Whether or not you’re getting ready for a dance routine or simply for the subsequent episode of Dancing with the Stars, we’ve put collectively a dance by dance information to the 34 most iconic dwts routines. 34 routines to have fun 34 seasons, that includes 11 dances, in a number of types, together with one jazz efficiency that type of broke the web.
From the emotional Len Goodman tribute that earned an Emmy nomination to Meryl Davis and Maks Chmerkovskiy’s Tango that the judges referred to as “one of the best dance the present has ever seen,” these performances earned good scores, standing ovations, and a everlasting place in DWTS historical past. We’ve included dance particulars, costume descriptions, and hyperlinks so you possibly can watch and be impressed with every efficiency.
The Ballroom Dances
Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot, Viennese Waltz, and the Quickstep make up the ballroom dances. These are all characterised by massive steps that sweep and glide across the dance flooring. The women will usually gown in flowing robes whereas males often don tail fits or dinner jackets for traditional ballroom class. So what are the judges searching for and what might make any of those dances tip the scales as iconic DWTS routines?
Whereas the judges need nice efficiency abilities and infinite quantities of leisure worth, they’re concurrently evaluating technical precision: the large dance body, correct footwork, and topline shaping.
All of those components work collectively like parts of a finely-tuned machine, creating stunning, easy motion that may shift from dramatic to breathtaking sooner than you possibly can say promenade.
As we discover essentially the most iconic DWTS routines within the ballroom class, it’s essential to notice that these performances delivered above and past the fundamental expectations. The professionals and their celeb companions listed beneath achieved that uncommon feat of delivering a fantastic dance, but in addition leaving an enduring impression.
Iconic DWTS Routines: The Waltz
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Professionals’ Tribute to Len Goodman – Season 32 12849_6440fb-89> |
“Moon River” by Henry Mancini 12849_6fecbc-15> |
Val Chmerkovskiy & Jenna Johnson choreographed this Waltz in reminiscence of Len Goodman – dancing in fog with pas and current execs. 12849_40029b-09> |
Emmy nomination for choreography 12849_32b727-7d> |
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Xochitl Gomez & Val Chmerkovskiy – Season 32 12849_b0d9e7-ef> |
“La Vie en Rose” by Woman Gaga 12849_433fa7-81> |
The Marvel actress carried out this emotional Waltz that had her in tears. Derek Hough mentioned, “Len would have liked that dance. That was completely good.” 12849_d78f86-d9> |
30/30 Good rating 12849_a86eda-f4> |
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Alyson Hannigan & Sasha Farber – Season 32 12849_9a66fc-8c> |
“Come Away with Me” by Norah Jones 12849_a44555-d9> |
The How I Met Your Mom star delivered a wonderful waltz that the judges thought-about one among her greatest moments of the season. 12849_fa9e49-f2> |
Robust efficiency that superior her to the DWTS finals 12849_47530b-c5> |
Iconic DWTS Routines: The Tango
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Meryl Davis & Maks Chmerkovskiy – Season 18 12849_f33814-4d> |
“Really feel So Shut” by Calvin Harris 12849_1d038d-db> |
In case your efficiency was thought-about one of the best dance the present has ever seen, it’s protected to say this is among the iconic DWTS routines for this checklist. 12849_a0d065-d4> |
30/30 good rating 12849_c1b5ac-a7> |
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James Hinchcliffe & Sharna Burgess – Season 23 12849_e694a4-69> |
“The Proper Time” by Yves V that includes Mike James 12849_d3ddfd-17> |
Emotional “Most Memorable Yr” tango honoring Hinchcliffe’s restoration from near-fatal 2015 crash at Indianapolis 500 12849_f53eb6-b6> |
30/30 Good rating – Completed as runner up in Season 23 12849_f924bc-36> |
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Robert Irwin & Witney Carson – Season 34 12849_2fee1d-8b> |
“Transfer Your Toes” by Junior Senior 12849_51d43e-49> |
Following his standout premiere efficiency, the 21-year-old Australian wildlife knowledgeable danced a pointy, high-energy tango that earned reward for its depth and precision. 12849_3e4376-b8> |
This Tango confirmed Irwin as an early frontrunner, with judges highlighting his sturdy posture, footwork, and pure stage presence. 12849_4bf3db-b2> |
