All about dancing with the stars
Imagine a world where stars from Hollywood, sports, and pop culture trade their daily lives for dance. They wear sequins and glitter and train hard. Every week, they face a big challenge on a dazzling stage in the ABC dance competition, Dancing with the Stars.
Millions have fallen in love with Dancing with the Stars from the start. We’ve laughed, cried, and felt moved by our favorite celebrities’ determination. It’s more than a reality TV show; it’s a journey of dreams, friendships, and sometimes heartbreak.
Season 33’s finale is coming, with five couples vying for the “Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy.” The excitement is high. You can watch it on ABC, Disney+, and Hulu. Stars like Chandler Kinney and Stephen Nedoroscik will dazzle with their performances. Don’t miss it every Tuesday at 8 p.m. ET.
Key Takeaways
- Dancing with the Stars mixes celebrity fame with dance, making great TV.
- Season 33’s finale will feature the final five couples competing for the “Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy”.
- Fans can watch the episodes on ABC, Disney+, and Hulu, and vote for their favorite dancers online or via SMS.
- The season’s cast includes celebrities from various backgrounds, such as sports, reality stars, and actors.
- The show’s unique format combines redemption round and freestyle performances for a thrilling finale.
A Brief History of Dancing with the Stars
Dancing with the Stars (DWTS) started as the American version of the BBC’s “Strictly Come Dancing.” It first aired in 2005 and quickly won over American viewers. It became a big hit, changing the TV scene.
The Concept
The idea of DWTS is simple yet exciting. It pairs celebrities with professional dancers for weekly dance-offs. Each pair does a choreographed routine, judged by experts and the audience.
This mix of celebrity charm and dance skill captured viewers’ hearts from the start. It marked a key moment in dance competition history.
The Initial Seasons
When DWTS first came on, it was a huge hit. The early seasons saw a lot of excitement from everyone involved. The show’s unique blend of celebrity glamour and dance skill was a hit.
By 2006 and 2007, it was the world’s top TV show across all genres. It was a hit in 17 countries, showing its global appeal.
Evolution Over the Years
Over time, DWTS has changed a lot. It introduced new dance styles, like ballroom and Latin, to keep things fresh. It also added ways for viewers to participate, like voting.
The show grew worldwide, being licensed in over 60 territories by 2012. It has inspired shows in places like Australia, Argentina, and Albania. Its format works everywhere.
Throughout its history, DWTS has had many famous contestants and dancers. Each brought their own style to the show. From Australia’s first season to Albania’s latest, the show’s appeal and ability to adapt are clear.
| Country | Show Name | Seasons | Recent Winners |
|---|---|---|---|
| USA | Dancing with the Stars | 32 (2005-present) | To Be Announced |
| Australia | Dancing with the Stars | 21 (2004-2025) | Season 22 upcoming |
| Argentina | Bailando por un Sueño | 16 (2006-present) | Fiorella Acosta & Sandro Leone |
| Albania | Dancing with the Stars | 7 (2009-2020) | Sara Hoxha & Luixhino Hala |
| Brazil | Dança dos Famosos | 17 (2005-present) | Léo Jaime & Larissa Parison |
The Format of the Dance Competition Show
“Dancing with the Stars” is a TV show that mixes fun and competition. It started on ABC on June 1, 2005. The show has weekly dances, a scoring system, and audience votes. Let’s dive into these parts.
Weekly Performances
Every week, stars and pro dancers perform amazing dances. They do different styles like the cha-cha-cha and tango. These shows show the stars’ hard work and entertain many viewers.
Judges and Scoring
The scoring on “Dancing with the Stars” is fair and helpful. Judges like Carrie Ann Inaba and Bruno Tonioli give feedback. They score based on skill, creativity, and fun.
In the past, judges like Kelly Osbourne and Emmitt Smith joined. They bring different views to the scores.
Audience Voting
The audience’s votes are key too. Viewers can vote for their favorite dances. Judges’ scores and audience votes decide who stays and who goes each week.
The Celebrity Dancers: From Stars to Dancers
“Dancing with the Stars” has captivated audiences for 31 seasons. It features 394 celebrities, each trying to shine on the dance floor. The show’s mix of entertainment and competition is made special by its diverse cast.
Diverse Cast Lineups
The cast of “Dancing with the Stars” is a Who’s Who of popular culture. Season 33 shows the show’s commitment to diversity. Some notable participants include:
- Danny Amendola – Former NFL player, known for his Super Bowl victories with the New England Patriots.
- Ilona Maher – Professional rugby player who helped secure a bronze medal for the U.S. at the 2024 Olympics in Paris.
- Chandler Kinney – Actress famed for her roles in the Disney Channel’s “Zombies” and “Pretty Little Liars.”
- Brooks Nader – Model featured in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue.
- Dwight Howard – NBA veteran and 2020 NBA champion with the LA Lakers.
- Reginald VelJohnson – Beloved for his role as Carl Winslow in “Family Matters.”
This mix of stars from sports, modeling, acting, and more makes the show exciting. It ensures there’s someone for every viewer to support.
