“Dancing With The Stars: Live” Deserves Perfect 10s

The cast of ABC’s hit show “Dancing With The Stars” brought the ballroom to the Bryce Jordan Center on Thursday night with “Dancing With The Stars: Live!”

Nine of the show’s professional dancers are touring the country with showstopping, technically sound performances — including tour host Emma Slater, Alan Bersten, Brandon Armstrong, Britt Stewart, Daniella Karagach, Gleb Savchenko, Pasha Pashkov, Rylee Arnold and Ezra Sosa.

The tour is also co-hosted by Penn State alumnus and Olympic gymnast Stephen Nedoroscik, who expressed his excitement to return home to his alma mater in a sparkly gold suit.

At this performance, the tour cast was joined by Season 33 Mirrorball Trophy winners Joey Graziadei and Jenna Johnson, who brought even more excitement and energy to the show.

The pair danced to their “Can’t Stop the Feeling!” routine from the show in neon green outfits, and appeared together for many other dances throughout the night.

The two-hour show was jam-packed with dozens of routines, covering all styles of ballroom. One standout performance was their act one finale, where the entire cast gathered on stage and danced to “Born to Hand Jive” from “Grease” and incorporated gold balloons into the complex choreography.

Sosa, Stewart, Arnold and Johnson performed a contemporary routine to a mashup of “Vogue” by Madonna and “yes, and?” by Ariana Grande, with Sosa as the leading pro, of course.

The sassy steps in the choreography and skin-tight black costumes were fitting expressions of the young dancers’ personalities, creating an iconic routine.

Nedoroscik also created an unforgettable moment when he stepped onto the stage in his “Superman” inspired outfit from Season 33 of the show. Two men then carried out a gymnastics mushroom where the Olympian showed off some of his outstanding pommel horse moves.

It’s not every day that fans get to see a bronze medalist show off their incredible talent in person.

The best part about the tour was that the cast did more than just dance. There were funny skits, iconic references and even a moment where they brought audience members on stage.

The DWTS professional dancers explained in one skit, titled “How To Be A Pro,” that couples should utilize social media to connect with their audience.

Sosa took advantage of his platform before the tour started to politely request that everyone take out their phone flashlights for Arnold and Bersten’s duet to SZA’s “Nobody Gets Me,” a number that Sosa said Arnold was incredibly proud of.

The Bryce Jordan Center crowd received the message loud and clear and lit up the arena with twinkling lights.

Another memorable number was the opening of the second act, which included glittery Wild West-themed costumes and music.

The female pros danced to “YA YA” by Beyoncé in their rhinestone-covered cowgirl boots. As the girls gestured to the audience, the male pros sauntered through the crowd to find fans to bring up on stage.

The lucky fans got to learn a short western-themed dance with their male “partners,” giving them a moment they will surely remember forever.

Arnold and Savchenko then took the stage for their routine to “Body Language” by Queen. The performance featured spicy choreography, showing off the pros’ chemistry and unbelievable technique.

The show’s closing number included the entire cast as they danced to “Shake Your Groove Thing” and “Last Dance” in 70s-inspired costumes. Nedoroscik and Graziadei joined them on stage for one final set of hip thrusts, followed by the final bows.

Everything about “Dancing with the Stars: Live!” was incredible. From the costumes, the skits, the song choices, the energy and every little detail in between, it was an absolutely perfect show.

Sarah Gavlak is a third-year majoring in telecommunications. To contact her, please email sng5393@psu.edu.

Kaitlyn Murphy is a third-year majoring in digital and print journalism. To contact her, please email kvm6255@psu.edu.