Iconic DWTS Routines: The Foxtrot
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Helio Castroneves & Julianne Hough – Season 5 12849_d2ccf5-57> |
“Bewitched” theme by Steve Lawrence 12849_80512f-8f> |
IndyCar champion’s premiere foxtrot set the stage for his or her championship-winning season, incomes the very best rating for males in Week 1. 12849_e09810-3d> |
25/30 – Highest rating for male contestants in premiere week 12849_0a283b-71> |
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Jordan Fisher & Lindsay Arnold – Season 25 12849_8b4417-f8> |
“You’re Welcome” from Moana 12849_456084-4f> |
Polynesian-themed foxtrot that includes palm timber and trendy dance components. Fisher carried out to his personal track from the Disney movie. 12849_3646f1-bb> |
30/30 good rating – First good rating of Season 25. 12849_2e0767-91> |
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Stephen Nedoroscik & Rylee Arnold – Season 33 12849_425439-5f> |
“Right here I Go Once more” by Whitesnake 12849_69e4de-d1> |
Olympic gymnast confirmed important enchancment in timing and musicality after judges’ suggestions. Efficiency featured reside guitar by Whitesnake’s Joel Hoekstra. 12849_9e9fe4-98> |
Judges praised his progress as a scholar and highlighted his stunning traces and heel leads 12849_e31e53-41> |
Iconic DWTS Routines: The Viennese Waltz
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Meryl Davis & Maksim Chmerkovskiy – Season 18 12849_759a9a-04> |
“Only a Idiot” by Christina Aguilera 12849_b8086d-af> |
Olympic ice dancer’s gorgeous semifinal Viennese Waltz is what helped safe her spot within the finals. 12849_4f919c-3b> |
Good rating – tied for many good scores in a single season with 6. 12849_d44b67-27> |
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Nicole Scherzinger & Derek Hough – Season 10 12849_37f5da-91> |
“You’re Welcome” from Moana 12849_aa330b-54> |
The Pussycat Dolls singer’s premiere Viennese Waltz set the bar excessive in week 1 in a season she and Derek would finally win. 12849_88931d-57> |
25/30 – Highest rating of premiere night time 12849_b4b7a8-80> |
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Bindi Irwin & Derek Hough – Season 21 12849_4c00b4-2f> |
“Roses and Violets” by Alexander Jean 12849_d2aa1d-85> |
In case you thought Viennese Waltz was troublesome to start with, Bindi’s breathtaking Viennese Waltz started and ended along with her carrying a blindfold, creating an emotionally highly effective efficiency. 12849_8d3013-54> |
30/30 Good Rating – Bindi would go on to set a report with 8 good scores for the season. 12849_ca03f9-f3> |
Iconic DWTS Routines: The Quickstep
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Kellie Pickler & Derek Hough – Season 16 12849_ee9688-08> |
“Peppy and George” by Ludovic Bource 12849_4f4022-94> |
Pickler’s championship-winning Quickstep within the finale, one among three good scores earned by the Nation Star that night time. 12849_4ac157-fe> |
30/30 – A part of championship-winning efficiency 12849_706d63-d8> |
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Hélio Castroneves & Julianne Hough Season 5 12849_8a5312-e4> |
“Hey Pachuco” by Royal Crown Revue 12849_b0fdc0-cf> |
Speak about iconic DWTS routines – This Quickstep from Hélio and Julianne turned so legendary it was recreated for the present’s five hundredth episode celebration in Season 33. 12849_1097fd-5c> |
This efficiency helped set up the championship-winning partnership between Hélio and Julianne. 12849_07c3f7-d7> |
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Jordan Fisher & Lindsay Arnold – Season 25 12849_80dffe-f1> |
“Chuck Berry” by Pharrell Williams 12849_c0b700-5a> |
The Broadway star’s knockout Quickstep efficiency earned a standing ovation from choose Len Goodman, marking the couple’s second good rating of the night time. 12849_164045-fa> |
Jordan set a brand new report for good scores in a season with 9, breaking the earlier report of eight, whereas profitable the championship at age 23 12849_a4d9b1-3d> |
The Latin Dances
Cha Cha, Rumba, Samba, and Paso Doble deliver the warmth to the ballroom with rhythmic, grounded actions that emphasize hip motion, sharp isolations, and explosive power. Not like their ballroom counterparts constructed for big areas and sweeping motion, the Latin dances are designed for smaller dance flooring, with rhythmical motion, and a passionate really feel.
