Dancing with the Stars is finally back with Season 35. With 16 celebrities and pros, this season is tied with the show’s largest cast yet. It also welcomes two new pros and a returning pro back to the ballroom. There’s a lot to look forward to this season. There is the podcast with Andy Richter, the after show with Robert Irwin, and so much more. We’ll be breaking down every episode — what we loved and what we (maybe) didn’t — all season long.
Next up: Dancing with the Stars Season 35, Episode 9, “Horror Movie Night!”
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Overall Thoughts?
Shelby: The Disney Broadway opening got me so ridiculously excited for Disney Night. The reveal of Jan as PT Barnum in that The Greatest Showman ending was everything. Also, I’m so glad Emma Slater got to be a part of that number — I know how much she loves that musical. I was so excited by that and then the reveal of Julianne Hough in a Cruella look that I momentarily forgot that THE Cynthia Erivo was the guest judge this week. I audibly gasped when she walked out.
I genuinely think she should be the permanent fourth judge. She has thoughtful compliments and critiques, and I’m obsessed with her and Bruno’s dynamic. I also love how excited people were to get feedback and scores from Cynthia Erivo. That’s so deeply relatable. If not a permanent judge, then she should come back for every Disney night. I’m begging! But if it’s just for tonight, I’m glad there’s another November with Cynthia Erivo!
But where was the trip to Disney World? We got a few more post-show confessionals (from last week) in this episode, but we’re still losing the ancient texts!
Shana: Basically my brain, watching the opening number: “Hm. These animal set pieces are something. Ok, getting better. Mmhm. Fun, fun. Was that…WAS THAT NEWSIES?!!!” And then, they got to The Greatest Showman and made me jealous because the choreo I once learned to the movie soundtrack version (after driving six hours, no less) was, uh, fast. But anyway. Nobody cares about the trauma from that last one, so what I’ll say about Disney Night is that these songs are great for dance. How many kids’ recitals have had a Disney theme? Probably too many to count. There are even albums full of instrumental versions for ballet class, floating around out in the universe! So, whenever they do this theme night, it works.
After Cynthia Erivo was announced as a guest judge, that made me come into this episode with huge expectations. Well, she both met and exceeded them—no surprise there. Case in point: I loved the way Derek explained his correction for Tatyana Ali, but Erivo explained it even better and in more relatable terms. Together, those two were perfect. The same goes for how wildly entertaining she and Bruno were, especially after Ezra and Daniella’s samba. I mean, Bruno’s usually entertaining all on his own! And yet. I agree with Shelby that Erivo should be a permanent judge, but—let’s be real—she’s probably way too booked and busy. (As she deserves.) Any time she wants to come back, though, I’m going to need that to happen.
With this also being the week for team dances, I have to give a shoutout to Team Slaytopia for a number of reasons. First of all, their looks—I want one. Where can I pick up my hot pink and black leopard print top and sparkly pants??? Also, that seriously might be the most fun I’ve seen Tatyana Ali have all season. Or maybe she was the most relaxed? I don’t know. It was something! She really came out of her shell and stood out in the best way possible.
Was it the style, getting to dance with her TV big brother again, or the overall energy of what was basically a group full of all the coolest stars? A combination of the above? Something else? Whatever it was, I saw her, and I found myself getting weirdly emotional over something that wasn’t really supposed to be the big, emotional pull of the night at all. But she didn’t outshine anyone because everyone totally slayed. Fitting, considering the team name.
I also had a total blast watching Team Wildcats! Not only was everyone ridiculously good in their highlight moments, but the overall group felt like they’d been dancing together forever. More importantly, it’s a revelation to see a team collaborating on a dance like this, to have everyone wanting to do their best so they can stay in this competition, and still know that they adapted the choreography for Ezra Frech. Dance is for everyone, and there’s no reason why making it accessible in exactly the way Daniella Karagach has all season, and the way even Ezra’s competitors did tonight, is the exception instead of the rule. Or, well. There’s a reason. It’s just not a good one, and it’s not one that reflects well on the community either. Do better, people. Be like Team Wildcats.
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Best Moment(s) from Favorite Partnership(s)?
Shelby: Cynthia is so right that there couldn’t have been a more joyful dance to kick off the night. I sound like a total broken record, but I genuinely love how Pasha compliments Amber’s power in dance and story. The choice to have Amber lead, which she did effortlessly, during the Quickstep, is a shining example. Even in the skybox, Pasha points the finger at Amber for being the best Hercules.
I would’ve never thought of setting “Satisfied” to a Paso Doble, but Ezra Sosa proved me wrong — or just proved to me that I should never doubt the pros on this show. I thought this dance was powerful and wonderful, and Julia did such a brilliant job of using her pain — because, remember, she’s dancing through an injury — to tell a story on that ballroom floor. As a Julia Stiles fan, I am so, so proud of her, and I’m glad that her and Ezra have such a supportive dynamic that carries them through setbacks and gets them to a place with a dance like this.
Connor Wood making Rylee cry because he’s complimenting her talent as a pro is everything to me. Their chemistry is why I enjoy watching them dance every week. Then they called Milo Manheim, who should have won his season and I’ll never stop saying it, for some advice — one Flynn Rider to another. And the production design of their number took my breath away. Starting in the canoe and Heather Headley singing “I See the Light?” Rylee looking like a literal Disney princess? And I’m not supposed to be locked in?!
Shana: Kind of obsessed with Amber Glenn getting to lead her quickstep. I also loved that, even though she made a mistake, she still beamed her way through that performance. It can be so easy to just give up or let the nerves creep in after something like that, and I’m thrilled that she just kept killing it and loving every minute instead.
Then, Harry and Jenna teaching that little girl some ballroom moves might or might not have melted my cold, dead heart.
