Season 34 of Dancing with the Stars was one for the books. While the show celebrated its 20th birthday, the vibe was exciting and fresh. Yet, DWTS also embraced its past, inviting past pros Cheryl Burke and Kym Johnson to take a seat at the judges’ table. And to help honor the show’s 20th birthday, former host Tom Bergeron picked up a paddle as a guest judge.
Season 34 of DWTS also featured fun theme nights, like Wicked Night, TikTok Night, Prince Night, and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Night. Plus, Dedication Night showcased the person being honored in the performance. It was so special and emotional.
In the end, Robert Irwin and Witney Carson took home the sparkly Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy. Alix Earle and her partner, Val Chmerkovskiy, came in second place, while Jordan Chiles and Ezra Sosa placed third. Plus, Dylan Efron and Daniella Karagach snagged fourth place, while Elaine Hendrix and her pro partner, Alan Bersten, took fifth. After such a stellar season, with so many incredible dances to choose from, we narrowed down our list of entertaining ballroom performances. Read on for our picks for the best dances of Season 34.
Whitney Leavitt and Mark Ballas – Cha-Cha
Whitney Leavitt and Mark Ballas’ cheeky cha-cha to Prince’s hit 1999 was sexy, flirty, and funky. The duo played up their chemistry and seemed like they were having a blast. It looked like a literal party on the dance floor.
Once again, Mark’s creative choreography demanded the viewer’s attention. The playful routine featured Mark tapping Whitney on the booty before she slapped his face. Plus, it was a great showcase for Whitney’s performance ability and technique. The duo nabbed two 10s and one 9 for this routine.
Sadly, the season-long front-runners were eliminated during the semi-finals, and this was one of their final dances in the ballroom. Whitney’s admission that she only filmed Season 3 of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives so that she could audition for DWTS may have been her downfall.
Dylan Efron and Daniella Karagach – Argentine Tango
Dylan’s steamy Argentine Tango for the 20th birthday episode heated up the ballroom. He danced to Bill Withers’ Ain’t No Sunshine with his partner Daniella. This dramatic and sexy number featured intricate lifts, including one with Daniella suspended off the ground while walking. Breathtaking!
Even the judges were impressed by the duo’s chemistry and moves. “Dylan, as the great Len Goodman would say, ‘Hold my gaze,’” judge Derek Hough said. “That was your breakthrough moment by a long shot. That routine was insane, Daniella.”
In addition, judge Carrie Ann Inaba explained how former contestant Gilles Marini “held the crown for the Argentine Tango for me, the best performance …” Then she added, “Tonight, my friend, it now goes to you.” Of course, Dylan and Daniella earned a perfect score. That dance demanded nothing less.
Robert Irwin and Witney Carson – Jive
Robert and Witney’s repeat jive to Prince’s song Baby, I’m a Star ignited the ballroom. Their performance was energetic, electric, and fun. The mind-blowing choreography paid homage to Prince and also showcased Robert’s athleticism and charisma. I am still not sure how Witney flipped Robert over her head, but that was wild! Somehow, amid the fast-moving routine, Robert didn’t miss a beat or a flick.
It is hard to believe that Robert has zero dance or performance experience. His natural charm and exuberance have made him a fan favorite, as has his dedication to nailing the specifics of a dance. And that’s why he is the Mirroball champ.
Alix Earle and Val Chmerkovskiy – Tango
Influencer Alix has been one of the biggest surprises of the season. She has grown week by week to become a beautiful dancer and entertainer. For her tango during Halloween Week, Alix and her partner, Val, danced to bury a friend by Billie Eilish. The ghoulishly great routine started with the duo crawling out of their grave. The mesmerizing and chilling dance highlighted the DWTS couple’s chemistry and sharp and controlled technique. However, guest judge Cheryl Burke wasn’t happy that the duo broke hold, causing them to get a score of 39 out of 40 points. Still, this performance cemented Alix’s place as one of the top couples in the competition.
Elaine Hendrix and Alan Bersten – Paso Doble
Elaine and Alan had some tough moments this season. During Halloween Week, Elaine suffered a painful rib injury during rehearsals and was unable to dance. However, she roared back, and her stunning Paso Doble on Prince Night is proof of that.
The duo danced to When Doves Cry, and their performance was powerful, passionate, and sharp. Elaine moved with precision and turned in a fiery performance. After their routine, Carrie Ann was so overwhelmed that she ran onto the dance floor to embrace Elaine before bowing down to her. Naturally, Alan and Elaine earned a perfect score for this dance.