Costume sensible, the Latin dances are almost the precise reverse of the ballroom outfits. The dinner jacket search for the gents will get swapped for an open shirt and latin pants. The robes for the women are changed with loads much less material, showcasing he legs greater than the stream of the robe.
Every of the Latin dances provides a barely totally different taste. Whether or not it’s the playful and flirtatious motion of the Cha Cha, the sluggish and sensual story of the Rumba, the uncooked power of the Samba, or the excessive drama of the Paso Doble; there isn’t any scarcity of leisure for viewers and dancers in terms of this model.
Iconic DWTS Routines: The Cha Cha
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Nyle DiMarco & Peta Murgatroyd – Season 22 12849_7bd596-dc> |
“Cake By The Ocean” by DNCE 12849_3f0ff6-85> |
Overlook the truth that Nyle is the primary deaf contestant on the present. This Cha Cha efficiency was loaded with nice charisma, confidence, and rhythm from the America’s Subsequent High Mannequin star. Ripping his shirt open most likely helped too. 12849_f8232a-d4> |
The eventual winner of Season 22. 12849_ccdb8a-0c> |
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Shawn Johnson & Derek Hough – Season 15 12849_ccada7-e1> |
“She Thinks My Tractor’s Attractive” by Kenny Chesney 12849_f11c6c-59> |
Olympic gymnast’s finale Cha Cha within the All-Stars season showcased the easy high quality that led choose Len Goodman to nickname her “The No Stress Categorical.” She had a string of iconic DWTS routines all through the season, and this was probably the greatest. 12849_e8dc8a-d2> |
A part of finale efficiency the place she positioned 2nd. 12849_496dcf-37> |
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Alfonso Ribeiro & Witney Carson – Season 19 12849_528895-9e> |
“Belief” by Prince 12849_e0a741-9d> |
The efficiency earned unanimous reward from judges and marked Alfonso as the primary male winner since Season 14. Alfonso had been a frontrunner all through the season and averaged scores constantly above 8. 12849_4528d1-04> |
40/40 – Good Rating and a part of what led Alfonso to grow to be the brand new host of DWTS 12849_a2521f-9c> |
Iconic DWTS Routines: The Rumba
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Meryl Davis & Maksim Chmerkovskiy – Season 18 12849_6343df-35> |
“Learn All About It, Half III” by Emeli Sandé 12849_eb6ee9-20> |
Meryl and Maks delivered a rumba that was dripping with chemistry. The objective of any Rumba is to make the viewers overlook that they’re watching a contest and simply get misplaced within the story – and this efficiency was an ideal instance. 12849_535f71-dc> |
This rumba was a cornerstone of the season that lastly gave Maks his first Mirrorball Trophy. One among many iconic DWTS routines for season 18. 12849_784575-c8> |
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Apolo Anton Ohno & Julianne Hough – Season 4 12849_e1c8e5-93> |
“Cool” – by Gwen Stefani 12849_f2a363-7b> |
Apolo proved with this Rumba that he might pull off one thing sluggish and sultry, as a substitute of simply quick and athletic. This efficiency showcased a brand new aspect of the Olympian and marked a shift in his dance improvement. 12849_4f51a8-0c> |
Catalyst efficiency in his championship season. 12849_08bb5b-7f> |
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Amber Riley & Derek Hough – Season 17 12849_f491a0-1d> |
“If I May Flip Again Time” by Cher 12849_4b3402-d9> |
If you mix a Glee powerhouse with Derek’s choreographic genius throughout Cher week, magic occurs. Amber pushed by knee ache all season with relentless positivity, and this rumba proved that technical ability and uncooked emotion can coexist fantastically 12849_a7c8bf-5d> |
Cher was a visitor choose on this episode 12849_20a546-eb> |
Iconic DWTS Routines: The Samba
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Mya & Dmitry Chaplin – Season 9 12849_3f9b1f-49> |
“Flip the Beat Round” by Gloria Estefan 12849_cd2c0b-62> |
Mya took everybody again to the ’70s with a cool samba that was pure leisure. Dmitry crafted one of the crucial inventive routines of the season, and the efficiency introduced the home down. 12849_2ddaf9-75> |
30/30 – Good Rating 12849_3116ec-eb> |
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Zendaya & Val Chmerkovskiy – Season 16 12849_3279d6-83> |
“Yerbatero” by Juanes 12849_36432c-3b> |
