iLuminate Show Las Vegas Review: Is It Worth Going?

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Hi! Welcome to my review of the iLuminate show. If you’re thinking about catching this dance crew in Las Vegas, you’ve come to the right place.

I saw a performance at The Strat a few weeks ago, and it had me dancing in my seat! But this is one show that may not be for everyone.

So today, I’ll help you determine if it’s a good fit for you. I’ll explain the storyline, tell you about the music, and reveal the secret to getting on stage.

I’ll also share the #1 thing I would do differently the next time I go.

Are you ready to get this party started? Let’s do it!

About the iLuminate Show

iLuminate, pronounced “eye-luminate,” is a dance and technology performance company.

The group rose to stardom on season six of America’s Got Talent, taking third place. They were so popular that they landed their own show in Las Vegas in 2021.

If you haven’t seen them before, their act features dancers who wear electronic light-up suits choreographed to music. (And it’s all in the dark, too!)

But, the Vegas production adds a new element to their performance – a storyline that takes the audience on a nightclub adventure.

Video: See a Sneak Peek

If you want to see what iLuminate is like, I’ve created a short video using footage I got at the show. These clips are not in order; they’re just a few of my favorite moments.

Storyline

The story begins with DJ L Boogie, who is live-streaming from Club iLuminate. She tells everyone the vibe is crazy and hopes everyone is on their way!

Starlight and Househead, the two main characters, arrive at the club’s entrance. Officer Bob, the bouncer, checks everyone’s ID before letting them in.

Once inside, Househead brags to Starlight about using a fake ID – not knowing he’s within earshot of Officer Bob.

As the bouncer approaches them, the duo runs for it and ends up in a dark room. They’re soon sucked into a mysterious portal and sent to different areas in the club.

Will the pair find each other in time to see the legendary DJ L Boogie? Or will Officer Bob’s relentless pursuit bring their clubbing adventure to a halt?

Music You’ll Hear

The show’s music selection includes today’s hits and popular throwback songs from the ’80s, ’90s, and 2000s.

But it’s mostly all hip-hop, with only a few pop, Latin, and jazz songs mixed in. So, if you’re a hip-hop fan like me, I think you’ll really enjoy this production!

To give you a better idea of what you’ll hear, some of the tracks played included:

• Bring Em Out
• Jump Around
• Whoomp! (There It Is)
• Poison
• Ice Ice Baby
• It’s Tricky
• Cool Off
• Truth Hurts
• Go Crazy
• 24K Magic
• Bad Guy
• Smooth Criminal
• Uptown Funk
• Believer
• Say So
• I’m So Excited
• Summertime

Cost & Value for the Money

The performance I attended lasted almost exactly one hour. It started at 3:03 p.m. and ended at 4:04 p.m., but there was also a meet-and-greet afterward.

I heard over 35 songs during the show and saw routines choreographed to each.

Most often, the whole song wasn’t played; instead, it was a mashup of songs – just like you’d hear at a club.

Prices typically range from $60 to $110 per person, depending on where you sit. But rates can vary depending on the day.

Of all the seating sections, I think Preferred offers the best value. This section provides a great view of the stage without the premium price.

Audience Participation

Compared to other shows in town, there aren’t many chances for on-stage participation. But there is one opportunity that’s pretty cool!

On Stage

During the finale, Officer Bob selects one guest to come on stage and have a dance-off with him.

At the show I attended, he picked a gentleman sitting at a VIP table. So, if you want the best chance of being selected, I recommend getting tickets in this section.

At Your Seat

Since the show takes place inside “Club iLuminate,” everyone is encouraged to get up and dance whenever they feel like it.

The cast also often appears in the VIP and Preferred sections, sometimes even interacting and dancing with guests sitting there.

My Rating & Review

After considering the features above, I’d rate iLuminate 3.9 out of 5.0 stars. And that’s primarily because of the cost. (I thought some ticket options were pretty pricey.)

Also, as simple as the story sounds, it could have been more apparent that the main characters were inside the club the entire time.

Despite these issues, the production had me dancing in my seat, and I enjoyed the music. I also appreciated the performers’ high energy level and incredible moves.

But I’d like it even more if a dance floor was in front of the stage. That would make it really feel like a nightclub and get the crowd going faster!