Whitney Leavitt and Mark Ballas – Quickstep
During Episode 6, Whitney and Mark’s quickstep to the song Popular from Wicked garnered them the first 10s of the season. Once again, Mark’s creative and entertaining choreography made this routine a crowd-pleaser. The dance started in Glinda’s room, with actual props from the film. Plus, Whitney’s personality and acting ability were on full display. The whimsical performance featured fast and precise footwork and blended humor and a feel-good factor.
Judge Bruno Tonioli called the performance “Glinda gone ballistic,” while Carrie Ann commented it was “slightly unhinged, but in all the right [way.]” The couple scored three 10s and a 9 for this wickedly good piece.
Jordan Chiles and Ezra Sosa – Freestyle
Jordan and Ezra’s Freestyle was epic! Jordan showed off her powerful, strong, yet fun-loving side in a hip-hop routine to Motivation by Normani [Kordei]. Plus, Normani, who competed on DWTS in Season 24, joined Jordan in the performance.
Ezra and Jordan’s dance was energetic and entertaining. Plus, Jordan added plenty of gymnastic tricks and hit the hip-hop moves hard. In addition, we saw a sexier side of Jordan. I loved this performance.
While Bruno called it an “incredible showstopper,” Carrie Ann had even higher praise. “That is the best Freestyle I have ever seen in 20 seasons, hands down,” she stated. Naturally, Jordan nailed a perfect score.
Andy Richter and Emma Slater – Jazz
Comedian Andy Richter emerged as a fan favorite this season. What he lacked in technique, he made up for by turning in entertaining routines. His Wicked Night jazz number with his partner Emma Slater stole the show. The duo danced to One Short Day, and it was a treat. I felt like I was watching a Broadway-style performance with the background dancers and set.
The routine itself was fun and effervescent, and Andy was charming and just radiated joy. The judges praised Andy for not missing a step. For someone with no dance experience, Andy captured what the spirit of DWTS is all about.
Robert Irwin and Witney Carson – Foxtrot
Robert and Witney danced a beautifully elegant foxtrot, inspired by his sister, Bindi Irwin’s, freestyle. The dance was a tribute to their late father, famous conservationist Steve Irwin. Witney and Robert seemed to float across the floor, and the emotion was palpable.
At the end of the routine, Bindi came out and embraced Robert, while family videos of their father were projected onto the ballroom floor. And Carrie Ann, who is a stickler for calling out lifts, chose to ignore Witney’s foot coming off the floor. “This dance was so powerful, so profound,” Carrie Ann stated. “Who cares about lifts?” This performance earned Robert the first perfect score of Season 34.
Jordan Chiles and Ezra Sosa – Jazz
Olympic gymnast Jordan wowed the ballroom with her Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Night jazz routine. She danced a fierce, powerful, and sexy routine with Ezra to Ike and Tina Turner’s hit River Deep – Mountain High. For the performance, Jordan transformed herself into Tina Turner, from the wig to the dress. And her moves were stellar.
In this dance, Jordan showed her playful and sassy personality and even shook her booty while standing on the judges’ desk. “I’m giving you a 55,” guest judge Flavor Flav stated, and he held up two 5 paddles to signal a perfect 10. This performance showed Jordan letting loose, without losing control during the dance. I loved seeing this side of her.
Dylan Efron and Daniella Karagach – Instant Foxtrot
Initially, Dylan and Daniella were not happy when Dylan selected the envelope listing the foxtrot as their finale Instant Dance. However, their performance, set to Alex Warren’s Ordinary, was magical. It was sensual, sexy, and elegant. I could not believe that the duo heard their music and found out their dance style just five minutes before their performance.
I felt like I was watching two pros dancing during the intimate and elegant performance. Plus, Dylan’s frame was amazing. “That for me was one of the best foxtrots from a man – ever,” Derek stated. WOW. Then Bruno added, “Len [Goodman] would adore it, by the way.” The duo earned a perfect score for their Instant Dance. May this challenge continue in future seasons.
Alix Earle and Val Chmerkovskiy – Freestyle
For her finale Freestyle, Alix decided to channel her inner confidence in her routine. She explained how she gained confidence while competing on DWTS. And she danced full out for this performance.
Alix and her partner, Val, danced a powerful and sexy Paso Doble and Argentine Tango mix to Maneater by Nelly Furtado and Sports Car by Tate McRae. Alix’s technique and performance level were top-notch. I thoroughly enjoyed how the newly confident and passionate Alix burned up the floor. “Alix, you are an absolute superstar,” Derek told her, while Bruno called her “a she-wolf.” The duo earned their third perfect score of the finale, landing them at the top of the leaderboard.
It seems that Season 34 was like a reset for the beloved series, and these dances proved that DWTS is still a buzz-worthy show.
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TELL US – WHAT IS THE BEST DANCE FROM DWTS SEASON 34?
