Professional dancer Pasha Pashkov publicly countered Carrie Ann Inaba’s “unfair” criticism of his partner Danielle Fishel’s performances on Dancing With the Stars, sparking a heated debate among fans and highlighting the emotional stakes of Dedication Night. Pashkov defended Fishel’s effort and the inherent similarities in their chosen dance styles, while Fishel herself offered nuanced insight into her consistent positivity amidst her personal journey.
The ballroom of Dancing With the Stars is known for its dazzling performances, heartfelt tributes, and often, its intense critiques. During the highly anticipated Dedication Night of Season 34, a moment of sharp judgment from panelist Carrie Ann Inaba ignited a passionate defense from professional dancer Pasha Pashkov, who partnered with actress Danielle Fishel. Their jive, a touching homage to Fishel’s former Boy Meets World co-star William Daniels (beloved as Mr. Feeny), was met with praise from fans but a contentious comment from Inaba, which Pashkov quickly labeled “unfair.”
The Heartfelt Dedication and the Controversial Critique
On the October 14th episode, dedicated to personal stories, Danielle Fishel and Pasha Pashkov took to the dance floor with a spirited jive. The performance was a special tribute, featuring a cameo from 98-year-old William Daniels, reprising his iconic role as Mr. Feeny. This nostalgic moment resonated deeply with fans, making Inaba’s subsequent comments all the more jarring.
Inaba, a long-standing judge on the show, pointed out that some of the duo’s dances were becoming repetitive. She suggested they incorporate more variation in energy and movement, a critique she extended to both Fishel and Pashkov. This observation, delivered after a performance so rich in emotional significance, immediately drew boos from the studio audience, reflecting a common sentiment among viewers that such critiques sometimes overshadow the heart of a performance.
Pasha Pashkov’s Ardent Defense
Following the live show, Pasha Pashkov wasted no time in expressing his disappointment. In an interview with Variety, published the very next day, Pashkov articulated why he felt Carrie Ann Inaba’s comment was unjust. He highlighted the inherent similarities between the two dances they performed that week, explaining, “we did have a quickstep and we had a jive this week. These are two dances that very, very similar.” He stressed that if the dances had been drastically different yet still *felt* the same, he would have understood the critique. However, given the actual styles, the comment “did not feel like it made sense to me.”
Pashkov’s protectiveness of Danielle Fishel was evident, stemming from his admiration for her unwavering dedication. “In my heart, I’m overprotective because I know how hard Danielle is working. I don’t think she deserved that comment,” he told Variety. This sentiment resonates strongly within the DWTS community, where the bond between professional dancers and their celebrity partners often extends beyond mere choreography.
Danielle Fishel’s Gracious Perspective
While Pasha vocally defended her, Danielle Fishel offered a more nuanced take, acknowledging the validity of Inaba’s observation while also providing crucial context. She explained that her consistent upbeat demeanor, which Inaba might have perceived as repetitive energy, was deeply rooted in her personal journey and the nature of her dedication dances.
Fishel revealed that her debut tango was a powerful narrative of her overcoming breast cancer, a moment she simply couldn’t perform without smiling. She continued to carry that positive energy into subsequent dances, including her cha-cha, quickstep, and the dedication jive. “She’s not wrong… All I know is next week, it’s the perfect setup for our Argentine Tango,” Fishel shared, showcasing her focus and resilience, and hinting at a more intense, dramatic performance to come with the Argentine Tango, a style known for its seriousness. This candid explanation from Fishel, reported by Variety, offered fans a deeper understanding of the emotional layers behind her performances.
The Enduring Magic of Mr. Feeny’s Cameo
Beyond the judging controversy, the highlight of Danielle Fishel and Pasha Pashkov’s Dedication Night routine was undoubtedly the appearance of William Daniels. At 98 years old, Daniels’ willingness to participate, sitting at his iconic teacher’s desk and holding up an “A+” paper, created a moment of pure magic for Boy Meets World fans. Fishel expressed immense gratitude for his involvement, recognizing the significant effort required for him to be on set for hours. This deeply personal and nostalgic tribute underscored the emotional weight of Dedication Night, making the judges’ technical critiques feel particularly stark against such a backdrop of shared affection.
Broader Implications for DWTS Judging and Pro-Dancer Advocacy
This incident with Pasha Pashkov and Carrie Ann Inaba is not an isolated event in the history of Dancing With the Stars. Professional dancers often step up to defend their partners against what they perceive as unfair or overly harsh criticism. This protective instinct highlights the immense pressure and emotional investment involved in the competition. The audience’s audible boos for Inaba’s comment further illustrate the ongoing tension between strict technical judging and the desire for judges to acknowledge the emotional narratives and personal growth of the celebrity contestants.
Such moments spark important conversations within the fan community:
- The Balance of Critique: How do judges balance technical accuracy with the emotional impact and personal stories behind a performance?
- Dance Style Similarities: Should judges account for the inherent similarities between certain dance styles when critiquing “repetitiveness”?
- Pro-Dancer Advocacy: How crucial is the pro-dancer’s role in advocating for their partner’s efforts and understanding their journey?
Thankfully, no one was eliminated during this special Dedication Week, granting Danielle Fishel and Pasha Pashkov, along with other couples like Elaine Hendrix and Alan Bersten (who also received a 29/40 score that Alan felt was too low), another chance to impress the judges and fans. The stage is now set for their Argentine Tango, where Danielle Fishel’s expressed intention to deliver a different dynamic promises to be a focal point for both judges and fans alike.
