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dance scene from In The Heights
dance scene from In The Heights
Photo by Warner Bros. Pictures
Youngstown | Culture > Entertainment

DWTS Finale

India Parrish Student Contributor, Youngstown State University
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Youngstown chapter and does not reflect the views of Her Campus.

Well guys, I am sad to say that this is our final week in the ballroom. It is officially the finale of season 34 and it is indeed bittersweet. We’ve seen so many memorable moments, even some shocking and confusing ones. I have to say though, this finale did not disappoint. From the return of eliminated contestants to special guests, it was one for the books. Here are some of my highlights from the night: 

Top Dances 

  1. Elaine & Alan’s Freestyle 

This freestyle radiated joy and was at first my favorite freestyle of the night. I loved the story behind it and the special appearances (look at Andy providing cameos). Elaine truly shined and it made me feel like I was watching a musical number on Broadway or something. Everything was clean and on point.  

  1. Elaine & Alan’s Judge’s Choice 

This dance was absolutely beautiful and really accentuated Elaine’s strong suits. I love the color scheme and the grace that she carried herself with. It was elegant, yet sensual. It was just the type of dance Len would have loved, and that makes it even more special. 

  1. Jordan & Ezra’s Judge’s Choice 

Let me start by saying the lady in the back of Carrie Ann when she was commenting on this dance was literally me because what do you mean this dance wasn’t basically flawless? This was literally top tier and served fierceness throughout. Jordan really said we’re ending this with a bang. 

  1. Joey & Jenna’s Dance 

I love that the show has been including this element of having the previous winners come back for one last dance. It’s truly touching and is like passing the torch. Joey and Jenna looked amazing, and it looked like he had never left the ballroom. In fact, it almost looked like he’s just gotten better. 

Street Dancing In The Park B&W 3
Anna Thetard / Her Campus

Favorite Freestyle 

I literally think my jaw dropped when Normani came out. I was like “wait,” while at the same time, my brain was trying to catch up with my body. The dance could’ve stopped there and I would have been satisfied. Instead, our dear Ezra decided to be a choreography king and create a Normani and Jordan dance break! Honestly, I just could not contain my excitement! Jordan did not come to play! Like are we serious? You guys have to watch this for yourselves. I literally was just thinking beforehand, “Which freestyle is blowing me away?”, and then Queen Jordan arrived! Oh Jordan the star that you are! This freestyle gave me all the wow factors that I needed and more. I am beyond proud of her. 

Now the moment we have all been waiting for! Let’s see who are season 34 champions are!

And the winners are…  Robert & Whitney!

I did feel like it would come down to Alix and Robert, and that Robert would be the winner. However, the nerves I still felt waiting for the announcement were through the roof. I literally thought my heart was going to jump out of my chest. They truly deserved it though, as Robert has put in the work and gave us memorable performances almost every week. This is the first time in a long time that I would’ve been happy if any of the five finalists won. I can’t lie, I am okay with the placings this year. I felt that there was a chance that Jordan and Dylan’s spots would’ve been switched. After thinking it over however, Dylan has really been showing out just as much as Jordan. 

Now I know this is the finale week of the competition, but you can watch the Dancing with the Stars Holiday Special next Tuesday at 8pm ET on ABC or Disney Plus. You can stream the special the following day on Hulu as well. Though our recaps are done (or maybe I’ll do one next week…), you can be on the lookout for more posts from me. Until next time my lovely readers! 

India Parrish

Youngstown '27

Hi, my name is India! I am currently a junior at Youngstown State University studying biology. The goal is to become a physician in the future, hopefully specializing in pediatrics, cardiology, or both! I am a very family and faith-oriented person. I am interested in all things baking and cooking and I like finding good quality shows and movies to watch.