Get ready to shed a tear or two, because 'Dancing With the Stars' is about to pull at your heartstrings like never before! This Tuesday night, the ballroom will transform into a stage of heartfelt tributes as each celebrity dedicates a specially choreographed dance to someone who’s shaped their life. But here’s where it gets even more intriguing: what if the professional dancers, the unsung heroes behind the glitter and glamour, had their own Dedication Night? The Hollywood Reporter sat down with Alan Bersten, Witney Carson, Daniella Karagach, Jan Ravnik, and Ezra Sosa to uncover their most cherished moments from Season 34 and the themed episodes they’re eagerly anticipating. And this is the part most people miss—while the celebrities are in the spotlight, it’s the pros who spend countless hours perfecting every step, teaching, and supporting their partners through this high-stakes journey. Now, let’s dive into their stories, dreams, and the emotional dances they’d create if given the chance.
As we approach the midway point of Season 34, the excitement for Dancing With the Stars shows no signs of slowing down. From Disney Night’s magical performances to the upcoming Wicked Night, this season has been nothing short of spectacular. But what truly makes this show special is the personal touch each dancer brings to their craft. Whether it’s Alan Bersten honoring his brother, who’s been his lifelong inspiration and dance teacher, or Witney Carson celebrating her husband, the rock of her family, these pros have stories that resonate deeply. But here’s the controversial part: should the show dedicate more time to highlighting the pros’ journeys and personal stories? After all, their dedication and artistry are just as compelling as the celebrities they partner with.
Alan Bersten, for instance, would dedicate his dance to his brother, though he admits he’s not sure which song would perfectly capture their bond. His favorite moment so far? Disney Night, where Elaine Hendrix’s quickstep left him beaming with pride. Meanwhile, Witney Carson would dance to ‘Thank You’ by Ethan Hodges, a song that reminds her of her wedding day and the start of her forever family. Her standout moment? That first dance with Robert Irwin, which set the tone for their incredible journey together.
Daniella Karagach would honor her mom, who single-handedly raised her and supported her dance dreams, with ‘I Hope You Dance.’ She’s particularly inspired by Dylan Efron’s growing confidence as a performer. Jan Ravnik, still new to the show, finds every day exciting and is especially looking forward to the freestyle finale, where creativity knows no bounds. And Ezra Sosa? His dedication would be to his mom, the glue of their family, with ‘For All We Know’ by Roberta Flack and Donny Hathaway. His most memorable moment? Choreographing Jordan Chiles’ Dedication Night dance, which not only celebrated her bond with her father but also helped him heal by acknowledging the father-daughter relationship he never had.
But here’s the question we can’t stop thinking about: If the pros had their own Dedication Night, would it change how we view the show? Would it add a layer of depth and emotion that’s currently missing? Let us know in the comments—we’d love to hear your thoughts! And as we eagerly await Wicked Night, Halloween, and the 20th-anniversary celebration, one thing’s for sure: Dancing With the Stars continues to captivate, inspire, and remind us of the power of dance to tell the most personal stories.
