Dancing is a powerful way to express deep emotions when words are simply not enough. The combination of music and motion is a potent force. This has been proven on the hit ABC show Dancing With the Stars time and time again.
The 10 dances on this list will make you feel all the feelings. Make sure to watch them with a tissue or two. You are going to need one when these celebrities bare their souls on the dance floor.
Charli D'Amelio & Mark Ballas’ Contemporary
Charli D'Amelio is a TikTok star who got real about her struggle with anxiety on the show. She competed in season 31 and took home the mirroball trophy, winning it all. She and her professional dancer partner, Mark Ballas, explored mental health in a moving performance to Lewis Capaldi's song "When the Party's Over." They were rewarded with a near-perfect score for their efforts.
J.R Martinez & Karina Smirnoff’s Rumba
J.R Martinez is an actor and former US Army soldier who competed in season 13. While serving in the Middle East, a Humvee he was driving hit an IED. As a result, he suffered burns on over 34% of his body. He survived this horrible attack, but he and partner Karina Smirnoff explored the possibility of another outcome in their rumba set to Tim McGraw's "If You're Reading This." This song talks about all the military spouses whose partners don't come home.
More from CafeMom: Julianne Hough Asks for Prayers as Brother Derek's Wife Undergoes Emergency Craniectomy
Selma Blair & Sasha Farber’s Viennese Waltz
American actress Selma Blair competed in season 31 of the series. She wanted to prove to herself that her disability did not define her. In 2018, this courageous lady was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. With this beautiful Viennese Waltz with partner Sasha Farber, Selma got her wish. There was not a dry eye in the studio or with whoever watched it around the world.
Bindi Irwin & Derek Hough’s Freestyle
Bindi Irwin has a lovely lineage. She's the daughter of the late Steve Irwin, who died when she was just 8 years old. Bindi honored his memory in season 21. She and partner Derek Hough danced an emotional freestyle to "Footprints in the Sand" by Leona Lewis, which essentially cemented her big win. Steve was certainly looking down with pride as she took home the beloved mirrorball trophy.
Lindsey Stirling & Mark Ballas’s Viennese Waltz
Lindsey Stirling is no stranger to the stage as an American violinist and dancer. She brought her unique flair to the ballroom floor of season 25. In 2017 she lost her dad to cancer. She honored his memory with a Viennese Waltz set to "Anchor" by Mindy Gledhill. Her partner, Mark Ballas, even wore her dad's hat for the special occasion.
Simone Biles & Sasha Farber’s Viennese Waltz
The GOAT of gymnastics was adopted when she was 5 years old. She calls her biological grandpa "Dad" and his wife "Mom." She is so grateful for all the sacrifices they have made for her. She honored them with a Viennese Waltz in season 24 choreographed by partner Sasha Farber. She gave her parents a big hug after she was done on the dance floor.
James Hinchcliffe & Sharna Burgess’ Argentine Tango
James Hinchcliffe is a Canadian race car driver. In 2015, he got into a near-fatal accident while training for the Indianapolis 500. He used this as inspiration for his Argentine tango in season 23 set to “Santa Maria” by Gotan Project. It was also special because he and partner Sharna Burgess reunited this week after she had been out recovering from an injury.
Laurie Hernandez & Valentin Chmerkovskiy’s Foxtrot
This dance by American gymnastic great Laurie Hernandez and partner Valentin Chmerkovskiy got a perfect score. It was a tribute to Laurie's grandmother, who died a couple of days before the performance. It was raw, emotional, and brave of Laurie to explore her grief so publicly. The foxtrot was set to "Hollow" by Tori Kelly.
Amanda Kloots & Alan Bersten’s Contemporary
Amanda Kloots is a multihyphenate as a Broadway star, television host, and author. Her late-husband, Nick Cordero, was a beloved Broadway actor who died in 2020 from complications of COVID-19. She paid tribute to him with a moving contemporary number choreographed by partner Alan Bersten and set to Nick's own song “Live Your Life.” The duo received a perfect score for their efforts.
Jimmie Allen & Emma Slater’s Contemporary
This contemporary dance performed by Jimmie Allen & Emma Slater was inspired by the film A Quiet Place. It explores themes of family and sacrifice. Jimmie is an American country music star who competed in season 30. This dance got a score of 38, so close to perfect.
