On Oct. 20, “Dancing with the Stars” hosted its annual Dedication Night. Contestants dedicated their performances to people or experiences that have impacted their lives, with many inviting their honorees to join them on the dance floor.
Contestant Amber Glenn, an American figure skater and 2026 Olympic gold medalist, dedicated her dance to her sister, Brooke Glenn. During the episode, Amber opened up about her struggles with mental health as a young athlete. By age 11, she felt isolated, outcast and overwhelmed by immense pressure. She grew up wishing she was like her sister, who seemed to live a “normal life,” attending public school and having lots of friends. Amber said that she developed depression, anxiety and an eating disorder. In a post-show interview with “Extra,” she explained that eating disorders are not uncommon in figure skating, and disordered eating even feels encouraged. As her mental health deteriorated, Amber entered a mental health facility at only 12 years old.
That was when Brooke reached out, offering support and guidance as Amber began to heal. Although the sisters hadn’t always been close, Brooke welcomed Amber into her friend group and showed her unconditional love. “I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for her,” Amber told her professional dance partner, Pasha Pashkov. The two sisters, who once envied each other, grew to uplift and appreciate one another. During a FaceTime call, Amber revealed to Brooke that she would be dedicating the dance to her. The sisters shared an emotional moment, realizing they had both been looking up to each other all along.
On Dedication Night, Brooke shared the dance floor with Amber and Pashkov. They performed a contemporary piece choreographed by Pashkov to Sia’s “Breathe Me.” The dance began with Amber struggling against Pashkov, pushing him away as he attempted to knock her down. Fans interpreted the movements as Amber fighting against her mental illness. Brooke later joined Amber, not to fight her battle for her, but to support her as she worked to overcome Pashkov. She lifted Amber up, giving her the strength to persevere. Together, the three told a beautiful story of Amber’s mental health journey, and how Brooke’s support helped her heal.
The dance instantly became a fan favorite, earning positive feedback online. Many audience members saw themselves in Amber’s story. Under the official “Dancing With the Stars” Instagram post, viewers commented that “10s aren’t enough,” and called it “the most powerful dance.” Judge Carrie Ann Inaba also praised the performance, telling Amber, “Thank you for tackling such an important topic in this day and age.” Amber and Pashkov earned the season’s highest score yet, receiving 38 out of 40 points. Now at the top of the leaderboard, fans are cheering her on as she continues in the competition. By sharing such a personal story on national television, Amber helped spotlight the mental health issues young athletes face and challenge the stigma surrounding these conversations.
In a post-show interview, Amber shared that she once thought her struggles were normal until Brooke helped her change that mindset. Young athletes need supportive environments where they feel comfortable expressing their emotions and developing healthy coping mechanisms.
As Amber put it, “There are brighter days ahead.”
For eating disorder support, contact the National Alliance for Eating Disorders Hotline at +1(866) 662-1235.
For mental health crisis support, call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.