Dancing with the Stars has become a huge phenomenon on social media in its recent seasons. Platforms like TikTok and Instagram play a huge role in shaping fan-favorites and boosting contestants’ popularity more than ever before.
As the show celebrates its 20th anniversary, let’s look back at some of my favorite pieces throughout the years.
- Jason Mraz and Danielle Karagach – Season 32 Freestyle
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Danielle Karagach is one of my favorite choreographers on DWTS because of her ability to incorporate her partner’s personality into the choreography. To my surprise, Jason Mraz performed pretty well for his first professional dance experience.
Their freestyle performance as Season 32 finalists consisted of a two-minute dance to “Happy” by C2C. As you watch the dance, you can easily tell just how well Mraz keeps up his energy. In my eyes, he truly improved so much throughout the season!
- Sadie Robertson and Mark Ballas – Season 19 Freestyle
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Freestyles seem to be a constant favorite of mine, and I’ll never forget about this Super Mario-themed choreography for Season 19’s finale. Placing as runner-ups, Sadie Robertson and Mark Ballas’ dance excelled in working around props and costumes.
Ballas is another one of my favorite choreographers for his ability to incorporate different ballroom techniques into this fun freestyle. The gimmicks and props also tied in really well.
I’m also super excited that he is back this year! I’ll never forget my eight-year-old self sitting in the living room watching them dance.
- Riker Lynch and Allison Holker – Season 20 Samba
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It was quite hard to choose only one dance to highlight Riker Lynch and Allison Holker, but this samba from Week 6 of Season 20 makes me feel nostalgic.
Although Season 20 was full of rightful mirrorball champion candidates, I recall thinking to myself that Lynch was the season’s best dancer and deserved to win. From his Pirates of the Caribbean Paso Doble to his amazing jive from the very first week, Lynch and Holker are one of my favorite pairings to this day.Â
- Bindi Irwin and Derek Hough – Season 21 Freestyle
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Bindi Irwin’s semi-final tribute to her late father was, and still is, one of the most emotional dances on DWTS.
Leading her to her victory, she and her partner, Derek Hough, danced to “Footprints in the Sand.” This contemporary-inspired piece captured Irwin’s emotional connection to her father. All of Irwin’s slower-paced dance performances were breathtaking, as she truly deserved that mirrorball trophy.Â
- Iman Shumpert and Danielle Karagach – Season 30 Freestyle
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I love a good fast-paced dance, so I come back to watch this video probably once a month!
The way Karagach can work with the significant height difference between her and Iman Shumpert blows me away. Shumpert’s footwork and coordination are super impressive, and the background dancers tie everything together so well. This has to be one of my favorite dances on DWTS.Â
- Robert Irwin and Witney Carson – Season 34 Jive
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My favorite dance style is the jive, and Robert Irwin did amazing for it being his first week. When this dance aired, I rewatched it five times a day for the next week!
Witney Carson has to be another one of my favorite pros, as the song was perfect for Irwin’s vibe. His movements were very intricate, and you could tell he was paying attention to every step. I’m rooting for him to win this season!
The 20th anniversary of Dancing with the Stars has brought so many new traditions, from its new podcast hosted by mirrorball champion Joey Graziadei (Season 33) to the new Wicked theme night.
I look forward to watching every Tuesday night with my friends, and I can’t wait to see who wins this season!
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