As Dancing With the Stars embarks on its 34th season, fans are eagerly anticipating Dedication Night, a deeply personal episode where celebrity contestants perform routines inspired by pivotal figures in their lives. This season continues the show’s rich tradition of combining dazzling choreography, emotional storytelling, and fierce competition, solidifying its place as a television staple for nearly two decades.
For nearly two decades, Dancing With the Stars has captivated audiences with its unique blend of celebrity glamour, professional dance artistry, and emotional storytelling. What began in 2005 as the U.S. adaptation of the British series “Strictly Come Dancing,” featuring six couples, has evolved into a global phenomenon, constantly reinventing itself while retaining its core appeal.
The show’s longevity, spanning 34 seasons and over 700 episodes, is a testament to its compelling format: celebrities from various backgrounds are paired with professional dancers to learn and perform choreographed routines, all vying for the coveted Mirrorball Trophy. Each week, couples face the scrutiny of a panel of renowned ballroom experts and the crucial votes of viewers at home, leading to dramatic eliminations.
The Enduring Legacy of Dancing With the Stars
From its early days, Dancing With the Stars proved its ability to adapt and grow. Season 2, which premiered in January 2006, notably expanded the competition from six to ten couples and extended each program from one hour to 90 minutes, adding an hour-long results show the following night. This early evolution set the precedent for a dynamic show that would constantly refine its structure to keep audiences engaged, as detailed by Yahoo Entertainment.
The show has become synonymous with themed nights, allowing for a wide range of creative performances. Fans have enjoyed everything from Disney Night (celebrating Disney’s 100th anniversary in Season 32 and Disneyland Resort’s 70th Celebration in Season 34) to Motown Night, Latin Night, Halloween Night, and the deeply personal Most Memorable Year, where dances are inspired by pivotal moments in the dancers’ lives. These themes not only provide variety but also allow celebrities to connect with the audience on a deeper level.
Meet the Judges and Hosts of Season 34
The consistent presence of beloved hosts and an expert judging panel has been a cornerstone of Dancing With the Stars. While hosts like Tom Bergeron and Samantha Harris (who famously returned to the show after giving birth during Season 5) have graced the ballroom in the past, the current season sees the return of fan favorites.
For Season 34, the charismatic duo of Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough serve as hosts, guiding viewers through each performance and elimination. Their experience as former champions and professional dancers themselves brings a unique warmth and understanding to their roles.
The judging panel remains a formidable trio: the ever-insightful Carrie Ann Inaba, the effervescent Bruno Tonioli, and the critically acclaimed Derek Hough, a multi-time Mirrorball champion himself. Their combined expertise and distinct personalities provide both constructive criticism and high entertainment value, a consistent feature throughout the show’s run, as noted by Variety in its coverage of the show’s enduring appeal.
Season 34: Dedication Night and Beyond
This week’s highly anticipated theme is Dedication Night, where the remaining couples will perform a dance dedicated to someone meaningful in their lives. This theme often brings out some of the most emotionally charged and memorable performances of any season, allowing both celebrities and viewers to share in poignant personal stories.
The competition is intense, with 13 celebrity contestants from diverse backgrounds showcasing their burgeoning dance skills. Last week saw the elimination of Hilaria Baldwin, who danced with professional Gleb Savchenko, after making up the bottom three alongside Andy Richter and Emma Slater, and Danielle Fishel and Pasha Pashkov.
Here’s a glimpse into the kind of performances and moments that define a season of DWTS:
Current Season 34 Cast
The current lineup of stars battling for the Mirrorball Trophy includes a mix of influencers, athletes, and actors. The journey of these individuals, guided by their professional partners, is at the heart of the show’s appeal. Here are the celebrities still in the running, along with their professional partners:
- Alix Earle (Influencer / Social media personality) — dancing with Val Chmerkovskiy
- Andy Richter (Comedian / Actor) — dancing with Emma Slater
- Danielle Fishel (Actress, Boy Meets World) — dancing with Pasha Pashkov
- Dylan Efron (Reality TV / Social media personality) — dancing with Daniella Karagach
- Elaine Hendrix (Actress) — dancing with Alan Bersten
- Jen Affleck (Reality TV star, The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives) — dancing with Jan Ravnik
- Jordan Chiles (Olympic gymnast) — dancing with Ezra Sosa
- Robert Irwin (Conservationist / TV personality) — dancing with Witney Carson
- Scott Hoying (Singer, Pentatonix) — dancing with Rylee Arnold
- Whitney Leavitt (Reality TV star / Social media personality, The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives) — dancing with Mark Ballas
Previously eliminated contestants include Baron Davis, Corey Feldman, Hilaria Baldwin, and Lauren Jauregui. Their departures, often determined by a combination of judge scores and viewer votes, are always a tense moment for fans.
A Look at Season 34’s Upcoming Themes
Beyond Dedication Night, Dancing With the Stars Season 34 promises an exciting array of themed episodes leading up to the grand finale:
- October 21: Wicked Night
- October 28: Halloween Night
- November 4: Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Night
- November 11: 20th Birthday Party (likely celebrating the show’s almost two decades on air)
- November 18: Prince Night (Semi-Finals)
- November 25: Finale
Where to Catch the Action
For fans eager to watch the dazzling performances and follow their favorite couples, Dancing With the Stars airs live on ABC and simultaneously streams live on Disney+. For those who can’t watch live, new episodes become available on demand the following day via Hulu (and Disney+ for bundle subscribers), ensuring no one misses a moment of the competition.
With its blend of spectacle, emotion, and the thrill of competition, Dancing With the Stars continues to be a must-watch for fans of dance and celebrity culture. Dedication Night is poised to be another unforgettable episode, adding to the show’s rich tapestry of iconic performances.
