Season 33 of Dancing with the Stars was fantastic. Viewers were treated to exciting routines, and at least one showmance/romance. This season also amped up the pressure by bringing back the Dance Offs and the Instant Dances. In the Dance Offs, two couples danced side by side in the same style, hoping to win extra points from the judges.
In the Instant Dance, the duos learned their dance style and song a mere five minutes before hitting the ballroom. Yikes! Plus, former DWTS pro Mark Ballas returned to the ballroom as a guest judge. While the show had its usual fan-favorite Halloween and Disney weeks, it added Soul Train Night, Hair Metal Night, and Dedications Night. Plus, the show celebrated its 500th episode, and former DWTS pro Sharna Burgess danced in the opening number.
In the end, Joey Graziadei and Jenna Johnson took home the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy, with Ilona Maher and Alan Bersten coming in second. Let’s take a look back at DWTS Season 33’s most memorable dances.
Chandler Kinney and Brandon Armstrong – Argentine Tango
For DWTS 500th episode, actress Chandler Kinney and Brandon Armstrong re-imagined an Argentine Tango choreographed by judge Derek Hough and danced with his Season 16 partner, Kellie Pickler. The moody updated dance smoldered with sensuality, and Chandler’s leg movement and musicality were top-notch. All season, Chandler took all the judges’ comments and notes seriously.
When it was time for the judge’s scores, Derek reminded the couple that “redoing” a dance is difficult. “I have to say though for me, I preferred this one. Even over mine,” Derek said. Then judge Bruno Tonioli compared Chandler to the legendary Cyd Charisse. High praise indeed. It’s no wonder that this dance received the first perfect score of the season.
Joey Graziadei and Jenna Johnson – Foxtrot
Joey and Jenna danced a gorgeous Foxtrot during the Semi-Finals. The song choice, I Won’t Dance by Erin Boheme featuring District 78, was perfect. Joey was light on his feet, gave us old Hollywood leading-man energy, and kept up perfectly with Jenna. Their connection was strong and Joey’s personality was really the bow on this incredible performance.
Derek told the couple, “Fred Astaire is high-fiving you right now. That was one of the best, if not the best, Foxtrot I’ve ever seen from a male celebrity – ever.” The dancing duo grabbed a perfect score for this routine, which just showed off how beautiful and entertaining ballroom dance can be.
Stephen Nedoroscik and Rylee Arnold – Redemption Quickstep
For their Redemption Dance, Olympian Stephen Nedoroscik and Rylee Arnold took on a Quickstep. Bruno challenged Stephen to work on his musicality, and he slayed it.
The couple’s Quickstep to I’ll Be There for You by The Rembrandts featured incredible timing. “Stephen, all I could think of while I was watching that dance is that Len Goodman … would have been smiling from ear to ear with that dance,” judge Carrie Ann Inaba said. The routine was bright, energetic, and had great content.
Musicality wasn’t Stephen’s strong suit, but Superman nailed it in this piece. And he dances with such infectious enthusiasm that it is impossible not to smile.
Ilona Maher and Alan Bernstein – Freestyle
This was by far the best Freestyle of the night. Ilona gave a tour-de-force performance. At the beginning of the routine, she gave a hilarious narration, knocking her partner Alan’s height.
The duo danced to Femininomenon by District 78 featuring Mona Rue. Ilona was confident, sexy, and sassy. During the middle section, she and Alan performed some ballroom before breaking back into the Latin style.
Then pro Ezra Sosa slid over on the floor, holding up a 10-paddle. I loved how at the end, Ilona pushed Alan away and grabbed a glittering rugby ball. Both Ilona and Alan were having a blast during this routine, and so did the entire ballroom.
Joey Graziadei and Jenna Johnson – Samba
During Disney Week, Joey and Jenna performed a fresh and inventive Samba. The couple danced to Trashin’ the Camp from Tarzan. And once again, Joey was shirtless, letting his abs free.
While this dance may not have had high scores, it was memorable for the performance quality. Joey acted the part perfectly, and his expressions really sold it. Once again, this duo had a great and flirty connection in this piece. When Jenna slinked down on the ground, Joey played the drums on her booty. Then she arched her back and crawled backward. Don’t try this at home! Anyway, the move was spectacular and it went viral.
