Whether you’re preparing for a dance routine or just for the next episode of Dancing with the Stars, we’ve put together a dance by dance guide to the 34 most iconic dwts routines. 34 routines to celebrate 34 seasons, featuring 11 dances, in multiple styles, including one jazz performance that sort of broke the internet.
From the emotional Len Goodman tribute that earned an Emmy nomination to Meryl Davis and Maks Chmerkovskiy’s Tango that the judges called “the best dance the show has ever seen,” these performances earned perfect scores, standing ovations, and a permanent place in DWTS history. We’ve included dance details, costume descriptions, and links so you can watch and be inspired with each performance.
The Ballroom Dances
Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot, Viennese Waltz, and the Quickstep make up the ballroom dances. These are all characterized by large steps that sweep and glide around the dance floor. The ladies will typically dress in flowing gowns while men usually don tail suits or dinner jackets for classic ballroom elegance. So what are the judges looking for and what could make any of these dances tip the scales as iconic DWTS routines?
While the judges want great performance skills and endless amounts of entertainment value, they’re simultaneously evaluating technical precision: the wide dance frame, proper footwork, and topline shaping.
All of these elements work together like components of a finely-tuned machine, creating beautiful, effortless movement that can shift from dramatic to breathtaking faster than you can say promenade.
As we explore the most iconic DWTS routines in the ballroom category, it’s important to note that these performances delivered above and beyond the basic expectations. The professionals and their celebrity partners listed below achieved that rare feat of delivering a great dance, but also leaving a lasting impression.
Iconic DWTS Routines: The Waltz
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Pros’ Tribute to Len Goodman – Season 32 12849_6440fb-89> | “Moon River” by Henry Mancini 12849_6fecbc-15> | Val Chmerkovskiy & Jenna Johnson choreographed this Waltz in memory of Len Goodman – dancing in fog with pas and present pros. 12849_40029b-09> | Emmy nomination for choreography 12849_32b727-7d> |
Xochitl Gomez & Val Chmerkovskiy – Season 32 12849_b0d9e7-ef> | “La Vie en Rose” by Lady Gaga 12849_433fa7-81> | The Marvel actress performed this emotional Waltz that had her in tears. Derek Hough said, “Len would have loved that dance. That was absolutely perfect.” 12849_d78f86-d9> | 30/30 Perfect score 12849_a86eda-f4> |
Alyson Hannigan & Sasha Farber – Season 32 12849_9a66fc-8c> | “Come Away with Me” by Norah Jones 12849_a44555-d9> | The How I Met Your Mother star delivered a beautiful waltz that the judges considered one of her best moments of the season. 12849_fa9e49-f2> | Strong performance that advanced her to the DWTS finals 12849_47530b-c5> |
Iconic DWTS Routines: The Tango
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Meryl Davis & Maks Chmerkovskiy – Season 18 12849_f33814-4d> | “Feel So Close” by Calvin Harris 12849_1d038d-db> | If your performance was considered the best dance the show has ever seen, it’s safe to say this is one of the iconic DWTS routines for this list. 12849_a0d065-d4> | 30/30 perfect score 12849_c1b5ac-a7> |
James Hinchcliffe & Sharna Burgess – Season 23 12849_e694a4-69> | “The Right Time” by Yves V featuring Mike James 12849_d3ddfd-17> | Emotional “Most Memorable Year” tango honoring Hinchcliffe’s recovery from near-fatal 2015 crash at Indianapolis 500 12849_f53eb6-b6> | 30/30 Perfect score – Finished as runner up in Season 23 12849_f924bc-36> |
Robert Irwin & Witney Carson – Season 34 12849_2fee1d-8b> | “Move Your Feet” by Junior Senior 12849_51d43e-49> | Following his standout premiere performance, the 21-year-old Australian wildlife expert danced a sharp, high-energy tango that earned praise for its intensity and precision. 12849_3e4376-b8> | This Tango confirmed Irwin as an early frontrunner, with judges highlighting his strong posture, footwork, and natural stage presence. 12849_4bf3db-b2> |
