived three hours early to ensure a spot alongside the Rockettes, known for their annual Christmas extravaganza in New York City.

"I've always dreamed of being a Rockette," said Terry, kicking her legs high like her dance idols.

Next to her, the oldest Rockette remained seated in a wheelchair but still managed to kick up her heels as she did in the Rockettes' first Radio City show in New York in 1933.

"Back then, if you were pretty and a good dancer, you became a Rockette, obviously," Mary, 95, told AFP. "It makes me very happy that the Rockettes are still so successful."

Other Canadian events this week to celebrate Guinness World Records Day included the largest underwater press conference, with 61 people, and the most bungee jumps in a day. Canada also sought another record for the highest wine cellar, atop Toronto's CN Tower.

More events were scheduled in Australia, Hong Kong, South Africa, New Zealand, the United States, Singapore, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Italy, Germany and France.

The Guinness Brewery launched the record book in 1955 to settle disputes among drinkers of its brews.