If you’ve been to Vegas a few times, then you may have seen Jabbawockeez advertised on the marquees of a variety of hotels, including the MGM Grand, where the dance crew’s latest show, FREQNCY, plays every night.
The central theme of FREQNCY is that humanity, life, the universe, everything, operates with unique frequencies and that we are connected through those frequencies. It’s a powerful idea and translates perfectly in the light-, music- and dance-filled production, as perfect for kids as it is for adults. In FREQNCY, like the previous show incarnation, TIMELESS, the music crisscrosses multiple genres, and dancers throw in moves from multiple styles as well.
The troupe, which won the first season of America’s Best Dance Crew on MTV, is known for the iconic white masks and colorful jumpsuits that every member wears during the show, keeping the emphasis on the dance and not the individual. And the Jabbawockeez have that down, with synchronous routines that have every dancer matching the moves of the others. That isn’t to say you won’t see differences in each dancer; it’s that those dancers work as a unit.
Each dance routine features a different type of music, from hip-hop to rock ’n’ roll, with costumes, dynamic graphic projections and lighting evoking each era. There are fight scenes, athletic scenes, romantic scenes—and that brings us to audience participation. In several fun bits, Jabbawockeez throws the spotlight on an audience member, making a girl or boy the focus of a basketball-themed shooting contest. (Will they make it? Of course!)
Photo by: Courtesy photo
A young woman is drawn onstage in a number that goodheartedly pokes a little fun at male dancers, but with fabulous choreography and synchronicity as well. In one Soul Train-inspired segment, the dancers are dressed in different-colored suits, with appropriate choreography. The rock routine captures the zeitgeist of the ’80s with a few wigs and a lot of energy. You’ll even see a dance-off between staff members, which is totally awesome—they’ve got some great moves.
Some of the most intense parts of the show come as a mini laser light show is created in the theater, and the dancers interact with the lines and shapes created. One dancer is captured in the center of a cone of light rays, and every move happens inside that tight, tight cone. Similarly, the dancer captures and plucks rays of lights like a guitar string, matching the movements of the rays in an awesome, completely captivating display of skill.
The fight scenes allow the ferocity of the music to increase, and this time the dancers are clad in black jumpsuits and altered masks. Jarring frequencies accompany the dance, creating almost a battle between good and bad (setting up a scene where all the dancers perform in harmony).
Whether you’re a die-hard fan of the breakdancing scene or a casual music fan, Jabbawockeez’ FREQNCY will definitely give you a feel-good sense of unity with the universe as well.
MGM Grand. 702.531.3826 or [email protected]
Feel like a true Vegas insider with the free Vegas2Go app! Discover the best of Las Vegas—right at your fingertips. From must-try restaurants and top shows to nightlife, attractions, and offers, Vegas2Go puts the city’s hottest experiences in the palm of your hand. Download for free on either the Apple Store or Google Play Store today.