Iconic DWTS Routines: The Foxtrot
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Helio Castroneves & Julianne Hough – Season 5 12849_d2ccf5-57> | “Bewitched” theme by Steve Lawrence 12849_80512f-8f> | IndyCar champion’s premiere foxtrot set the stage for their championship-winning season, earning the highest score for men in Week 1. 12849_e09810-3d> | 25/30 – Highest score for male contestants in premiere week 12849_0a283b-71> |
Jordan Fisher & Lindsay Arnold – Season 25 12849_8b4417-f8> | “You’re Welcome” from Moana 12849_456084-4f> | Polynesian-themed foxtrot featuring palm trees and modern dance elements. Fisher performed to his own song from the Disney film. 12849_3646f1-bb> | 30/30 perfect score – First perfect score of Season 25. 12849_2e0767-91> |
Stephen Nedoroscik & Rylee Arnold – Season 33 12849_425439-5f> | “Here I Go Again” by Whitesnake 12849_69e4de-d1> | Olympic gymnast showed significant improvement in timing and musicality after judges’ feedback. Performance featured live guitar by Whitesnake’s Joel Hoekstra. 12849_9e9fe4-98> | Judges praised his growth as a student and highlighted his beautiful lines and heel leads 12849_e31e53-41> |
Iconic DWTS Routines: The Viennese Waltz
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Meryl Davis & Maksim Chmerkovskiy – Season 18 12849_759a9a-04> | “Just a Fool” by Christina Aguilera 12849_b8086d-af> | Olympic ice dancer’s stunning semifinal Viennese Waltz is what helped secure her spot in the finals. 12849_4f919c-3b> | Perfect score – tied for most perfect scores in a single season with 6. 12849_d44b67-27> |
Nicole Scherzinger & Derek Hough – Season 10 12849_37f5da-91> | “You’re Welcome” from Moana 12849_aa330b-54> | The Pussycat Dolls singer’s premiere Viennese Waltz set the bar high in week 1 in a season she and Derek would ultimately win. 12849_88931d-57> | 25/30 – Highest score of premiere night 12849_b4b7a8-80> |
Bindi Irwin & Derek Hough – Season 21 12849_4c00b4-2f> | “Roses and Violets” by Alexander Jean 12849_d2aa1d-85> | In case you thought Viennese Waltz was difficult to begin with, Bindi’s breathtaking Viennese Waltz began and ended with her wearing a blindfold, creating an emotionally powerful performance. 12849_8d3013-54> | 30/30 Perfect Score – Bindi would go on to set a record with 8 perfect scores for the season. 12849_ca03f9-f3> |
Iconic DWTS Routines: The Quickstep
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Kellie Pickler & Derek Hough – Season 16 12849_ee9688-08> | “Peppy and George” by Ludovic Bource 12849_4f4022-94> | Pickler’s championship-winning Quickstep in the finale, one of three perfect scores earned by the Country Star that night. 12849_4ac157-fe> | 30/30 – Part of championship-winning performance 12849_706d63-d8> |
Hélio Castroneves & Julianne Hough Season 5 12849_8a5312-e4> | “Hey Pachuco” by Royal Crown Revue 12849_b0fdc0-cf> | Talk about iconic DWTS routines – This Quickstep from Hélio and Julianne became so legendary it was recreated for the show’s 500th episode celebration in Season 33. 12849_1097fd-5c> | This performance helped establish the championship-winning partnership between Hélio and Julianne. 12849_07c3f7-d7> |
Jordan Fisher & Lindsay Arnold – Season 25 12849_80dffe-f1> | “Chuck Berry” by Pharrell Williams 12849_c0b700-5a> | The Broadway star’s knockout Quickstep performance earned a standing ovation from judge Len Goodman, marking the couple’s second perfect score of the night. 12849_164045-fa> | Jordan set a new record for perfect scores in a season with nine, breaking the previous record of eight, while winning the championship at age 23 12849_a4d9b1-3d> |
The Latin Dances
Cha Cha, Rumba, Samba, and Paso Doble bring the heat to the ballroom with rhythmic, grounded movements that emphasize hip action, sharp isolations, and explosive energy. Unlike their ballroom counterparts built for large spaces and sweeping movement, the Latin dances are designed for smaller dance floors, with rhythmical movement, and a passionate feel.
