Iman Shumpert and Daniella Karagach; Bindi Irwin and Derek Hough; Juan Pablo Di Pace and Cheryl Burke; and Meryl Davis and Maksim Chmerkovskiy. Courtesy ABC What is Dancing With the Stars without dance?
The Emmy-nominated ABC reality competition series is beloved nowadays for its viral-making moments boosted by celebrity talent. Throughout the many years of the show, which began its 35th season on Sept. 15, some celebrity and professional dancer partnerships have surpassed others, standing out in the eyes of viewers.
Every celebrity goes through their own journey learning the ins and outs of ballroom dance, boosted by the pro dancers who teach them everything they know. Whether a celebrity and pro have an undeniable chemistry, form a life-long friendship on the dance floor or just happen to match one another’s performing capabilities, there have been many numbers in the history of Dancing With the Stars that eclipse other performances that have been shown on the ballroom floor.
To celebrate the premiere of Dancing With the Stars‘ 35th season, The Hollywood Reporter has compiled a list of the show’s best 35 dances ever. Plus, the honorable mention that couldn’t go unrecognized.
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Honorable Mention: Jenna Johnson and Val Chmerkovskiy’s Season 32 Len Goodman Tribute
Image Credit: Eric McCandless via Getty Images This list specifically omits group numbers, but one that deserves special recognition is the show’s season 32 tribute to the late Len Goodman. An original of the series and DWTS‘ longtime head judge, Len’s has had one of the greatest impacts on the history of the show. After retiring in 2022, he died in April 2023.
DWTS paid tribute to Len twice during season 23; first on Most Memorable Year night, an always emotional performance in the ballroom, with a dance choreographed by Jenna Johnson and Val Chmerkovskiy. A number of former pros returned to pay homage to the former head judge in a group number that is so classically Len and what he loved about DWTS. That year, the trophy was also renamed the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy.
Jenna reflects on choreographing the number below.
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//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.jsHow does watching this number back make you feel?
JENNA It makes me feel super proud. There was a lot of responsibility that came with trying to capture the essence of Len Goodman in a three-minute dance piece. When I watch it back, I really do think it’s something he would have loved and appreciated.
What memories do you have from choreographing this piece?
JENNA Something that stands out about the rehearsals going into this piece, is how many individual dancers came together as a collective. There was no ego involved. It was really about honoring Len’s legacy. There was a true camaraderie throughout the rehearsal process. We weren’t competing against each other – we were all united in creating something for Len.
What are three words you would use to describe this number?
JENNA Timeless, nostalgic, pure.
