Dancing with the Stars is currently taking the world by storm. As a veteran viewer of over a decade, here are my 10 favorite dances of all time that are worthy of 10s from the entire judges’ panel.
10. Chandler Kinney and Brandon Armstrong’s Redemption Jive
Starting off with a bang is Chandler Kinney’s redemption jive to “APT.” with partner Brandon Armstrong in the season 33 finale. From the spunky, infectious energy to Chandler and Brandon’s playful partnership, this dance earns 10s across the board in my book. Truly, I’m out of breath just watching them!
9. Ezra Frech and Daniella Karagach’s Viral Hits Night Cha Cha
I’ve been absolutely glued to the screen during the current season of Dancing with the Stars and knew I couldn’t create this list without including Ezra Frech and Daniella Karagach. While all their dances have earned a 10 in my book, their Week 2 cha-cha has been living rent-free in my head.
Their movement is so captivating, combining athleticism and strength with smooth, effortless transitions. The creativity incorporating Ezra’s prosthetic leg is a testament to Daniella’s genius, and don’t even get me started on the full split he hit! I definitely see a Mirrorball in their near future!
8. Jordan Fisher, Lindsay Arnold, and Corbin Bleu’s Trio Samba
Season 25 winner Jordan Fisher and partner Lindsay Arnold brought the house down with their trio samba featuring Corbin Bleu. Trio dances can often look a little awkward, but the chemistry between the three of them made it look so easy and fluid. I’m convinced Jordan Fisher is simply talented at everything. This performance oozed confidence and finesse, balancing lightness with fiery energy, making it THE trio dance.
7. Stephen Nedoroscik and Rylee Arnold’s Finale Freestyle
Watching this performance genuinely makes me tear up every time. Set to the stirring “Viva La Vida,” Stephen and Rylee’s season 33 finale freestyle features the beautiful partnership between the two. Showcasing athleticism, strength, and gracefulness, this freestyle was a stunning tribute to the sport Stephen has dedicated his life to and the partnership they built over the course of the season. One of my favorite pairings of all time, it was so lovely to see how much this dance meant to both of them!
6. Xochitl Gomez and Valentin Chmerkovskiy’s SemiFinals Waltz
Season 32 champion Xochitl Gomez’s semifinals waltz to “La Vie En Rose” served as a stark contrast to all her bubbly, high-energy performances throughout the season. This dance put her versatility on full display, with beautiful, fluid movements. She brought such an unmatched emotion to the ballroom floor, making the performance feel deeply personal. This waltz was simple and breathtaking, once again showcasing the sweetest partnership.
5. Alix Earle and Valentin Chmerkovskiy’s Prince Night Viennese Waltz
Alix and Val’s Prince Night Viennese waltz to “Purple Rain” was a masterpiece, reflecting Alix’s dedication and commitment to this journey. It was marked by raw emotion, musicality, and drama. Gliding across the ballroom, the electricity of their performance was palpable. Honestly, it made me wish that both she and Robert could have taken home that season 34 trophy.
4. Meryl Davis and Maksim Chmerkovskiy’s Tango
Throwing it back to one of the most iconic pairs in Dancing with the Stars history, Meryl Davis and Maksim Chmerkovskiy’s season 18 tango was a masterclass in partnership. Meryl and Maks truly looked like two pro dancers moving as one, with a connection that felt tangible. Their energy and chemistry was unmatched. Clean and sharp, elegant and fun, this tango was both technically flawless and exciting to watch. 10s across the board.
3. Derek Hough and Hayley Erbert’s Emotional Tribute
Closing in on the top 3, I couldn’t help but add in Derek Hough and Hayley Erbert’s beautiful tribute to their relationship and the emotional rollercoaster they went through after Hayley’s near-death experience. The artistry in this dance was incredible, with storytelling and emotion woven into each step. I’ve shed genuine tears watching this, both the first time and every time since. Their intricate movements look so effortless and light, especially the contrast between the complex lifts and the quiet moments when they simply hold one another. STUNNING. I have no words.
2. The Irwin Siblings’ Dedication Night Contemporary Dances
I couldn’t choose just one, so both Robert Irwin’s season 34 contemporary alongside Bindi Irwin’s season 21 contemporary share the second spot. Robert’s dedication to their mom, with partner Witney Carson, and Bindi’s dedication to their dad, with partner Derek Hough, both left me an emotional wreck. I remember watching Bindi as a kid and falling in love with her and her story, so watching Robert last year was such a special experience. Despite having little to no dance experience, the siblings moved with such fluidity and grace. conveying every emotion throughout their respective performances.
Witney and Derek’s choreography is unrivaled, making both performances equally heartwarming and heartbreaking. The way both Bindi and Robert wear their hearts on their sleeves translates into these beautiful, vulnerable performances that you simply cannot look away from.
1. Milo Manheim and Witney Carson’s Halloween Contemporary
Finally, coming in at number one is none other than Milo Manheim and Witney Carson’s Halloween contemporary to “Toxic.” If you know me, you know that this dance and this pairing are my Roman Empire. Powerful and chilling, I genuinely come back and watch this dance about once a month. THE Halloween dance of all time, it is truly perfection, from the acting to the creativity to the strength and technique. 10s across the board.
I could talk forever about Milo and Witney’s partnership (absolutely snubbed from the Season 27 mirrorball, by the way). This dance leaves me sitting in stunned silence. The storytelling, movement, and sheer complexity. No dance will ever top this for me.