Costume wise, the Latin dances are nearly the exact opposite of the ballroom outfits. The dinner jacket look for the gents gets swapped for an open shirt and latin pants. The gowns for the ladies are replaced with a lot less fabric, showcasing he legs more than the flow of the gown.
Each of the Latin dances offers a slightly different flavor. Whether it’s the playful and flirtatious movement of the Cha Cha, the slow and sensual story of the Rumba, the raw energy of the Samba, or the over the top drama of the Paso Doble; there is no shortage of entertainment for viewers and dancers when it comes to this style.
Iconic DWTS Routines: The Cha Cha
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Nyle DiMarco & Peta Murgatroyd – Season 22 12849_7bd596-dc> | “Cake By The Ocean” by DNCE 12849_3f0ff6-85> | Forget the fact that Nyle is the first deaf contestant on the show. This Cha Cha performance was loaded with great charisma, confidence, and rhythm from the America’s Next Top Model star. Ripping his shirt open probably helped too. 12849_f8232a-d4> | The eventual winner of Season 22. 12849_ccdb8a-0c> |
Shawn Johnson & Derek Hough – Season 15 12849_ccada7-e1> | “She Thinks My Tractor’s Sexy” by Kenny Chesney 12849_f11c6c-59> | Olympic gymnast’s finale Cha Cha in the All-Stars season showcased the effortless quality that led judge Len Goodman to nickname her “The No Stress Express.” She had a string of iconic DWTS routines throughout the season, and this was one of the best. 12849_e8dc8a-d2> | Part of finale performance where she placed 2nd. 12849_496dcf-37> |
Alfonso Ribeiro & Witney Carson – Season 19 12849_528895-9e> | “Trust” by Prince 12849_e0a741-9d> | The performance earned unanimous praise from judges and marked Alfonso as the first male winner since Season 14. Alfonso had been a frontrunner throughout the season and averaged scores consistently above 8. 12849_4528d1-04> | 40/40 – Perfect Score and part of what led Alfonso to become the new host of DWTS 12849_a2521f-9c> |
Iconic DWTS Routines: The Rumba
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Meryl Davis & Maksim Chmerkovskiy – Season 18 12849_6343df-35> | “Read All About It, Part III” by Emeli Sandé 12849_eb6ee9-20> | Meryl and Maks delivered a rumba that was dripping with chemistry. The goal of any Rumba is to make the audience forget that they are watching a competition and just get lost in the story – and this performance was a perfect example. 12849_535f71-dc> | This rumba was a cornerstone of the season that finally gave Maks his first Mirrorball Trophy. One of many iconic DWTS routines for season 18. 12849_784575-c8> |
Apolo Anton Ohno & Julianne Hough – Season 4 12849_e1c8e5-93> | “Cool” – by Gwen Stefani 12849_f2a363-7b> | Apolo proved with this Rumba that he could pull off something slow and sultry, instead of just fast and athletic. This performance showcased a new side of the Olympian and marked a shift in his dance development. 12849_4f51a8-0c> | Catalyst performance in his championship season. 12849_08bb5b-7f> |
Amber Riley & Derek Hough – Season 17 12849_f491a0-1d> | “If I Could Turn Back Time” by Cher 12849_4b3402-d9> | When you combine a Glee powerhouse with Derek’s choreographic genius during Cher week, magic happens. Amber pushed through knee pain all season with relentless positivity, and this rumba proved that technical skill and raw emotion can coexist beautifully 12849_a7c8bf-5d> | Cher was a guest judge on this episode 12849_20a546-eb> |
Iconic DWTS Routines: The Samba
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Mya & Dmitry Chaplin – Season 9 12849_3f9b1f-49> | “Turn the Beat Around” by Gloria Estefan 12849_cd2c0b-62> | Mya took everyone back to the ’70s with a groovy samba that was pure entertainment. Dmitry crafted one of the most creative routines of the season, and the performance brought the house down. 12849_2ddaf9-75> | 30/30 – Perfect Score 12849_3116ec-eb> |
