If you think Derek Hough is exciting to watch on a 40-inch flat-screen, just wait until you see him in person. He will be performing along with Chelsie Hightower, Thayne Jasperson and other television dance stars at Vibe Center for the Performing Arts' "MOVE" show in Provo.

Dance celebrities with local ties continue to earn national attention, and their success has become a familiar story in Utah. Vibe directors Rick Robinson and Kellie Messerly are producing their third annual production of "MOVE," integrating dance superstars with local talent.

"Being a part of 'MOVE' is thrilling to me because these are two of my very first teachers and mentors," Jasperson said. "I am more than happy to give back -- to move and be moved."

For those familiar with the television dance craze, names such as Benji Schwimmer, Michael Johnson and Alan Salazar need no explanation and will make "MOVE" a Provo-style red-carpet event. Stargazing is just one reason to get off the coach and attend the show. Another is to simply experience the best of contemporary dance styles.

"This performance is a mixture of jazz, hip-hop, breaking, stomping, ballroom and contemporary," Robinson said. "We bring in the best from each genre to choreograph, perform and do technical direction for each piece and style."

As co-owners of Lindon's Vibe studio and co-directors of the productions, Messerly and Robinson share a common vision of success. Their advice: "Instill hard work, proper dance class etiquette and respect for others in your students, and the success will come."

Since Messerly's expertise is jazz, and Robinson's ballroom, the two dance instructors complement each other's efforts. For "MOVE," they hired Mark Ballas (winner of the 2008 "Dancing with the Stars" as Kristi Yamaguchi's partner) to choreograph a piece they describe as "new and edgy." In rehearsal, Ballas was so impressed with the local dancers he decided to perform in the piece himself.

"These young dancers are hungry and eager," Ballas said. "They rehearsed long hours with incredible focus and commitment. I was so inspired by their talent and work ethic that, in the end, I wanted to dance with them."

Some of the returning dance idols aren't Utah natives, but the artistic connections run deep, says dancer Natalie Keys. Keys grew up dancing in Utah County, and although she chose not to leave for the bright lights of Los Angeles or New York, she still loves to dance and is grateful that "MOVE" provides the opportunity.

"It's exciting to have the now-famous dancers come back, but it's really more like a family reunion," Keys said. "Everyone works super hard, and no one is a diva. They don't feel that way, and we wouldn't put up with it."

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