Every Tuesday night, my homework gets pushed aside, my phone is on “Do Not Disturb,” and my living room turns into a miniature home theatre. The world seems to have a new way of belonging together, with Dancing With The Stars as our means of being one. I was never one to have an opinion on this show; I would consider it a form of background noise if anything. Surprisingly, this season has become my current weekly obsession—and I’m so glad it did.
Let’s be real, there is something magical about people stepping out of their comfort zones: seeing people just be… people. Learning something completely new, and putting themselves out there is nothing short of inspirational. There is something magical about this show that just has me hooked on it. From the eye-catching outfits to the heart-wrenching backstories, this show makes me envision myself as one of those judges. I’m talking full-on commentary, ranking of the stars, and spamming that vote button for my favorites (Hi Robert Irwin). I can’t tell you, but somewhere between the glittery sets and the weekly eliminations, I have become a miniature Carrie Ann: sharp-eyed, passionate, and just the right amount of dramatic.
Contrastingly, something about the production of this show is comforting. From the snippets of rehearsal to the interviews post-performance, in a world where everything is moving too fast, the show’s mix of artistry and old-school entertainment gives me a much-needed dose of joy. Additionally, with the show being streamed live for an hour every week, it takes me back to the era of cable TV. With the current generation so accustomed to fast-paced 30-second videos, the yearning and anticipation that builds up every week make DWTS incredibly worthwhile. I find myself emotionally invested in celebrities I barely knew existed a few weeks ago, cheering on when they nail a pirouette, or tearing up at a contemporary piece during dedication night.
However, the main reason why I have become so fond of this show is what it brought to the table. DWTS gave me a sense of community and a bonding experience with my friends and family. The commonality it brought into people’s lives is the sole reason why I love it every week when it airs. My Tuesday evenings now go like this: grab a cup of hot chocolate, text my friends or sit with my roommates, and critique every eight a contestant gets, and fight for why some aren’t ranked higher. When Derek Hough gets emotional, I get emotional. When Bruno jumps out of his seat, I am right behind him (minus the sequined blazer). When the elimination results roll in, i’m on the edge of my sofa mentally preparing for the heartbreak. It’s kind of ridiculous maybe, but it is also wonderful to care that much about something so simple and joyous.
In a semester packed with deadlines, internships, and caffeine, Dancing With The Stars has become my reset button. It is not just a show, it is a ritual. Every glitter and glam-filled performance makes me realize that it is okay to take some time out to enjoy something purely for fun. So, if you need me on a Tuesday night, you’ll find me glued to my screen, voting polls in hand, judging this beloved show like I am Carrie Ann herself.
Because for now, I am living my best ballroom life. 10’s across the board!
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