Boldly stepping into the spotlight, Whitney Leavitt dazzled audiences with a Foxtrot performance to the iconic tune "The Room Where It Happens" from the hit Broadway musical Hamilton on Dancing with the Stars’ special Disney-themed night. But here’s where it gets controversial: the show, known for its classic ballroom styles, mixed traditional dance with modern Broadway flair, sparking debate among fans about the boundaries of dance genres.
On Tuesday, October 7, Dancing with the Stars celebrated Disney Night, an enchanting evening where every performance drew inspiration from Disney movies and theme park attractions. Whitney Leavitt teamed up with professional dancer Mark Ballas, both dressed in costumes that paid homage to Hamilton’s Broadway style, creating a visually striking and memorable dance. Their stunning routine earned the highest score of the night, showcasing not only their skill but also the creative risks the show is taking.
The episode opened with a lively group number, featuring the fan-favorite "Be Our Guest" from Beauty and the Beast, choreographed by the talented Mandy Moore. Adding to the excitement, Danny Gardner, who plays Lumiere in the national tour of Beauty and the Beast, made a guest appearance, bridging the magic of the stage with the televised competition.
Here’s a rundown of all the couples, their dance styles, and the Disney-themed songs that set the tone for their routines:
- Jen Affleck and Jan Ravnik took on a Jazz dance to "Friend Like Me" from Aladdin, bringing a playful and energetic vibe.
- Author and wellness influencer Hilaria Baldwin, paired with Gleb Savchenko, performed a Quickstep to the iconic "Cantina Band" from Star Wars: A New Hope, merging sci-fi with ballroom elegance.
- Olympic gold medalist Jordan Chiles and Ezra Sosa delivered a Quickstep to "Special Spice," inspired by the thrilling Tiana’s Bayou Adventure ride.
- Social media star Alix Earle danced a Viennese Waltz to the hauntingly beautiful "Once Upon a Dream" from Maleficent.
- Reality TV personality Dylan Efron and Daniella Karagach performed a Quickstep to "Life Is a Highway" from Cars, adding a fun, upbeat energy.
- Danielle Fishel, known from Boy Meets World, and Pasha Pashkov charmed the audience with a Quickstep to "I Wan’na Be Like You (The Monkey Song)" from The Jungle Book.
- Film and television actress Elaine Hendrix, alongside Alan Bersten, moved gracefully in a Quickstep to "Space Mountain," a nod to the famed roller coaster.
- GRAMMY® winner Scott Hoying from Pentatonix brought fiery flair with a Salsa to "Bop to the Top" from High School Musical.
- Wildlife conservationist Robert Irwin teamed with Witney Carson for a Cha Cha to "Try Everything" from Zootopia, blending rhythm and message.
- Whitney Leavitt and Mark Ballas’ Foxtrot to the Hamilton number stood out as a highlight.
- Comedian Andy Richter and Emma Slater concluded with a Viennese Waltz to "Le Festin" from Ratatouille, infusing elegance and charm.
After each episode airs, fans can dive deeper with the "Dancing with the Stars’ Official Podcast," hosted by Season 33 champion Joey Graziadei. The podcast offers exclusive interviews, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and expert analyses, providing a richer understanding of the dances. It airs Thursdays on Disney+ and Hulu.
Dancing with the Stars, hosted by Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough, pairs celebrities with professional ballroom dancers in a thrilling competition. Their performances are evaluated by a panel of ballroom veterans, including Carrie Ann Inaba, Bruno Tonioli, and Derek Hough. But here’s the part most people miss: the show’s willingness to blend popular culture and themed nights has sparked both praise and criticism. Does this broad approach enhance or dilute the essence of traditional ballroom dancing? What do you think—does integrating Broadway tunes like Hamilton into ballroom dance routines elevate the art form, or does it risk alienating purists? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