Pros: What I Enjoyed The Most

MJ’s “Smooth Criminal”

I absolutely loved the dance routine to Michael Jackson’s song “Smooth Criminal.” (It was my favorite part of the entire production.)

The cast’s dancing was so good that it almost felt like MJ was there himself! They performed many of his signature moves, including The Moonwalk and Circle Slide.

I also liked that this performance closely matched the “Smooth Criminal” music video.

The set was recreated on stage with impressive lighting effects, featuring a bar and even the iconic coin toss into a jukebox.

The Story

I really liked that a story was incorporated into the performance. It helped to keep it fresh and provided a needed break between all the dancing.

I also appreciated the creative ways the characters moved throughout the story. The use of portals leading them to different rooms at the club made for some fun illusions. 

And I loved that the audience was included in the storyline. So you’re not just watching what happens at the club, but you’re actually inside it, too!

Cons: What I Didn’t Like As Much

Cost

I was surprised by the price of the tickets for iLuminate.

We sat in VIP and paid $100 a seat. I think that’s a little expensive for what the production offers, which is basically an hour of dancing.

That said, sometimes there are sales on tickets.

Ultimately, it comes down to how big of a fan you are. If you love this dance troupe, you’ll probably feel the closer seats are worth it.

If you’re just going to enjoy a show, though, I think you’ll feel like you got more value if you sit further back instead.

Needs A Few More Dancers (At Times)

I was a bit disappointed that there weren’t more performers in some of the routines. At times, it was just three people dancing on stage.

Considering all the cool LED lighting effects the group is known for, having more people up there would have made it more visually exciting.

Other Illuminate Las Vegas Reviews

Here are some ratings from other review platforms:

• Tripadvisor: 4.5/5.0, based on 52 reviews
• Vegas.com: 4.6/5.0, based on 557 reviews
• Google: 4.4/5.0, based on 45 reviews

Counts and ratings are as of the date of this article.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are a few questions guests often ask about this production.

Is iLuminate Okay For Kids?

I didn’t notice anything inappropriate for kids at iLuminate. There was no swearing by the cast, and the costumes were all dark suits.

There was one topic, though, that some parents may not like.

For instance, one of the characters uses a fake ID and brags about getting away with it. The cop does go after him, though, so there’s a consequence for his actions.

It’s also important to know that loud music plays almost the entire time. (I recommend bringing earplugs for kids and adults.)

Additionally, it’s all in the dark, and a scary snake makes its way onto the stage at one point. So, if you have kids who might be afraid, you may want to hold off on this one.

Here are two other productions that I think are also fantastic for children:

• Nathan Burton’s Magic
• Adam London’s “Laughternoon”

How Old Do You Have To Be To Go To illuminate Las Vegas?

To attend iLuminate at The Strat Hotel, children must be at least five years old and accompanied by a parent or guardian who is at least 18 years old.

How Long Is The Illuminate Show?

The performance I went to lasted about 60 minutes. After the show, there was also a meet-and-greet with the cast, which added 10 to 15 minutes.

If you want to do that too, you can expect to be there for around 70-75 minutes. (And yes, you can take pictures with the performers for free!)

Is illuminate in Las Vegas worth it?

Because this show features the same type of act throughout, it’s essential to love dancing and being in the dark. Otherwise, it may feel a bit repetitive after a while.

So I think it’s worth going – if you:

• enjoyed watching iLuminate (or Light Balance) on AGT
• like hip-hop music
• want a show where you can get out of your seat and dance
• appreciate a fantastical storyline
• like magic and illusions
• want a club vibe but don’t want to stay out too late
• are a Michael Jackson fan!

My Final Thoughts

I think it’s important to point out again that the entire show (except for about the first five minutes) takes place inside the club.

Even if you see the characters knock on other doors – those are just doors to different rooms in the nightclub. And they didn’t somehow leave and are trying to get back in.

Knowing that before you go will hopefully help you to enjoy it more and not get confused like I did!

Also, I’m sure I would’ve participated more had I gone to the nighttime performance. (I wasn’t feeling the club vibe as much on Sunday at 3:00 pm.)

So, if you’re like me, maybe opt for the later performance instead. 🤍