Time to bring the tissues, as it is “Dedication Week” on Dancing With the Stars! This allows the show’s competitors to dance as a tribute to someone special in their lives. The emotions run deep within the choreography, and when the recipients joined in on the dance, there was nothing but tears. We also have a guest judge: two-time Mirrorball champ Kym Johnson. So, let’s get into the dances on this elimination-free night! That’s right, everyone is safe this week!
Jen Affleck and Jan Ravnik
Jen Affleck dedicated her dance with her partner, Jan Ravnik, to her mother, Maria. It was a Viennese Waltz to “Rescue” by Lauren Daigle. In scenes preparing and discussing the dance, Affleck opened up about how her mother “juggled work and motherhood.” There were beautiful dips and some rushed moments. Johnson said she would like to see Affleck “more grounded to the floor.” Bruno Toniloi said she was “getting better,” but to “continue the flow.” Carrie Ann Inaba said it was her “most passionate dance.” Derek Hough said that it was “graceful and beautiful.” It was truly a dedication to all mothers. They scored a 29 out of 40
Jordan Chiles and Ezra Sosa
Jordan Chiles dedicated her dance with her partner, Ezra Sosa, to her father, Timothy. It was also a Viennese Waltz to “Daughters” by John Mayer. We have to give some props to Chiles’ father, as he was on the floor with her for almost the entire dance. The choreography was beautiful and poignant. Inaba said that she was “blossoming into something spectacular.” Hough said that it made him “excited to have that moment with his own child,” and “there was a care to it.” Johnson said she was a “beautiful dancer” and had the “determination to make it to the end.” Tonioli said he was proud of her. They scored a 32 out of 40.
Alix Earle and Val Chmerkovskiy
Alix Earle dedicated her dance to her sister Izabel with her partner Val Chmerkovskiy. It was a contemporary dance to the song “Sparks” by Coldplay. There were beautiful arms and a depth to her movements, though her face couldn’t seem to choose which emotion to convey. Tonioli said that “talent and love run in the family,” and they “made it look easy.” Inaba gave the note to “watch your arms when you turn,” and also said it was “amazing.” Hough said her “movement was mature.” Johnson said there was a “different kind of freedom,” and that she saw a “new inner self-confidence.” They scored a 35 out of 40.
Dylan Efron and Daniella Karagach
Dylan Efron dedicated his dance with partner, Daniella Karagach to his sister, Olivia. He also gave a nod to his brother Zac Efron by doing a contemporary dance to his song, “Rewrite the Stars” by Zac Efron and Zendaya. His sister was absolutely adorable in her small parts of the dance. Efron was locked in an entirely new way. Tonioli said he was the “next greatest showman,” as a nod to the film Efron’s brother was in. He also said he gets “better every week.” Inaba said she “felt the story to the bottom of her soul” and that he “did a great job with the choreography.” Hough said in a joyous tone that “my guy is a dancer.” Johnson said you are becoming such a great dancer to Efron. They scored a 36 out of 40.
Danielle Fishel and Pasha Pashkov
Danielle Fishel threw us back in time with her dedication to William Daniels, aka Mr. Feeny on Boy Meets World. With her partner Pasha Pashkov, they did the Jive to “Boy Meets World” by Twenty Cent Crush (feat. Phil Rosenthal). The Jive seemed repetitive to what we have seen from Fishel before, and left us wanting new and more. Johnson said there was “so much jive content” and that she “did it effortlessly,” but wants “more attack.” Tonioli said she is a “great performer,” but the “retraction needs to be sharper.” Inaba said it was so “nostalgic,” but it “seems like I’m watching the same dance over and over again.” Hough said it was “lively and lovable.” They scored a 29 out of 40.
Elaine Hendrix and Alan Bersten
Elaine Hendrix dedicated her dance to her previous co-star on The Parent Trap and current star of Abbott Elementary, Lisa Ann Walter. With her partner Alan Bersten, they did the foxtrot to “This Will Be (An Everlasting Love)” by Natalie Cole. It was a repeatable watch with its smooth and flowing steps. Inaba said it was a “perfect showcase for both actresses.” Hough said it was “an absolute joy to watch” and to “watch the shoulders.” Johnson said there was “lovely movement on the floor.” Tonioli said they looked to be having a “really good time.” They scored a 30 out of 40.
Scott Hoying and Rylee Arnold
Scott Hoying dedicated his dance to his husband, Mark Hoying, with his partner Rylee Arnold. They also did a foxtrot to “Parallel” by Hoying himself. Hoying sang a bit in the beginning and then switched to just dancing. We also learned on the show that Hoying and his husband are going to be dads! So, we send them a big congrats! Hough said it was “beautiful,” and “he saw the commitment.” Johnson said the “frame was great,” but “wanted to have a little more drive action.” Tonioli said it was a “true love foxtrot” and that Hoying’s lines are “getting better.” Inaba said it felt “disjointed” and to “watch Arnold more.” They scored a 30 out of 40.
Robert Irwin and Witney Carson
This one was a personal favorite of ours and was a true tear-jerker. It was Robert Irwin’s contemporary dance with his partner Witney Carson. Which was dedicated to his mother, Terri Irwin, and was to “You’ll Be In My Heart” by Phil Collins. It truly was a dedication to those single mothers out there and those who deal with the grief of losing their partner. Tonioli said it was “the true expression of everlasting love.” Inaba said it was “honest, open, and beautiful.” Hough said that he was “so proud” and that “the world needs the Irwin family.” Johnson sadly ran out of time before she could say anything due to everyone’s emotional state after the dance. They scored a 35 out of 40.
Whitney Leavitt and Mark Ballas
Whitney Leavitt dedicated her dance to her husband, Conner, with her partner Mark Ballas. They performed a contemporary dance to “Heal” by Jamal Roberts. Maybe it’s because her husband was performing with her, but it didn’t seem that Leavitt danced to her full potential, though the judges seem to disagree. Hough said it was “so beautiful to share that moment with her husband,” and “well done to both of you.” Johnson said that she has “loved you (Leavitt) every week.” Tonioli said that he was “literally breathless,” and it was a very “ambitious routine.” Inaba said, “You brought me to a place of emotions,” that it was a “wonderful choreography,” but it was “out of sync.” They scored a 33 out of 40.
Andy Richter and Emma Slater
Finally, Andy Richter dedicated his dance to his daughter, Cornelia, with his partner Emma Slater. They danced the salsa to “Jump in the Line” by Harry Belafonte. Richter has shown progress and was a very strong dancer in the beginning. His daughter was the most adorable and memorable part. Johnson said, “You connect with people,” and “America loves you.” Tonioli said, “There were plenty of steps, not always on time but always entertaining.” Inaba said she “saw improvement,” but it was a “little off.” Hough said it was “positively playful.”
What’s Coming?
As we said, there was no elimination, so your favorite is safe this week. But you never know with next week, as it’s Wicked Night! As a guest judge is the director of the movie himself, Jon M. Chu. So come back for the recap and see how it went!
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