Can we talk about Daniella bopping Ezra on the nose, right on the beat? I feel like we should talk about that because otherwise, I’m sorry to that man, but all I saw in that samba was her. Because, I mean, she’s Daniella Karagach.
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Favorite Dance(s) and Why?
Shelby: I have been waiting for Tatyana and Jan to do a contemporary. And to have them do one with Heather Headley performing music from Aida? I had chills too, Carrie Ann. It was such a beautiful dance, and I felt the story through Tatyana’s strong performance. Everyone having the same critique for her is such a sign that they know she’s capable of getting even better than she already is. It’s wonderful to hear Tatyana say that about herself — that Jan is helping her realize that she can do things she never thought possible. I’m so ridiculously glad that she got her first 9 of the season!
I wrote about it two weeks ago — Harry Shum Jr. has clicked into this competition. This jazz is further proof of that. It felt like an homage that was joyful and just excited about the dance and movement. Julianne asked Harry if he feels “in his body,” and I think that’s so fair to ask because he looks like he is. He looks like he’s enjoying this more and more, but he’s also excelling at the technique in ways that he struggled with at the start. That’s the growth!
DANIELLA KARAGACH. The choreographer that you are! The story of these two circling back to Samba and succeeding is beautiful on its own. But Daniella packed that dance with content and they didn’t miss a step — even when Daniella’s dance got caught in Ezra’s prosthetic. It was just impressive to watch them making the “impossible” possible and get that 10 from Derek.
Jenna Dewan was floating on air in that Quickstep with Val to “Be Our Guest.” She was effortless in the choreography, and it moved across the entire floor. I also loved how theatrical the performances were — the character work was fantastic. It totally deserved that perfect score. I loved the cut to Steve Kazee, Jenna’s partner, taking that score in after helping them during rehearsals.
Shana: Harry and Jenna’s jazz was just pure, classic, iconic Broadway-style jazz!!!!!! Often, I’ll groan whenever I see a bunch of background dancers and production…stuff because Dancing with the Stars can sometimes go overboard, especially as a “clever” (LOL no) distraction method to cover up a weak contestant. Well. This was so much the opposite of that, I don’t even have words.
I have no idea how Julia Stiles was able to hold herself upright, much less do any of that paso doble. I once had a rib injury and felt like I was dying from just trying to sit up, even after taking the strongest painkillers I had on hand. So, I can confirm that rib pain is no joke, and it was super impressive that Julia was able to work through it. On the other hand, it’s also a very “don’t try this at home” thing because “just push through” isn’t necessarily the right advice in most cases. At any rate, Julia’s determination to tell that injury to go F itself and still deliver translated into such a fierce performance level. She should be proud of herself for what she’s done in this competition, tonight included. Based on how things ended, I just really need to say that.
Jenna Dewan and Val’s quickstep was equal parts lovely and goofy fun. I also agree with Cynthia Erivo that we need to call out that gorgeous split jump. Effortless, I think, is a word I think I’ll also have to use for it. But really, the whole performance was great. Kind of like with Harry and Jenna’s jazz number, all the extra production elements actually served to highlight and enhance the greatness that was already there, as opposed to being a distraction.
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Most Unexpected or Underrated Moment(s)?
Shelby: Mark saying, “The pursuit of getting better at this never ends,” is a reminder that I think Maura and literally everyone needs to hear about this show. This journey is not linear. Growth won’t come without mistakes and setbacks. That’s why some of the best stories that come out of this show are the ones that trust the process and want to be better and put in the work to get there.
Was that Aaron Paul in the background of Alfonso’s balcony shot? Dancing with the Stars has become a game of counting how many celebrities you can spot in the background at any moment.
I love the packages for group dances. It’s so fun to watch everyone work together and figure out how to make a dance that works for everyone. I would watch 30 minutes of just these packages. I’m someone who grew up with High School Musical, but I had no choice but to root for the girls and Alfonso. Just such great vibes — I want to see Team Slaytopia every week! However, Connor being all panicked and saying, “We can’t drop Julianne. There’s no show without Julianne,” during Team Wildcats rehearsals made me laugh.
Shana: I’m honestly shocked Maura’s jive was, to use her word for the week, TinkerHell. Maybe it’s unfair, but I just expected better.
Also, this isn’t a dig at Tatyana at all, but hearing about the burns on her feet…like…why. FootUndeez exists. A lot of contemporary solos (and group numbers!) at competitions have kids in dance socks now, too—especially when there are a lot of sliding moves. So, why are we tearing up people’s feet for a single week of dabbling in the style for a TV show???
“Not me. You ain’t judging me, Derek.” We don’t deserve Carlton Banks, but I’m glad we have him here.
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Reaction to Elimination
Shelby: We’re getting to the part of the competition where even good dancers are going to start going home. At some point we have to get to a Final 4/Final 5/however many they decide makes the best TV for a finale. And I’m already always a nervous wreck when I watch these eliminations. I hate it! And I hate that the final 2 were Maura and Julia. I don’t want to lose either of them. I really don’t. I hate this for Julia. I wish she could’ve stayed for even longer. I got emotional hearing her talk about what this experience and this partnership has meant to her. I was also oddly moved by Maura and Mark staying on stage and giving Julia and Ezra their flowers. Gosh, I’m just so sad for her.
Shana: My heart hurts. It’s probably for the best, considering her injury, but I was hoping Julia Stiles would go all the way to the finale. I’m so happy she at least got to give us the Save the Last Dance and 10 Things I Hate About You throwbacks this season before her elimination, but seeing her so crushed broke me a little bit. I also can’t help but wonder how much better these last couple of performances would’ve been without the injury. Ribs are dumb and stupid, and I hate them. How’s that for a reaction?
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