A Show That Keeps Viewers on Their Toes
For nearly two decades, “Dancing With the Stars” has been more than just a dance competition; it’s been a cultural event that brings families, friends and fans together. Every Tuesday night, millions of viewers sit on the edge of their seats, waiting for the eliminations. Voting for their favorite celebrities, viewers religiously text 21523 with the name of their celebrity, in hopes to see them succeed to the next round.
“Dancing With the Stars” is a widely watched reality television competition that pairs celebrities with professional dancers to perform a series of ballroom and Latin dance routines. Each week, couples are judged by a panel of experts and scored on their technique and performance, while also being voted on by America. The show’s perfect mix of skill, emotion, and audience participation keeps fans coming back season after season.
Familiar Faces Light Up the Ballroom
A major reason for the show’s ongoing success lies in its star-studded cast. Each season brings together a mix of athletes, actors, and influencers, creating a diverse lineup of people of all ages, experience levels, and personalities. This season’s stars include influencer Alix Earle, wildlife conservationist Robert Irwin, and actress Elaine Hendrix, along with several other celebrities who have brought unique styles and stories to the dance floor.
Among the students at the Mount, “Dancing With the Stars” remains one of the most talked about television shows, sparking weekly discussions about performances, eliminations, and favorite couples.
First-Time Viewers Join the Fun
The show’s ability to draw in new fans is part of what keeps it so popular. After watching a week four routine inspired by Maleficent, a first-time viewer shared her surprise and excitement
Len Goodman, the late head judge, balanced the panel with his warmth, humor, and classic approach to ballroom dance. His fairness and signature “10 from Len” became symbols of excellence, and his legacy continues to guide the judges today.
“Since when was Alix Earle a dancer?” Bethany Arduino ‘27 said. “The beginning of the dance really intrigued me because the depiction of the tale was well-told.”
Surprised by the performance, Bethany said she plans to continue tuning in for future episodes, proving that even one impressive dance can turn a casual viewer into a dedicated fan.
Emotional Performances on Dedication Night
Beyond the glitz and glamour, “Dancing With the Stars” also connects deeply with the audience through heartfelt storytelling. Each season features Dedication Night, when celebrities perform routines honoring someone meaningful in their lives — a family member, mentor, or loved one who has inspired them. These performances deliver some of the most emotional and memorable moments of the season.
An avid “Dancing With the Stars” viewer reflected on this year’s Dedication Night with enthusiasm.
“Dedication Night was amazing. Robert Irwin should’ve gotten a higher score than Whitney. When Bindi came on the stage, I got emotional,” Cara Gordon ‘27 said.
A Family of Stars
The show’s lasting appeal also comes from the connections among its cast and crew. The Irwin family is one example. Robert Irwin’s sister, Bindi, won Season 21 alongside former pro, Derek Hough, who now serves as a judge on the show. His sister, Julianne Hough, co-hosts the program, making “Dancing With the Stars” not just a competition, but a family tradition on and off the dance floor.
But the Irwins and the Houghs aren’t the only family connections in the ballroom. The show has created a legacy of returning stars, professional dancers, and judges whose relationships make the show feel like one big family.
Longtime judge, Carrie Ann Inaba, has been part of the panel since the show’s very beginning, forming a mentorship role for newer judges like Derek Hough. While her experience and dedication to dance are undeniable, some viewers feel that her critiques can be overly harsh.
“I think Carrie Ann is rude and too hard on the dancers. I think that she is always more negative than positive and brings down the dancers. She thinks she is being nice but brings down the spirit of the competition.” Nora Benamar ‘27 said.
Still, her presence remains a vital part of the show’s identity, showing the balance between tough love and the celebration of improvement.
Additionally, Len Goodman, the late head judge, left behind a lasting impact on the show with his warmth, humor, and classic approach to ballroom dance. His fairness and signature catchphrase, “10 from Len” became symbols of success. His legacy is often referenced by the judges, and continues to guide them today.
Professional dancers have also built their own families within the show. Brothers Val Chmerkovskiy and Maks Chmerkovskiy have been part of the show for years, with Val’s wife, Jenna Johnson, also joining the cast as a professional dancer and Season 26 champion. Even after their divorce in 2023, pros Emma Slater and Sasha Farber continue to perform on the show and support each other.
After more than 30 seasons, “Dancing With the Stars” continues to capture the attention of America because it’s more than perfect scores and sparkling costumes, it’s about connection. Fans watch their favorite stars set up outside their comfort zones, persevere from challenges, and celebrate victories both big and small. It reminds us that even in a changing world, the joy of dance and the connections it creates never go out of style.