Zendaya & Val Chmerkovskiy – Season 16 12849_3279d6-83> | “Yerbatero” by Juanes 12849_36432c-3b> | At just 16 years old, Zendaya worked and performed like a pro. This Samba matched her character on screen: Vibrant, fun, and unforgettable. The fact that this, now, A-list celebrity was a contestant is impressive, but don’t forget that it was her talent and hard work that made for many iconic DWTS routines throughout the season. 12849_76b74d-11> | Zendaya finished season 16 as runner up to Kellie Pickler. 12849_3ab01c-0d> |
Alfonso Ribeiro & Witney Carson – Season 19 12849_bbc768-2b> | “Gettin’ Jiggy wit It” by Will Smith 12849_2b5ad6-83> | With a nod to his Fresh Prince co-star, Ribeiro brought the party to the ballroom with a samba that checked every box. While Samba can be physically demanding, he made it look effortless and confident. 12849_141ed4-66> | If you can smile and Samba, you’ve cracked the code. 12849_efe8e8-b4> |
Iconic DWTS Routines: The Paso Doble
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Riker Lynch & Allison Holker – Season 20 12849_f67422-3c> | “He’s a Pirate” from Pirates of the Caribbean 12849_e3aee8-18> | Riker channeled Captain Jack Sparrow during Disney Night and instantly created one of the most iconic DWTS routines on the show. The choreography was sharp, every movement hit, and this number was so good they brought it back in the finals. 12849_f0c413-87> | Perfect Score – earned a standing ovation from Len Goodman. 12849_d82b42-42> |
Sabrina Bryan & Mark Ballas – Season 5 12849_da8213-c9> | “You Spin Me Round (Like a Record)” by Dead or Alive 12849_850799-ca> | Perfect score. History made. Sabrina became the first contestant ever to receive a 30/30 that early in the competition. However, just two weeks later, she was eliminated. Nevertheless, this Paso Doble was legendary. 12849_09a8e7-86> | 30/30 – Earliest perfect score in Season 5. 12849_03d524-be> |
Normani Kordei & Val Chmerkovskiy – Season 24 12849_13698e-46> | “I’ll Make a Man Out of You” from Mulan 12849_da3a7f-c5> | The Fifth Harmony singer brought fierce energy to Disney Night, blending traditional Paso with some Mulan-like combat-inspired choreography. Bruno dubbed her an “all-conquering Paso princess.” 12849_a39e7e-f0> | Strong performer. Finished season 24 3rd overall. 12849_8555be-5a> |
The Nightclub Dances
The nightclub dances bring a different energy to the DWTS ballroom – while the Latin dances are “performance versions” of nightclub rhythms, dances like Salsa and Jive translate easily to a club environment. Salsa made its debut in Season 7, adding the hugely popular dance to the mix with its great turns, energy, and spicy hip action. Paired with Jive (which shares DNA with the swing), these dances work great for any dancer that wants to turn a performance and take it to the club later.
Iconic DWTS Routines: The Jive
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Kristi Yamaguchi & Mark Ballas – Season 6 12849_a848a9-4c> | “Rip it Up” by Little Richard 12849_2f3177-ca> | The Olympic figure skater brought the same grace from the ice to the ballroom floor. After earning high scores throughout the season, Kristi and Mark finally delivered this high-octane jive that sealed their championship. Bruno called it “top-notch, high-definition entertainment,” and he wasn’t wrong. 12849_ba6081-2d> | 30/30 Perfect Score – Season 6 Champion 12849_01fc77-5e> |
Paige VanZant & Mark Ballas – Season 22 12849_3e53f7-0a> | “Proud Mary” by Tina Turner 12849_a5414b-2b> | Let’s just start here: Paige and Mark took turns doing cartwheels while balancing on one another… and that was only part of this high energy Jive performance. This is what happens when you have a legendary pro and a UFC fighter with an iconic Jive song. 12849_a0a22f-ce> | 30/30 – Perfect score and Season 22 runner up. 12849_472758-51> |
Jordan Fisher & Lindsay Arnold – Season 25 12849_6113e0-d6> | “Proud Mary” by Tina Turner 12849_714ccd-e9> | The Hamilton star recreated the iconic Paige VanZant/Mark Ballas jive and somehow made it even better. Jordan’s performance earned him the ultimate compliment from Len Goodman: “We’ve had good jives; we’ve had great jives. Now we have Jordan’s jive, which is the yardstick for everyone else.” 12849_70c7d0-a2> | 30/30 – Perfect score and Season 25 champions 12849_cc1626-44> |
