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 emotions as celebrities dedicate their dances to the most influential people in their lives. But here's where it gets even more intriguing—what if the professional dancers, the unsung heroes behind the glitz 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 personal stories, favorite moments, and the themed episodes they’re eagerly anticipating. And this is the part most people miss—while the celebrities take center stage, these pros pour their hearts and souls into every step, every routine, and every partnership, often behind the scenes.
Week after week, these talented professionals dedicate countless hours to choreographing, teaching, and supporting their celebrity partners, ensuring they shine on the competitive reality show. But what if the tables were turned? What if they had the chance to honor someone special in their own lives through dance? From heartfelt tributes to mothers and siblings to celebrations of love and resilience, their stories are as captivating as the routines they create. But here’s where it gets controversial—should the pros ever get their own spotlight episode, or does the show’s magic lie solely in the celebrity-dancer dynamic?
Alan Bersten would dedicate his dance to his brother, his lifelong inspiration and dance teacher. While he’s unsure of the song, the mere idea of dancing with his brother fills him with joy. His favorite moment so far? Disney Night, where Elaine Hendrix’s quickstep left him beaming with pride. He’s also eagerly awaiting the Wicked Night and the show’s 20th-anniversary celebration, a testament to its enduring legacy.
Witney Carson would honor her husband, her rock and best friend, with a dance to ‘Thank You’ by Ethan Hodges, a song that reminds her of their wedding day. Her standout moment was her first dance with Robert Irwin, a performance filled with anticipation and excitement. She’s particularly looking forward to Halloween, relishing the chance to choreograph a dark and spooky routine.
Daniella Karagach would dedicate her dance to her mother, who single-handedly raised her and supported her dance dreams. Her song of choice? ‘I Hope You Dance,’ a tune that holds special meaning for both of them. She’s been inspired by Dylan Efron’s growing confidence as a performer and is excited for the freestyle episode, should she make it that far.
Jan Ravnik, new to the show, finds every day exciting and unexpected. While he’s thrilled for the finale’s freestyle round, he’s equally excited for Halloween, with its unique song choices and styles. His enthusiasm is infectious, a reminder of why this show is so special.
Ezra Sosa would dedicate his dance to his mother, the glue that held his family together through thick and thin. His song choice, ‘For All We Know’ by Roberta Flack and Donny Hathaway, is a shared favorite. His most memorable moment was choreographing Jordan Chiles’ Dedication Night dance with her father, a routine that not only celebrated their bond but also helped him heal personal wounds. He’s now looking forward to Wicked Night, a technical challenge he’s eager to tackle.
As the season reaches its midway point, the excitement for 'Dancing With the Stars' shows no signs of slowing down. But here’s a thought-provoking question for you: If the pros were given their own Dedication Night, who would you want to see them honor, and why? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s keep the conversation dancing!