Training Regimens
“Dancing with the Stars” relies on the hard work of its celebrities. They are paired with professional dancers like Derek Hough and Cheryl Burke. These pros help transform celebrities into skilled dancers.
The training includes:
- Daily Rehearsals: Up to six hours a day.
- Core Training: Exercises to build stamina and flexibility.
- Choreography: Perfecting each week’s routine.
This dedication is key to competing well. It’s amazing to see how these celebrities grow over the season. Their hard work and their partners’ expertise are truly inspiring.
Iconic Dance Performances and Professional Dancers
“Dancing with the Stars” has seen many iconic dance performances. These moments have made the show a top dance competition. The mix of celebrity contestants and professional dancers creates unforgettable art and emotion.
Memorable Routines
Many routines have stood out for their emotional depth and skill. Bindi Irwin’s tribute to her father, Steve Irwin, in season 21, was very moving. Her freestyle dance with Derek Hough, “Footprints in the Sand,” made many cry.
Laurie Hernandez’s Argentine tango to “Cell Block Tango” showed her strength and grace. Alfonso Ribeiro and Witney Carson’s jazz dance paid tribute to “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.” It got a perfect score.
Star-Studded Choreography
Choreographers like Mark Ballas, Jenna Johnson, and Val Chmerkovskiy have amazed audiences. Their creative and detailed routines make the performances unforgettable. Iman Shumpert and Daniella Karagach’s “Us”-inspired dance in season 30 is a great example. It got a perfect score and wowed fans.
Professional Dancers’ Expertise
Professional dancers on DWTS bring their own style and skill to the show. Dancers like Derek Hough and Maksim Chmerkovskiy create routines that showcase their partners’ talents. They also challenge traditional dance.
Meryl Davis and Maksim Chmerkovskiy’s season 18 freestyle and Shawn Johnson and Mark Ballas’s finale freestyle show their expertise. Their ability to make routines that highlight their partners’ strengths is impressive.
The Coveted Mirrorball Trophy
Every contestant on “Dancing with the Stars” dreams of winning the Mirrorball Trophy. This prize is more than just a trophy. It’s the result of hard work, amazing performances, and a strong connection with the audience.
The Significance of the Trophy
Winning the Mirrorball Trophy shows a contestant’s hard work and growth. Joey Graziadei, for example, won Season 33 with Jenna Johnson. It’s not just a trophy; it’s a symbol of their journey from beginners to stars.
Past Winners
Many celebrities have won the Mirrorball Trophy, showing their talent and growth. Jenna Johnson, Joey’s partner, has won twice before. She also won with Adam Rippon and Hines Ward. In Season 33, she and Joey took home the trophy.
Award Ceremony Highlights
The finale of DWTS is a celebration of joy and talent. Season 33’s finale was a three-hour event on ABC. Joey and Jenna won, and the ceremony honored all contestants.
There were special moments, including appearances by eliminated contestants and pros. Fans also learned about the “DWTS Live 2025 Tour,” which promises more dance shows.
Popular Television Show Impact
“Dancing with the Stars” has made a big splash in TV history. It combines competition, live shows, and stars, making it stand out. It was a huge hit in Fall 2010, ranking as the top show and helping ABC become the second-best network.
The show’s voting system, like “American Idol,” makes viewers feel part of it. The finale of Season 33 was a huge success, with lots of viewers and votes. Performances by Joey Graziadei and Jenna Johnson, and Stephen Nedoroscik and Rylee Arnold, were unforgettable.
The show has also reached fans worldwide, thanks to its global appeal. It has helped launch careers and changed public images of its stars. “Dancing with the Stars” shows how reality TV can unite people and entertain them.
FAQ
What is “Dancing with the Stars”?
“Dancing with the Stars,” or DWTS, is a top TV show on ABC. It matches famous people with pro dancers. They dance together to win the Mirrorball Trophy.
How did “Dancing with the Stars” originate?
“Dancing with the Stars” comes from the British show “Strictly Come Dancing.” It quickly became a hit in the U.S. for its unique dance shows.
What is the format of the show?
Each week, stars and their pro partners dance to music. Judges score their moves. Fans also vote, helping decide who stays and who goes.
Who are some of the judges on the show?
Season 33 had judges like Carrie Ann Inaba and Bruno Tonioli. They give feedback on the dances.
How does audience voting work?
Fans vote by phone, text, or online. Their votes mix with judges’ scores to decide who moves on.
Who can participate as a celebrity dancer?
Stars from sports, entertainment, and social media join. This mix makes the show interesting and relatable.
What kind of training do the celebrity dancers undergo?
Stars work hard every day with their partners. This training helps them master each week’s dance.
What are some iconic dance performances on DWTS?
DWTS has seen many memorable dances. Dancers like Mark Ballas and Jenna Johnson create stunning routines.
What is the significance of the Mirrorball Trophy?
The Mirrorball Trophy is the ultimate prize. It’s given to the winners at the end of the season.
Who are some past winners of DWTS?
Winners like Joey Graziadei from Season 33 are celebrated. They’re known for their dancing and connection with fans.
How has “Dancing with the Stars” impacted television?
DWTS has changed TV by mixing competition, live shows, and reality. It has made dancing more popular and accessible.