Danny Amendola and Witney Carson – Freestyle
NFL legend Danny Amendola and his partner, Witney Carson, took a gamble on their Barbie-themed Freestyle. It was a full-scale production. I mean, Danny sported a bleach-blonde wig and was shirtless with a hot pink jacket and pants. He was totally committed to the role of Ken and flexed his acting muscles.
“You have been one of the biggest surprises of this entire season,” Derek told Danny. “That was one of the most entertaining things I’ve ever seen on this show.” It was fun, and a total curveball. I thought Danny would serve up something football-themed. But I love how he took the more difficult (and unexpected) route.
Stephen Nedoroscik and Rylee Arnold – Contemporary
During Halloween Nightmares Week, Stephen channeled a nightmare character stalking Rylee. The routine, set to I Ran (So Far Away) by Hidden Citizens, was creepy and disturbing. I mean, Stephen looked the part of an evil creature, chasing Rylee in the darkness.
Of course, the couple capitalized on Stephen’s gymnastic abilities, and it fit seamlessly into this routine. The way that he was able to dive over Riley and then tumble was incredible, as was the way he walked on his hands.
Plus, Stephen embodied the menacing character of the dance. In the end, he captured Rylee and dragged her away. This was a spine-chilling dance that I won’t soon forget.
Derek and Hayley Erbert Hough – Contemporary
This dance marked Derek’s wife, Hayley Erbert Hough’s return to the DWTS ballroom. Last December, Hayley endured a life-threatening emergency. She suffered a severe brain bleed and underwent emergency brain surgery.
After nothing short of a miraculous recovery, she was able to dance again with her husband. This gorgeous, elegant, intimate performance was danced to Benson Boone’s song Beautiful Things (Acoustic).
It perfectly conveyed their fear at the darkest moments of Hayley’s illness, and their gratitude and love for one another. Seeing Hayley and Derek dance such an emotional routine made me cry. I know this is one performance I will always remember.
Chandler Kinney and Brandon Armstrong – Cha-Cha
During Soul Train week, Chandler and Brandon performed a hip-hop-infused Cha-Cha to It’s Tricky by Run-DMC. This was only the third week of competition, but you can see Chandler’s confidence on the floor. She really shines and you can see her playful personality. This routine was sexy, funky, and fresh.
Plus, Chandler and Brandon nailed the whole hip-hop vibe. However, Chandler’s musicality is one of her gifts, along with good technique and performance ability. I guess being an actress helps with that piece of the dance.
“Style, content, technique. Spot on. And huge, huge star quality,” Bruno stated. “We have another Zendaya [Coleman] there.” As you may recall, Zendaya was extremely talented and competed during Season 16 of DWTS.
Danny Amendola and Witney Carson – Contemporary
Danny and Witney’s Contemporary during Dedications Night took my breath away. Danny dedicated the dance to his coach who had passed away. The dance, set to Unsteady (Erich Lee Gravity Remix) by X Ambassadors, was graceful, lyrical, and emotional. For the first time, DWTS fans saw Danny channel his grief into the dance. And that leg pull? It went viral.
However, it was Danny’s connection with Witney that put this routine over the top. This dance put the couple at the top of the leaderboard, tied for first place. I think this is one of the performances that I’ll always remember from Season 33 of DWTS. Just an honest and poignant moment shared through dance.
Ilona Maher and Alan Bersten – Viennese Waltz
Oh, this Viennese Waltz from the Semi-Finals puts me in my feels. This routine, danced to JVKE’s song, golden hour, is stunning.
Ilona often struggled with feeling feminine. However, in this dance, she is that and so much more. Alan and Ilona’s routine is tender, soft, elegant, and gentle. What I loved most was seeing the joy on Ilona’s face as she danced with Alan.
“You were radiant tonight in that dance,” Bruno stated. “The flow, the musicality, the softness, and what you showed … you showed vulnerability.”
For all those reasons and more, this is one of the most memorable dances of DWTS Season 33.
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TELL US – WHICH DANCE DO YOU THINK IS THE MOST MEMORABLE FROM DANCING WITH THE STARS SEASON 33?