Imagine spilling your emotions across the glittering dance floor in honor of the person who truly molded your world – that's the raw, heartfelt essence of Dedication Night on Dancing With the Stars! This episode isn't just about fancy footwork; it's a deeply personal tribute that pulls at the heartstrings, reminding us all how dance can express gratitude and love in the most moving ways. But here's where it gets personal and maybe a tad controversial: while stars get the spotlight to honor their own heroes, what if the professional dancers behind the magic got a turn to choreograph their very own dedications? Would it change the show's dynamic, or is it fair that the celebs always take center stage? Let's dive in and explore, as we spotlight five talented pros who are the unsung heroes of the ballroom, sharing their dream tributes, cherished memories from season 34, and the upcoming themes they're buzzing about. And this is the part most people miss – these dancers don't just teach steps; they pour their souls into building confidence and stories, making the show a platform for real human connections.
Every Tuesday, the Dancing With the Stars ballroom transforms into an emotional arena where celebrities honor influential figures in their lives through custom routines. Sure, the show's main draw is its celebrity lineup, but let's not forget the pros who work tirelessly – think endless rehearsals, mastering diverse styles like salsa or foxtrot, and providing unwavering support to help stars shine under pressure. Dedication Night kicks off midway through season 34, and with ratings still soaring, it's clear fans are hooked. To flip the script, The Hollywood Reporter chatted with several pros about their hypothetical dedications, favorite highlights so far, and the episodes they're most eager for. Spoiler alert: their choices reveal layers of inspiration and resilience that might just inspire you to think about your own personal tributes.
Alan Bersten steps up first. If he could design his own Dedication Night number, he'd dedicate it to his brother, who has been a lifelong role model and even taught him to dance as a kid. For the soundtrack, he's torn – he hasn't picked a song yet, but the real thrill would be sharing the floor with his sibling. His top moment this season? Disney Night, where Elaine Hendrix nailed a quickstep with such passion that it boosted his pride and motivation. Looking ahead, he's pumped for Wicked Night, but even more so for the show's 20th anniversary bash – a chance to celebrate this iconic series that deserves all the applause.
Next, Witney Carson opens up with a dedication to her husband, the steady foundation of her family, her closest confidant, and the one who enables her to dazzle the world with her gifts. She'd choose 'Thank You' by Ethan Hodges for its melody, evoking their wedding day – a joyous milestone that launched their shared future and family dreams. Her standout memory? The explosive premiere dance with Robert Irwin, heightened by the buzz from his sister Bindi's past victory, setting the tone for their adventure. As for upcoming fun, Halloween tops her list – she adores crafting eerie, character-driven routines that bring thrills and entertainment to the night.
Daniella Karagach pays homage to her mother, who single-handedly nurtured her aspirations and cheered every milestone in her dance career. She'd select 'I Hope You Dance' as the song, a true anthem from mom to her. Her favorite season highlight? Witnessing Dylan Efron's growing performer confidence, a testament to how the show can transform newcomers. Excitingly, if they make it that far, she's eyeing the freestyle episode for its boundless creativity.
Jan Ravnik, a fresh face on the show, finds it hard to pinpoint a single favorite moment because everything feels novel and exhilarating as he learns the ropes each day – a reminder of how the series keeps surprising even its veterans. He's thrilled about the finale's freestyle round, where he and Jen Affleck are brainstorming wild ideas, blending styles without limits. But Halloween also intrigues him, thanks to the song and dance style they're planning.
Finally, Ezra Sosa dedicates his routine to his mother, the family's unwavering anchor who held them together through thick and thin, turning chaos into stability with her sheer strength and affection. He'd opt for 'For All We Know' by Roberta Flack and Donny Hathaway, a shared favorite that sparked his promise to create a stunning tribute for her. His most profound moment? Crafting Dedication Night with Jordan Chiles and her dad, which forged a genuine emotional bond – not just portraying a father-daughter dynamic, but experiencing a real-life story that touched on his own absent father figure, aiding his personal healing. It highlights how dance can celebrate missing connections and the power of familial love. Shifting gears, he was initially geared up for Halloween, but now Wicked Night takes the cake with its Wicked fandom, challenging song, and style. Oh, and don't forget the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame night – it's bound to be memorable.
There you have it – a peek into the personal worlds of these pros, where dance transcends entertainment to become therapy and celebration. But here's the controversy that might divide fans: should the show ever let pros take the Dedication Night spotlight from celebs, or does the celebrity focus keep the magic alive? Is it more impactful when stars honor their own influencers, or could pros' stories add even deeper layers? Do their family dedications make you reflect on your own? We'd love to hear – agree or disagree in the comments below! For more THR updates, sign up for our newsletters.
