REVIEW: Derek and Julianne Hough Put a New Twist on the Most Beloved Dance Films

Step Into… The Movies with Derek and Julianne Hough will have you looking for your leg warmers and flare heels to join the action as they put a twist on the most beloved dance films. The 60-minute program switches between scripted scenes, a quick look into the rehearsal process, and behind-the-scenes snippets. 

At the top of the show, we see the Houghs in a scripted meeting with an ABC executive pitching the concept of the special. Towards the end of the meeting, the executive mentions that they have 10 days to choreograph, film, and edit this project, which, if you’ve kept up with Derek and Julianne’s Instagram, you would know that it wasn’t a scripted bit. They truly had 10 days to complete the production.

Derek walks out of the meeting, still hesitant, whereas Julianne is as excited as they approach a dingy studio, their designated film location. They’re looking around the studio for some inspiration, and Derek spots a pair of tap shoes, and he tries to suppress his interest, so he moves them to a different spot. The shoes start moving on their own, and Derek realizes he can’t resist.

He puts the shoes on and immediately taps into the persona of Gene Kelly. Whether it’s season 19 of Dancing With the Stars or the 2015 Radio City Spring Spectacular, if there’s a Gene Kelly number, Derek will be the one to perform it. The Singin’ In The Rain tap number was immersed with costume changes, props, dynamic choreography and set the bar high for the rest of the night.

The number ends with the siblings plopping down on an old couch when Derek finally gives in to the project idea, and he turns to Julianne to ask what’s next. Immediately Julianne turns to Derek and states, “I’m thinking iconic, mirrorball, you in a white suit,” and Derek realizes what she’s hinting at; so he runs into the studio to get started on his rendition of “You Should Be Dancing” from Saturday Night Fever.

In the studio, we find out that “You Should Be Dancing” is choreographed by Tovaris Wilson and features special guest Jenna Dewan. Derek admits that he needs help channeling the cool and collected composure of John Travolta as his ballroom training has made him sharp and structured. Wilson came through on his promise of helping Derek achieve the necessary “groove” because this performance was nothing short of fun. The high-energy disco choreography, completed with rollerskating and hip thrusting, made for a party in my living room. Not to mention Hough’s iconic white suit and Dewan’s striking red dress, making them look dreamy as ever.

It’s Julianne’s turn to take the lead, and Derek’s not allowed because we’re witnessing the ultimate female duo as Julianne enlists the help of Ariana DeBose to recreate “All That Jazz” from Chicago. The two sit down for a meeting with Rob Marshall, the director, and choreographer of Chicago, for support. Marshall states that rather than putting it all out at once, there should be a feeling of secrecy, so the audience is immediately drawn in ” Mission accomplished as I was drawn in from the opening pose to the closing formation. “All That Jazz” was sensual, seamless, and exuded the original film’s theme while displaying modernity with Hough and DeBose as the lead vocals.

After the break, we see Derek and Julianne driving to a meeting with Baz Luhrmann, director of Moulin Rouge. The Houghs mention they’re recreating “Roxanne” from the film, and Luhrmann encourages them to reimagine the scene based on their interpretation. They reimagine the scene with a female vocalist, none other than Amber Riley. There are indeed no other words to describe this piece than powerful. Riley’s stunning vocals mixed with an intense and exceptionally choreographed Argentine Tango honors the advice Luhrmann gives them.

Following Moulin Rouge was probably the most unique piece of the night. Julianne wants to add some romance and nostalgia to the special, so she mentions how impactful Beauty and the Beast is when you watch it from a more mature perspective. She teams up with Harry Shum Jr. for a gorgeous contemporary piece to the 2017 title track, choreographed by Karen S. Chuang and Robert Roldan. In other shows and films, we typically see a Viennese Waltz or ballet-inspired choreography paired with this song, so the fusion of Hough’s and Shum’s respective dance styles makes for an edgy and modern, yet simple contemporary that is full of heart and storytelling. Oh, and the rose petals were a nice touch.

After a series of dark and edgy pieces, we return to the lighthearted musical theatre numbers as the Houghs channel the 2016 film La La Land and pay homage to iconic dance couples such as Fred and Ginger, Gene Kelly, with Cyd Charisse, and Anne Margret and Elvis Pressley. Who better to portray Elvis Pressley than John Stamos himself? Between the Charleston choreography, over-the-top facial expressions, and elaborate costumes, this piece embodies the spirit of musical theatre. Also, Tate McRae’s extensions are every dancer’s dream.

We are finally at the finale, and there’s no way you could pay tribute to dance films without mentioning Dirty Dancing. The special closed with a rendition of “(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life” from the iconic 1987 film. Throughout the rehearsal process, the Houghs enlist the help of Charli D’Amelio to portray Baby. Kenny Ortega, the director, and choreographer of Dirty Dancing, stops by and even gets teary-eyed while thanking the dancers for letting his work live 30 years later.  Derek and Julianne get choked up before performing the finale when Derek mentions just how incredible it is to recreate the films that inspired them as children.

The tears quickly get wiped away because the show must go on. There was no better way to end the special as the finale felt like one giant dance party, complete with the iconic Dirty Dancing lift. The choreography by Chris Scott was sensual and inviting but also fun and honed it on the theme of the original film. It ends with Derek and Julianne walking off the set as Derek asks, “So what do you want to step in next?” Julianne replies, “I have a few ideas.” After this exceptional special, I know I’m hoping for more productions like this, and I’m sure you are too.

If you missed out on the fun the first time around, you could catch Step Into… The Movies with Derek and Julianne Hough now on Hulu.