Video game Just Dance turns into live stage show.
The world-famous video game Just Dance will grace venues in the United States next spring, transforming the digital dance contest into a live, interactive, real-world experience for audiences.
The tour kicks off in Miami, Fla., for a three-day show at the 2,700-seat Fillmore Miami Beach at the Jackie Gleason Theatre March 8-11.
It then heads to the 1,400-seat Aon Grand Ballroom at Navy Pier in Chicago, March 15-18. The show stops at the 3,464-seat Revention Music Center in Houston, March 22-25, with its last stop at the 3,700-seat Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles, March 29-31.
Regular ticket prices start at $45 and VIP packages are $95 and include priority entry to the show, exclusive merchandise (Glow glasses, draw-string bags and VIP glow laminate), and a meet and greet with the cast after the show.
Ubisoft is the creator of the Just Dance video game, and the company is based in Rennes, France.
“We are known as a world-wide producer of video games,” said Hinde Daoui, who produces the entertainment for Ubisoft. She spoke with Venues Today from Paris and was full of enthusiasm about the show.
“From the very beginning, we have focused on creating a high-quality production,” she said. “It’s a great production for venue managers. We will bring many types of audiences. Our target audience is all ages. We knew that from the very beginning.”
The European company specifically wanted to launch the show in the United States as a pilot before offering it to other venues across the globe, Daoui said. "The U.S. is very passionate about Just Dance. If you can make it there, you can make it anywhere," she said. "We’ll invite promoters from across the globe. We’ll make sure to see which promoters share the interest and want the show.”
The show’s host, Justin, will take the audience into interactive dance moves after they’ve walked the red carpet into the venue. Guests will then enter the “Get Ready for It Zone” where they’ll get dressed up for dancing.
Just Dance Live is an interactive show where audiences learn choreographed dance moves from the cast. Much like the video game, the live show teaches participants to dance along to a variety of pop songs.
“The participants are the stars of the show,” Daoui said. “They will have up to 75 minutes of getting fully emersed into the world of Just Dance… to finalize their costumes. They also will be able to perfect their makeup and hair.”
The entire show runs for about two hours. Setup and teardown is by the production administrator at Stufish, which is a global architecture, design and production studio that works to redefine the live entertainment experience.
“We’ll have about 12 people on tour to help with the load in and load out,” she said. “We’re looking at how can we utilize what these venues have. How can we transform your theater into the world of Just Dance?”
Essentially, the show has one day to set up and rehearse before hitting the road again.
“We’re having a whole lot of fun developing this,” Thom said. “It’s fantastic. The whole design… it’s so exciting on how we can transform (Just Dance) into the real world.”
Tickets were first available on presale to Ubisoft Club Members through Ticketmaster.com and went on sale to the public Nov. 2 .
Just Dance Live was developed by Creative Director Kim Gavin, with production design by Stufish Entertainment. Architecture and production management is by Stufish Productions.
The idea to turn Just Dance into a live experience happened for a number of reasons, including the fact that flash mob dances are extremely popular in Paris, Daoui said.
“We saw that there was a potential for a show. Anyone can dance. It’s not about being the best, it’s about getting loose, feeling good about yourself and connecting with people,” she said. “Everyone will share the fun.”