Dancing with the Stars has featured some incredible pairs across its legendary run. As Season 34 of DWTS prepares to kick off, its contestants have a lot to live up to. After all, some iconic couples have created magic in that ballroom.
While some fantastic duos didn’t snag the Mirrorball, others dominated their season and took home the top prize. So, what’s the secret sauce that gives a DWTS pair the title of best in the ballroom?
Of course, the celebrity needs to have some dancing ability, or at least the raw materials to be molded into a dancer. Plus, since DWTS relies on fan votes, the contestants need to be likable and have a great personality. Sulkers generally don’t get far in this competition. Meanwhile, the DWTS pros must have chemistry with their partners. And they need to create routines that show off their celebrity in the best possible light.
Best Dancing With the Stars Pairs of All Time
Choosing a handful of DWTS duos as the best pairs of all time is a daunting task. So many partnerships shine each season, and each competitive pair brings something different to the floor. Since fan voting is just part of the contestant’s scores, the judges love to see good technique. And, failing that, improving technique also inspires a smile and a decent score from the judges.
Plus, watching a contestant grow through their dancing journey, and emotionally, is also important for DWTS viewers. Fans become invested in their favorites, and seeing their bond with their DWTS pro partner is also a plus. Sometimes, fabulous pairings don’t end up winning the season. Yet, through the magic of their connection and their creative routines, they still linger in our memories. So, let’s take a look at the best Dancing with the Stars pairs.
Zendaya Coleman and Val Chmerkovskiy
Season 16 featured 16-year-old actress Zendaya Coleman and her pro, Val Chmerkovskiy. She was the youngest contestant in DWTS history at that point. Val did an incredible job of showcasing her personality, technique, and charm, while also being respectful of her age.
Zendaya shone in all of their routines, especially their fan-favorite jive and cha-cha. She was able to blend splendid dance technique with flair. Most of all, Zendaya’s ability to tell a story helped to make their partnership iconic. However, the duo came in second place. Singer Kellie Pickler and her partner, Derek Hough, won the Season 16 Mirrorball.
Years later, late-night host Jimmy Kimmel revealed that he had won some money betting on Zendaya on DWTS. Who knew that Jimmy had a DWTS side hustle? In the end, Zendaya set the bar high for teens (and most adults) signing on for the series.
Meryl Davis and Maksim Chmerkovskiy
Season 18 gifted us the dynamic duo of Olympic medalist Meryl Davis and Maksim Chmerkovskiy. The gold-medal-winning ice dancer and Maks sparked dating rumors all season long. Their chemistry was off the charts. And if they weren’t dating, DWTS fans desperately hoped that they would.
Naturally, as an athlete, Meryl was accustomed to hard work and training. Plus, she was graceful and light on her feet. Both were huge positives for Maks when he was crafting their choreography.
The duo crushed every dance. During the finale, they earned perfect scores for each routine, capping off a season that saw plenty of 10 paddles waving in their direction. However, their contemporary Freestyle, with a near kiss, was technically perfect. It was also visually stunning and brought out all the feels. Maks and Meryl took home the Mirrorball, cementing their spot as one of DWTS’s best pairs.
Alfonso Ribeiro and Witney Carson
During Season 19, Fresh Prince of Bel Air alum Alfonso Ribeiro had great chemistry with his partner, Witney Carson. They had a fun, flirty vibe, and their routines were entertaining. Alfonso, who currently co-hosts DWTS with former pro and judge Julianne Hough, did have a background in dance before competing on the show. He performed on Broadway and had some jazz and tap experience. Of course, his dance moves, along with his exuberance in the ballroom, were impossible to deny.
The duo’s chemistry was perfectly spotlighted in their Freestyle, which combined old Hollywood glamour with moves that jumped from hip-hop, jazz, and jive. Then, Alfonso tap danced, joined by Witney, which led to the routine’s crowd-pleasing appeal. They received a perfect score for this energetic performance. In the end, the duo took home the Mirrorball, marking Witney’s first win – so far.
Bindi Irwin and Derek Hough
During Season 21, Bindi Irwin, the 17-year-old daughter of the late conservationist Steve Irwin, waltzed into the ballroom with Derek. Although she had no prior dance experience, she was a natural. Watching her perform, it was shocking that she’d had no dance training. Plus, Bindi’s incredible work ethic and fun-loving personality made her an early fan favorite.
Years later, during an interview with Kelly Ripa and Ryan Seacrest on Live with Kelly and Ryan, Derek was asked about his favorite DWTS partners. “I mean, a few come in mind, but one I love was Bindi Irwin. She was just like an angel and so sweet,” Derek stated.
Bindi’s energy, mesmerizing stage presence, and wonderful technique resulted in jaw-dropping performances. It’s no wonder that this perfect pair won the Mirrorball. And Bindi’s time as a contestant inspired her brother, Robert Irwin, to compete in Season 34 of DWTS.
JoJo Siwa and Jenna Johnson
When Dance Moms alum JoJo Siwa joined Season 30 of DWTS, she made history. She was partnered with pro Jenna Johnson, and the duo was the first same-sex partnership featured on the show.
Since JoJo had a dance background, Jenna created difficult and dynamic choreography. Their friendship and chemistry lit up the dance floor.
Their smoldering Argentine Tango is one of the best that I’ve ever seen. It was perfection. The dance was a redo after the judges urged JoJo and Jenna to make the dance more sensual. And they certainly delivered on that request.
The duo’s powerful Freestyle to Lady Gaga’s Born This Way was a spirited celebration that earned another perfect score. While JoJo showcased both her technical precision and personality, the Mirrorball went to NBA star Iman Shumpert and Daniella Karagach. Meanwhile, Jenna and JoJo came in second place.
Charli D’Amelio and Mark Ballas
During Season 31, DWTS legend Mark Ballas returned to the ballroom after a five-year hiatus. His partner? Influencer and dancer Charli D’Amelio. From the jump, the pair had chemistry, personality, and incredible technique. They snagged high scores from the judges during the entire season and earned front-runner status.
Plus, the duo addressed emotional issues, like Charli’s battle with anxiety, in their performances. In addition, Mark and Charli took a gamble with their Freestyle. Instead of having a flashy routine, they performed a simple, amazing, and gorgeous tribute to their love of dance.
In the end, the duo took home the Mirrorball. In fact, at the conclusion of the DWTS tour, Mark announced his retirement from the show and danced his final dance with Charli. Thankfully, he unretired and quickstepped back to the ballroom for Season 34.
Dancing with the Stars is available to stream on Disney+.
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