Iconic DWTS Routines: The Salsa
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Paige VanZant & Mark Ballas – Season 22 12849_b40e42-5f> | “Fireball” by Pitbull 12849_7eb3b3-b9> | This was their “redemption dance” for season 22. The first time they danced it, Mark got injured and had to bow out. In the finals, they came back to finish what they started, and Mark even threw in the move that caused his injury just to prove they could nail it. This Salsa performance had Mark in tears afterward, and was clearly a personal victory. 12849_0fea45-d3> | Score jumped from 24 to 29. 12849_396361-2f> |
Zendaya & Val Chmerkovskiy – Season 16 12849_d87ee9-3c> | “Danca Molengo” – Bonde do Role 12849_dd68e1-83> | This was a Salsa trio featuring Zendaya, Val, and Gleb Savchenko. The performance oozed with confidence with Zendaya holding center position, and center stage, putting her dance development on full display. 12849_139003-02> | Carrie Ann Inaba called Zendaya a “Salsa queen” after this performance. 12849_4f42f6-79> |
Normani Kordei & Val Chmerkovskiy – Season 24 12849_331ae6-9e> | “When I Grow Up” by The Pussycat Dolls 12849_7cfe20-e5> | The Fifth Harmony member delivered a powerhouse salsa that earned her three perfect 10s from the judges, except from Len Goodman who gave her an 8, sparking debate about what constitutes “salsa content.” Despite the controversy, this was an iconic performance from the 3rd place finisher. 12849_b2fb89-26> | 38/40 – Highest scoring average for Season 24. 12849_3d42f7-49> |
Iconic DWTS Routines: Most Iconic Moment
The Performance that Broke the Internet
Alfonso Ribeiro has shared that he waited 10 years for his moment on Dancing with the Stars. When it finally came, he didn’t hold anything back. In the category of iconic DWTS routines, he may have had the most Iconic Moment in all 34 Seasons of the show.
It happened in Week 4. The theme was Most Memorable Year and when the opening notes of Tom Jones’ “It’s Not Unusual” filled the ballroom… everyone watching lost their minds. Alfonso and Witney broke out the dance the world was waiting so patiently for, The Carlton. The signature dance from his character, Carlton Banks, on the hit show The Fresh Prince of Bel Air.
The judges awarded them perfect 10s across the board. It was the show’s only perfect score that night, earning a flawless 40/40. Alfonso himself acknowledged that he “broke the internet” with that performance and it continues to get millions of views on streaming platforms.
Here’s what made it even more powerful: Alfonso had admitted that for years after Fresh Prince ended, he’d fallen “out of love” with the Carlton character because it pigeonholed him in auditions. So, for him to take the risk of dusting off his cardigan and breaking out that iconic character was rewarded with an all time DWTS moment. It reminded everyone why DWTS matters and how past stars can still have breakout moments. Alfonso went on to dominate the season, winning the Mirrorball Trophy, becoming the first male winner since Season 14, and becoming the featured host of the show in 2023.
Score/Notes: 40/40 – Perfect Score; Season 19 Champion; “Broke the Internet”
Final Thoughts
It’s safe to say that Dancing with the Stars is a cultural force of nature. Over the years, it’s helped to kickstart, re-energize, and catapult the careers of so many contestants, and their professional partners. More importantly, it has done even more the ballroom dance industry as a whole.
The Arthur Murray Dance Party was the original Dancing with the Stars. From 1950-1960, it provided a captive television audience with beautiful dancing, celebrity guests, and tips from Arthur and Kathryn themselves. During that time, ballroom dancing became a cultural phenomenon. Today, Dancing with the Stars has provided 34 seasons of dance entertainment. The show has shed new light on the fun, enjoyment, and benefits that ballroom dancing has to offer.
Here’s to the next 34 seasons.
