Step into the dramatic world of Dancing with the Stars, where professional dancers navigate everything from challenging celebrity partners like Anna Delvey, as experienced by Ezra Sosa, to candid revelations about backstage romances and controversial casting choices. This definitive guide unpacks the most memorable partnerships, unfiltered pro insights, and the often-surprising dynamics that keep fans enthralled long after the glitter settles.
The glitz, glamour, and grueling rehearsals of Dancing with the Stars often overshadow the intensely personal and sometimes challenging dynamics between its professional dancers and their celebrity partners. For fans, understanding these intricate relationships, both on and off the dance floor, provides a fascinating glimpse into the human element of the high-stakes competition. From seasoned pros offering stern advice to surprising post-show fallouts, the world of DWTS is rarely dull.
Ezra Sosa and the Anna Delvey Experiment: A Partnership Unlike Any Other
Season 33 of Dancing with the Stars brought one of its most controversial celebrity contestants to date: Anna Delvey (whose real name is Anna Sorokin), the infamous fake heiress. Paired with newly promoted pro Ezra Sosa, their journey was destined to be anything but ordinary. Veteran pro Cheryl Burke wasted no time in offering tough love and pragmatic advice for Sosa on her Sex, Lies, and Spray Tans podcast.
Burke, who spent 26 seasons on DWTS, candidly advised Sosa, “Ezra, get a therapist in that room if you can.” She expressed concern over Delvey‘s emotionless demeanor, noting that the energy in the room dropped during their performance. “She’s not a robot. There is a heart in there somewhere, right?” Burke questioned, hoping that nerves or vulnerability would prompt a more relatable emotional response from Delvey. Following their premiere cha-cha, which earned a score of 18 out of 30, Delvey famously responded to host Julianne Hough‘s query about her feelings by stating she was “just happy she doesn’t have to do that dance again.”
Burke also suggested that Delvey needed to embrace vulnerability. “She’s continuing to leave a bad taste in people’s mouths because she’s not willing to be vulnerable,” Burke explained. Despite Delvey‘s quick elimination after only two weeks, Sosa later recalled the experience fondly on the Danielle with the Stars podcast, even laughing about how Delvey almost got arrested because he bedazzled her mandated ankle monitor in a way that prevented her from charging it. He also shared that the network prevented him from using the word “criminal” on air, with Delvey humorously requesting to be called an “ankle model.”
Post-Ballroom Fallout: Sosa and Delvey No Longer on Speaking Terms
The intense spotlight of Dancing with the Stars often reveals the true nature of partnerships, and for Ezra Sosa and Anna Delvey, their connection was fleeting. After Delvey‘s exit, famously marked by her one-word remark, “Nothing,” Sosa even commemorated the experience by tattooing her parting words on his back. However, their relationship outside the show quickly soured.
The current status of their relationship is clear: they are no longer speaking. Sosa openly discussed the rift on the Danielle with the Stars podcast, revealing that Delvey unfollowed him after he posted an Instagram video celebrating his season 34 partner and how he “actually has a shot” of winning this year. Unbothered, Sosa remarked, “It’s okay. You be you boo-boo and I’ll be me. Respectfully.” Ezra Sosa has since continued his journey on DWTS, currently competing with gymnast Jordan Chiles.
Pro-on-Pro Romance and Unexpected Pairings: The DWTS Social Landscape
Beyond the celebrity controversies, the world of Dancing with the Stars is also defined by the intricate relationships among its professional dancers. Long-standing friendships, rivalries, and even romances frequently develop backstage. Cheryl Burke, known for her candidness, has openly spoken about the social dynamics within the pro community.
During an appearance on the allegedly with Theo Von & Matthew Cole podcast, Burke admitted, “I think we all dated each other at one point.” She specifically mentioned her history with Maksim Chmerkovskiy, whom she has known since childhood, stating, “He was a good kisser. Maks is a good kisser.” While Burke and Chmerkovskiy never formally dated, their shared history and chemistry were evident, a common thread among the close-knit group of professional dancers, many of whom are now engaged or married to fellow pros, like Maks to Peta Murgatroyd.
Casting choices can also stir up significant discussion. For instance, pro Maksim Chmerkovskiy famously declined to partner with reality star Honey Boo Boo (Alana Thompson) for DWTS: Juniors. While Honey Boo Boo did participate in DWTS: Juniors, alongside other young celebrities like Tripp Palin, Maks‘s clear refusal underscored the selective nature of pro pairings, highlighting that not every proposed match is accepted.
The bond between pros and their partners, even when not romantic, can become incredibly strong, leading to lasting friendships. Some memorable pairings known for their closeness include:
- Artem Chigvintsev and Nikki Bella
- Sasha Farber and Simone Biles
- Derek Hough and Amy Purdy
- Daniella Karagach and Iman Shumpert
- Witney Carson and Alfonso Ribeiro
These enduring connections highlight the profound impact the show has on its participants, creating relationships that extend far beyond the final dance.
The Enduring Appeal of DWTS: More Than Just a Dance Competition
The controversies, the candid confessions, and the deep bonds formed on and off the dance floor are all integral to the enduring appeal of Dancing with the Stars. From the challenging task of cracking open an enigmatic personality like Anna Delvey to the surprising romance rumors among the pros, the show offers a rich tapestry of human stories. Fans remain captivated not just by the dance routines, but by the raw emotion, the dramatic tensions, and the unexpected friendships that unfold season after season, making DWTS a cultural phenomenon that continues to resonate with audiences worldwide.