At simply 16 years outdated, Zendaya labored and carried out like a professional. This Samba matched her character on display: Vibrant, enjoyable, and unforgettable. The truth that this, now, A-list celeb was a contestant is spectacular, however don’t overlook that it was her expertise and laborious work that made for a lot of iconic DWTS routines all through the season. 12849_76b74d-11> |
Zendaya completed season 16 as runner as much as Kellie Pickler. 12849_3ab01c-0d> |
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Alfonso Ribeiro & Witney Carson – Season 19 12849_bbc768-2b> |
“Gettin’ Jiggy wit It” by Will Smith 12849_2b5ad6-83> |
With a nod to his Recent Prince co-star, Ribeiro introduced the occasion to the ballroom with a samba that checked each field. Whereas Samba may be bodily demanding, he made it look easy and assured. 12849_141ed4-66> |
If you happen to can smile and Samba, you’ve cracked the code. 12849_efe8e8-b4> |
Iconic DWTS Routines: The Paso Doble
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Riker Lynch & Allison Holker – Season 20 12849_f67422-3c> |
“He’s a Pirate” from Pirates of the Caribbean 12849_e3aee8-18> |
Riker channeled Captain Jack Sparrow throughout Disney Night time and immediately created one of the crucial iconic DWTS routines on the present. The choreography was sharp, each motion hit, and this quantity was so good they introduced it again within the finals. 12849_f0c413-87> |
Good Rating – earned a standing ovation from Len Goodman. 12849_d82b42-42> |
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Sabrina Bryan & Mark Ballas – Season 5 12849_da8213-c9> |
“You Spin Me Spherical (Like a Report)” by Lifeless or Alive 12849_850799-ca> |
Good rating. Historical past made. Sabrina turned the primary contestant ever to obtain a 30/30 that early within the competitors. Nevertheless, simply two weeks later, she was eradicated. Nonetheless, this Paso Doble was legendary. 12849_09a8e7-86> |
30/30 – Earliest good rating in Season 5. 12849_03d524-be> |
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Normani Kordei & Val Chmerkovskiy – Season 24 12849_13698e-46> |
“I’ll Make a Man Out of You” from Mulan 12849_da3a7f-c5> |
The Fifth Concord singer introduced fierce power to Disney Night time, mixing conventional Paso with some Mulan-like combat-inspired choreography. Bruno dubbed her an “all-conquering Paso princess.” 12849_a39e7e-f0> |
Robust performer. Completed season 24 third total. 12849_8555be-5a> |
The Nightclub Dances
The nightclub dances deliver a distinct power to the DWTS ballroom – whereas the Latin dances are “efficiency variations” of nightclub rhythms, dances like Salsa and Jive translate simply to a membership surroundings. Salsa made its debut in Season 7, including the massively widespread dance to the combo with its nice turns, power, and spicy hip motion. Paired with Jive (which shares DNA with the swing), these dances work nice for any dancer that wishes to show a efficiency and take it to the membership later.
Iconic DWTS Routines: The Jive
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Kristi Yamaguchi & Mark Ballas – Season 6 12849_a848a9-4c> |
“Rip it Up” by Little Richard 12849_2f3177-ca> |
The Olympic determine skater introduced the identical grace from the ice to the ballroom flooring. After incomes excessive scores all through the season, Kristi and Mark lastly delivered this high-octane jive that sealed their championship. Bruno referred to as it “top-notch, high-definition leisure,” and he wasn’t improper. 12849_ba6081-2nd> |
30/30 Good Rating – Season 6 Champion 12849_01fc77-5e> |
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Paige VanZant & Mark Ballas – Season 22 12849_3e53f7-0a> |
“Proud Mary” by Tina Turner 12849_a5414b-2b> |
Let’s simply begin right here: Paige and Mark took turns doing cartwheels whereas balancing on each other… and that was solely a part of this excessive power Jive efficiency. That is what occurs when you will have a legendary professional and a UFC fighter with an iconic Jive track. 12849_a0a22f-ce> |
30/30 – Good rating and Season 22 runner up. 12849_472758-51> |
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Jordan Fisher & Lindsay Arnold – Season 25 12849_6113e0-d6> |
“Proud Mary” by Tina Turner 12849_714ccd-e9> |
The Hamilton star recreated the enduring Paige VanZant/Mark Ballas jive and someway made it even higher. Jordan’s efficiency earned him the last word praise from Len Goodman: “We’ve had good jives; we’ve had nice jives. Now we now have Jordan’s jive, which is the yardstick for everybody else.” 12849_70c7d0-a2> |
