BWW Reviews: Derek & Julianne Hough MOVE at Wolf Trap!

Dancers touring like rock stars might invoke some doubt, but the motto of Derek and Julianne Hough's Move Live on Tour is "Motion=Emotion," and it's a safe bet that the audience at Wolf Trap on Friday night was feeling it. One of the great trends over the past decade, has been the emergence of a measure of fame for dancers who, in the past, would have been nameless talent backing up the headliner. Even in the most hallowed ballet companies, it is the principal dancers who get the billing. But with the advent of shows like Dancing With the Stars, where the Houghs gained their reputations, to So You Think You Can Dance, and America's Best Dance Crew, we're now getting to know the names and faces of a multitude of dancers in more dance styles than most of us knew existed, and these performers are finally getting their due. In the case of this charismatic, talented and yes, attractive, sibling duo, they've more than earned the recognition

Derek is an Emmy-winning choreographer, a dance pro on DWTS and choreographed an acclaimed program for Olympic Gold Medalists, Meryl Davis and Charlie White. Most recently, he starred with Laura Benanti in the Radio City Spring Spectacular. Julianne, the younger of the two, was also a dance pro on DWTS, and now sits as judge on the show, while pursuing a recording and film career. Both are stage veterans, and quite skilled at connecting with an audience. There was an audible expression of glee from the crowd when the announcer actually encouraged everyone to use their cell phones, and share the experience of the show. This freedom was possible, in part because the lighting effects are so elaborate that the glows of phones is not the distraction it would have been in most shows.

There is nothing subtle about Move, in a good way. It's a flurry of activity, with the numbers running nonstop throughout each of the two acts, and it connects with the crowd in no small way due to Derek and Julianne's personalities. The stage is dominated by a massive, multitiered set, which acts as the projection screen for the elaborate background effects, as well as emphasizing the extreme athleticism of the dancers. I was constantly catching my breath as they would leap from stage to platform, or platform to platform, unassisted. This is particularly impressive because Derek and Julianne are a part of nearly every number, and they, and their troupe, never flagged in energy or enthusiasm. Choreography is from the Houghs, Kyle Hanagami and award-winning hip hop choreographers Tabitha and Napoleon Dumo (married, and known professionally as NappyTabs, they also directed the show), and it's a complex and intricate blend of styles that takes advantage of the Hough's ballroom dance roots, and their versatility.

It helps that Derek and Julianne are both respectable vocalists as well, and the program includes chances for each of them to sing, including a solo moment for Julianne with a version of Katy Perry's "Fireworks," complete with light-up gown and on-screen pyrotechnics. I thought her vocal was good enough that she may not have needed the spectacle of the gown, but it worked well in the outdoor setting of Wolf Trap; somewhat like a flock of fireflies had taken up residence in her gown. You're guaranteed of hearing songs you recognize throughout the show, whether from today's pop landscape ("Uptown Funk;" "Perfect," "I Love It"), or on a retro journey through some dance eras of the past, complete with Derek channeling Elvis, and the pair evoking Fred and Ginger, with an enchanting Foxtrot to "Beyond the Sea." Particularly impressive was the full cast, extended length tap number, that rivaled any you might see on Broadway. If you haven't already taken note of the sheer number of dance styles Derek and Julianne are expert at, it's at that point that it hits you that these are remarkably gifted dancers. It also bears noting that the troupe of dancers that accompanies the Houghs are all excellent enough that I found myself double-checking to see if Derek or Julianne are among them at any given point.

You have to admire the Hough's unbridled passion for the benefits of dance, and they are definitely preaching it with this show. Their closing words to the audience, "we hope you MOVE!" do leave you with a spring in your step.

As an extra treat, the Wolf Trap audience was witness to a real life marriage proposal on stage during the show's audience participation number (she said "yes." ).

One final note: shows like Move are what continue to make the Wolf Trap season so appealing to a wide range of audiences, and encourage repeat visits during the course of the summer and fall. Move's audience spanned ages from tweens to seniors, and judging by the happy people filing out of the Filene Center, pleased the lot of them, young and older. It's a safe bet that many will be back; whether for the NSO, Rufus Wainwright, Little Big Town, Madama Butterfly, Pink Martini, Kelly Clarkson or something else.

Check out Wolf Trap's full season calendar, and get tickets, at wolftrap.org

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