Halfway through its 34th season, Dancing with the Stars is enjoying renewed fame with some big celebrities competing in the ballroom this fall. Influencer Alix Earle, wildlife conservationist Robert Irwin, and The Parent Trap actress Elaine Hendrix are among those who joined the cast.
In recent seasons, some of the professional dancers on the show, or ‘pros,’ have gone viral on social media platforms like TikTok. By sharing daily vlogs and dance challenges, they give viewers a look at what goes on behind the scenes, showcase their celebrity partners’ personalities, and create a deeper connection with the audience. This trend has grown this season, with young pros like 20-year-old Rylee Arnold and 24-year-old Ezra Sosa gaining a large online following and bringing DWTS a breath of fresh air.
Showcasing styles that span ballroom, Latin, jazz, and contemporary, the pros and their celebrity partners have six days to choreograph a dance and then perform it every Tuesday night. With a different theme each week, the competition challenges couples to improve in the hopes of winning the coveted Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy at the end of the season, decided through a combination of points awarded by judges and the fan vote. Viewers keep coming back to the show after its 20-year run because of its emphasis on spectacle, deep emotion, and growth. Celebrities often arrive with little-to-no dance experience and go on a journey of self-discovery that is both relatable and enticing to watch.
During the Rock-and-Roll Hall of Fame Night on Nov. 4, the top three couples had to dance a Paso Doble—a Spanish ballroom style inspired by the movement of the matador and the bull during a bullfight. The couples were also divided into two teams and had to partake in a team dance with the show’s hosts: Dancer Julianne Hough, and The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air actor Alfonso Ribeiro. The night ended with the exit of beloved Boy Meets World actress Danielle Fishel, as the remaining seven couples proceeded to the quarter-finals.
Fans are already making pyramid rankings of their favourite contestants online and voicing their opinions on this week’s dances. There seems to be a real sense of excitement as the show progresses, with people showing their anticipation ahead of the finale on Nov. 25.
However, this excitement has also come with criticism from fans who feel their favourite celebrities are being scored unfairly, especially by veteran judge Carrie Ann Inaba. Still, the fan vote has been able to tip the balance and help crowd-favourite Andy Richter, comedian and voice-actor of Mort in Madagascar, remain in the competition, while other, more experienced dancers have exited. The ‘Fandies,’ as Richter’s fans call themselves, have kept the 59-year-old in the competition despite him holding last place on the leaderboard throughout the season. His partner Emma Slater is among the pros who use TikTok to show their day-to-day lives in rehearsals, rallying over 550,000 followers.
This new marketing strategy has given the show great visibility, as it broke its historical voting record of 50.15 million votes on Halloween Night. Opinions are mixed, with some pushing for Richter’s exit from the competition so that the best dancers remain, while others are voting to keep him on as long as possible. It is refreshing to see a celebrity commit themselves completely to the process and show genuine progression week to week. His heartwarming personality and close bond with his partner make for great television.
Next week’s episode will be a celebration of 20 years of DWTS. Couples will perform their respective dances and compete in the Relay Dance competition alongside past DWTS winners for a chance at bonus points. You can tune in to DWTS every Tuesday on American Broadcasting Company (ABC) or Disney+ to cheer for your favourites. The show has been a cornerstone of American television for the last two decades, and with its renewed fame, it will surely continue to be.