30/30 – Good rating and Season 25 champions 12849_cc1626-44> |
Iconic DWTS Routines: The Salsa
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Paige VanZant & Mark Ballas – Season 22 12849_b40e42-5f> |
“Fireball” by Pitbull 12849_7eb3b3-b9> |
This was their “redemption dance” for season 22. The primary time they danced it, Mark received injured and needed to bow out. Within the finals, they got here again to complete what they began, and Mark even threw within the transfer that prompted his harm simply to show they might nail it. This Salsa efficiency had Mark in tears afterward, and was clearly a private victory. 12849_0fea45-d3> |
Rating jumped from 24 to 29. 12849_396361-2f> |
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Zendaya & Val Chmerkovskiy – Season 16 12849_d87ee9-3c> |
“Danca Molengo” – Bonde do Position 12849_dd68e1-83> |
This was a Salsa trio that includes Zendaya, Val, and Gleb Savchenko. The efficiency oozed with confidence with Zendaya holding middle place, and middle stage, placing her dance improvement on full show. 12849_139003-02> |
Carrie Ann Inaba referred to as Zendaya a “Salsa queen” after this efficiency. 12849_4f42f6-79> |
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Normani Kordei & Val Chmerkovskiy – Season 24 12849_331ae6-9e> |
“After I Develop Up” by The Pussycat Dolls 12849_7cfe20-e5> |
The Fifth Concord member delivered a powerhouse salsa that earned her three good 10s from the judges, besides from Len Goodman who gave her an 8, sparking debate about what constitutes “salsa content material.” Regardless of the controversy, this was an iconic efficiency from the third place finisher. 12849_b2fb89-26> |
38/40 – Highest scoring common for Season 24. 12849_3d42f7-49> |
Iconic DWTS Routines: Most Iconic Second
The Efficiency that Broke the Web
Alfonso Ribeiro has shared that he waited 10 years for his second on Dancing with the Stars. When it lastly got here, he didn’t maintain something again. Within the class of iconic DWTS routines, he could have had essentially the most Iconic Second in all 34 Seasons of the present.
It occurred in Week 4. The theme was Most Memorable Yr and when the opening notes of Tom Jones’ “It’s Not Uncommon” stuffed the ballroom… everybody watching misplaced their minds. Alfonso and Witney broke out the dance the world was ready so patiently for, The Carlton. The signature dance from his character, Carlton Banks, on the hit present The Recent Prince of Bel Air.
The judges awarded them good 10s throughout the board. It was the present’s solely good rating that night time, incomes a flawless 40/40. Alfonso himself acknowledged that he “broke the web” with that efficiency and it continues to get hundreds of thousands of views on streaming platforms.
Right here’s what made it much more highly effective: Alfonso had admitted that for years after Recent Prince ended, he’d fallen “out of affection” with the Carlton character as a result of it pigeonholed him in auditions. So, for him to take the danger of dusting off his cardigan and breaking out that iconic character was rewarded with an all time DWTS second. It reminded everybody why DWTS issues and the way previous stars can nonetheless have breakout moments. Alfonso went on to dominate the season, profitable the Mirrorball Trophy, turning into the primary male winner since Season 14, and turning into the featured host of the present in 2023.
Rating/Notes: 40/40 – Good Rating; Season 19 Champion; “Broke the Web”
Last Ideas
It’s protected to say that Dancing with the Stars is a cultural power of nature. Over time, it’s helped to kickstart, re-energize, and catapult the careers of so many contestants, and their skilled companions. Extra importantly, it has carried out much more the ballroom dance business as an entire.
The Arthur Murray Dance Celebration was the unique Dancing with the Stars. From 1950-1960, it supplied a captive tv viewers with stunning dancing, celeb friends, and suggestions from Arthur and Kathryn themselves. Throughout that point, ballroom dancing turned a cultural phenomenon. Right now, Dancing with the Stars has supplied 34 seasons of dance leisure. The present has shed new mild on the enjoyable, enjoyment, and advantages that ballroom dancing has to supply.
Right here’s to the subsequent 34 seasons.