One of the most anticipated parts of the “Dancing With the Stars” finals each year are the freestyle dances that each of the finalists perform.
The freestyle dances featured in the finale are longer numbers that are not restricted by the bounds of any dance style, so the celebrity and their pro partner can do practically whatever they want.
Red-hot semifinals set the table for next week’s finale
Ahead of the finals, “Dancing With the Stars” is as red hot as ever. Coming off Tuesday’s semifinals, which recorded ratings eclipsing the past seven years’ marks, the finale should be epic.
According to Variety magazine, Tuesday’s semifinal episode — during which Utah influencer and “Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” star Whitney Leavitt was eliminated — was the highest-watched semifinals show in ratings in seven years (since November 2018) and is up 28% in viewers compared to last season’s penultimate episode.
Per Variety, interest has grown in many demographics, especially with younger viewers. Additionally, fan voting rose to a new high of 55.9 million votes.
Favorite finals dances through 33 seasons of ‘DWTS’
Over the years, there have been a wide variety of freestyle dances, including ones that stick to classic ballroom, incorporate hip-hop and acrobatics, or involve theatrics and props.
Here’s a look back at some of the iconic fan-favorite freestyle dances from past seasons of the show.
A look at freestyle dances from recent ‘Dancing with the Stars’ champions
Here’s a look at the freestyle dances done by the show’s three most recent Mirrorball champions:
Joey Graziadei and Jenna Johnson
Last year, former “Bachelor” star Joey Graziadei and his partner, Jenna Johnson, were crowned the champions of “Dancing with the Stars” Season 33.
The pair performed a freestyle to “Canned Heat.”
Xochitl Gomez and Val Chmerkovskiy
In 2023, the Season 32 champions were actress Xochitl Gomez and her pro partner Val Chmerkovskiy. Gomez was 17 years old when they won the show.
Their championship-winning freestyle was to “Que Calor.”
Charli D’Amelio and Mark Ballas
The Season 31 champions in 2022 were social media personality Charli D’Amelio and her pro partner Mark Ballas.
Their finale freestyle dance was to “Us Again.”
Iconic freestyle dances from this year’s pro dancers
Many of the pros that made it to the semifinals and finals this season have made it to the finale in the past, meaning they have choreographed freestyles before.
Here’s a look at some freestyles from this season’s pro dancers:
Laurie Hernandez and Val Chmerkovskiy
In Season 23, pro Val Chmerkovskiy was paired with Olympic gymnast Laurie Hernandez. The pair won the Mirrorball trophy that season. This season, Chmerkovskiy was paired with social media personality Alix Earle.
Their freestyle dance was to the song “Brand New.”
Alfonso Ribeiro and Witney Carson
During Season 19, pro dancer Witney Carson was paired with Alfonso Ribeiro, who now serves as one of the show’s co-hosts. Together, Carson and Ribeiro were that season’s champions. This season Carson’s partner is Robert Irwin.
Their finale freestyle dance was done to the song “Sing, Sing, Sing (With a Swing).”
Iman Shumpert and Daniela Karagach
Daniela Karagach won Season 30 of the show, paired with former NBA player Iman Shumpert. This season, Karagach’s partner is reality TV star and content creator Dylan Efron.
Their Mirrorball-winning freestyle was done to a mashup of “Lose Control” and “Bounce.”
Ilona Maher and Alan Bersten
Last year, Olympic rugby player and social media personality Ilona Maher took second place during Season 33. She was paired with pro Alan Bersten, who was paired with actress Elaine Hendrix this season.
Their freestyle was to “Femininomenon” by Chappell Roan.
Other iconic freestyle dances from over the years
Milo Manheim and Witney Carson
Actor Milo Manheim competed in Season 27 of the show with his Utahn pro partner Witney Carson. They ended up taking second place overall that season.
For their freestyle, the pair danced to “Ain’t No Sunshine.”
Jordan Fisher and Lindsay Arnold
Singer and actor Jordan Fisher competed on and won Season 25 of “Dancing with the Stars” with his Utahn pro partner Lindsay Arnold.
For their finale freestyle, the pair danced to “Puttin’ on the Ritz 2017.”
Bindi Irwin and Derek Hough
Now a judge on the show, Derek Hough spent many seasons as one of the show’s pros. In Season 21, he was paired with Bindi Irwin, whose brother Robert competed on the show this year. Together, Hough and Irwin won their season.
Their freestyle dance was to the song “Footprints in the Sand” and it was done in tribute of Irwin’s father Steve, who died in 2006.
James Hinchcliffe and Sharna Burgess
Former IndyCar driver James Hinchcliffe competed on the show during Season 23 with his partner Sharna Burgess. They finished second that season.
The pair’s freestyle dance was to “Beethoven’s 5 Secrets.”
Amy Purdy and Derek Hough
Paralympian, actress and motivational speaker Amy Purdy competed with pro partner Derek Hough during Season 18 of “Dancing with the Stars.” She was the first double amputee contestant to ever appear on the show.
Hough and Purdy were the runner-ups during their season and did their freestyle to “Dare You.”