“Just Dance” is a household-video-game staple for more than 120 million people worldwide, but now you can now shimmy, shuffle and strut with the colorful coaches in real life. Just Dance Live is going down at the Revention Music Center in Downtown Houston through Sunday, March 25.
The “Just Dance Live” instructors are like pop culture idols performing their top hits. The dance off soundtrack includes modern classics from some of the older versions of Just Dance, such as “Ghostbusters” by Ray Parker Jr., “Don’t Let Me Down” by The Chainsmokers featuring Daya, “Watch Me (Whip/ Nae Nae)” by Silentó, “Applause” by Lady Gaga and “Happy” by Pharrell Williams.
Learning to dance from flamboyant virtual coaches has been a part of our lives. But tapping and clapping with over 15 Just Dance Live coaches is a different experience. The actors appear to have walked right out of the 2D screen and into 3D downtown Houston. Admittedly, some characters are a little creepy in real life, but even kids run up to and high-five their favorite characters. All of their costumes create a dazzling spectacle with all the aesthetics of a video game. The show transports the audience into the world we have seen only from behind a screen.
The show is truly for all ages. Opening night there was everyone from toddlers to teens and college students to couples shuffling the night away. Many guests danced off with the family or friends who they have played the game with for years. For young kids it’s like Christmas, but I didn’t see any grown-up children being bored either. Everyone I went with had a blast, experienced fans and novices alike.
It’s worth stopping by the Pre-Show Get Ready Zone during the hour before the performance to get your face painted. The colors will glow in the black lights. I wish I could have blue and pink neon flowers on my face for days. There is no shame if you do it for the gram.
My only regret is that I wish I had worn something closer to workout clothes, because I was busting moves for over 90 minutes. If I had worn neon gym clothes, I could have been one of the cool kids.
Houston made the short list of four stops for this pilot tour of Just Dance Live in the U.S. “Just Dance” is made by Ubisoft, a French company that’s also behind “Assassin’s Creed.” Ubisoft is attempting to break into the live entertainment industry with “Just Dance Live.”
The live show capitalizes on the video game franchise that launched with a Nintendo Wii game in 2009 and has given birth to multiple sequels. Like a TV series that’s being dragged out until every dollar has been made, Just Dance Live feels a little like a re-packaged money-making venture, but somehow it’s still fun.
“Just Dance Live” was put together by creative director Kim Gavin, who was also behind the closing ceremony of the 2012 Olympic Games in London.
Regular tickets start at $45. Tickets can be purchases online here.
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