If you love gymnastics and dancing, then you must have tuned in to Dancing with the Stars at some point or the other. It’s a show that has brought together some of the most talented dancers from around the world and given them a platform to showcase their skills on television. Some of the most exciting competitors on the show have been gymnasts who have gone on to show off their moves on the dancefloor.
Remember Shawn Johnson? The Olympic Gold medalist who finished top of the podium in Beijing in 2008 and then won a Dancing with the Stars Mirror Ball trophy two years later? Her performances were electrifying and her talent and skill were on full display each week as she wowed the judges and audiences alike. Johnson wasn’t the only gymnast to dominate the competition, as other Olympic champions like Simone Biles and Laurie Hernandez have also taken part in the show over the years.
The crossover between gymnastics and dance is an interesting one, and it’s always fascinating to see how these talented athletes apply their athleticism and strength to a different kind of performance. Seeing these gymnasts let loose and unleash their creativity on the dancefloor is a sight for sore eyes, and it’s no wonder that they have become such fan favourites on the show.
Dancing With The Stars: An Overview
Dancing With The Stars is a popular television dance competition that pairs professional dancers with celebrities, who then compete against each other in weekly dance performances. The show premiered in 2005 and has since aired more than 400 episodes. The winning pair is determined by a combination of judges’ scores and viewer votes. The show has become known for its stunning choreography, dazzling costumes, and drama-filled tension.
Gymnasts on Dancing With The Stars
- Shawn Johnson: Olympic gold medalist, Shawn Johnson won the 8th season of Dancing With The Stars in 2009. She was paired with professional dancer Mark Ballas.
- Laurie Hernandez: Olympic gold and silver medalist, Laurie Hernandez won the 23rd season of Dancing With The Stars in 2016. She was paired with professional dancer Valentin Chmerkovskiy.
- Nastia Liukin: Olympic gold and silver medalist, Nastia Liukin competed in the 20th season of Dancing With The Stars in 2015. She was paired with professional dancer Derek Hough.
The Process
Contestants are typically paired with a professional dancer who coaches them in various styles of dance, including ballroom, Latin, and contemporary. Throughout the season, the pairs perform each week and receive scores from a panel of judges who critique their technique, performance, and interpretation of the dance. The scores from the judges are combined with viewer votes, which are typically cast via telephone or online. The pair with the lowest overall score is eliminated each week until a winning pair is crowned.
The show has attracted a wide range of celebrities over the years, including athletes, actors, musicians, and reality stars. Many of the contestants have reported that the show is physically and emotionally demanding, with intense rehearsals leading up to each performance. However, the show has also been praised for its positive portrayal of physical activity and its inspiration of people to take up dance as a hobby or a form of exercise.
Winners of Dancing With The Stars
| Season | Winner |
|---|---|
| Season 1 | Kelly Monaco |
| Season 2 | Drew Lachey |
| Season 3 | Emmitt Smith |
| Season 4 | Apollo Anton Ohno |
| Season 5 | Helio Castroneves |
| Season 6 | Kristi Yamaguchi |
The show has gained a reputation for showcasing impressive dance performances and bringing celebrities and professional dancers together in a fun and exciting way. With more than a decade of success, it’s no wonder that so many gymnasts have taken part. The show continues to captivate audiences with its mix of drama, entertainment, and pure talent.
Top 10 Celebrities Who Have Won Dancing With The Stars
Gymnastics and dance require incredible athleticism, strength, flexibility, and dedication. It’s no wonder that many gymnasts have excelled on Dancing With The Stars. Here are the top 10 gymnasts who have won the coveted Mirrorball Trophy.
- Shawn Johnson – In 2009, Shawn Johnson won Season 8 with her partner, Mark Ballas. Her gymnastics background helped her execute difficult moves with precision and elegance.
- Nastia Liukin – Nastia Liukin followed in Johnson’s footsteps and won Season 20 with Derek Hough in 2015. Her grace and poise on the balance beam translated seamlessly to the ballroom dance floor.
- Laurie Hernandez – Laurie Hernandez won Season 23 in 2016 with partner Valentin Chmerkovskiy. Her upbeat personality and infectious energy wowed both the judges and America.
- Aly Raisman – Aly Raisman finished in fourth place on Season 16, but came back to win Season 23 in 2016 with partner Mark Ballas. Her powerful gymnastics skills translated to strong, dynamic performances on the dance floor.
- Nadia Comăneci – Nadia Comăneci, a five-time Olympic gold medalist, competed on the All-Stars season in 2012 but did not win. However, her performances inspired the judges and audience with her incredible strength and artistry.
- Simone Biles – Simone Biles came in third place on Season 24 with partner Sasha Farber, but her incredible talent was undeniable. Her gymnastics skills and bubbly personality made her a fan favorite.
- Kristi Yamaguchi – Kristi Yamaguchi won Season 6 in 2008 with her partner, Mark Ballas. Her graceful performances and attention to detail made her a standout competitor.
- Rick Fox – While not a gymnast, Rick Fox is a former NBA player who trained in ballet and won Season 11 in 2010 with partner Cheryl Burke. His strength and athleticism were apparent in his ballroom performances.
- Evan Lysacek – Evan Lysacek, the 2010 Olympic gold medalist in men’s figure skating, won Season 10 in 2010 with Anna Trebunskaya. His precision and dedication to his craft translated to the dance floor.
- Meryl Davis – Meryl Davis, a 2014 Olympic gold medalist in ice dancing, won Season 18 in 2014 with partner Maksim Chmerkovskiy. Her grace and elegance on the ice translated seamlessly to ballroom dance.
Gymnasts on Dancing With The Stars
The list of gymnasts who have competed on Dancing With The Stars goes beyond just the winners. Many gymnasts have left a lasting impression on the show, including:
- Shannon Miller, who competed on Season 6 in 2008
- Nadia Comăneci, who competed on the All-Stars season in 2012
- Dominique Moceanu, who competed on Season 8 in 2009
- Mark Ballas, who is a professional dancer on the show and has partnered with Shawn Johnson, Kristi Yamaguchi, and Aly Raisman
The Physical Demands of Dancing With The Stars
Dancing With The Stars is known for its grueling rehearsal schedule and the demanding physical requirements on the dancers’ bodies. Gymnasts are used to training and pushing their bodies to the limit, but dancing requires a different kind of physicality. The ballroom dances require specific technique and footwork, and the costumes and high heels can add an extra challenge to the performances.
| Physical Demands of Dancing With The Stars | Physical Demands of Gymnastics |
|---|---|
| Long rehearsal hours, often up to 12 hours a day | Long training hours, often up to 8 hours a day |
| High-impact movements like jumping and spinning | High-impact movements like vaulting and tumbling |
| Frequent injuries, including sprains, strains, and even broken bones | Frequent injuries, including sprains, strains, and even broken bones |
Despite the physical demands, gymnasts have proven their ability to excel on Dancing With The Stars. Their combination of strength, grace, and dedication has made them some of the most memorable contestants in the show’s history.
Celebrities Who Have Competed on Dancing With The Stars More Than Once
Over the years, Dancing With The Stars has invited a wide range of celebrities from different fields to compete on their show. Some of these celebrities have been so good that they have been invited back to dance again. Here are some of the celebrities who have competed on the show more than once:
- Kirstie Alley
- Drew Lachey
- Joey Fatone
Kirstie Alley, best known for her role in the TV show Cheers, competed on the show twice. She was on the 12th and 15th seasons and was partnered with Maksim Chmerkovskiy both times. Alley proved to be a great dancer and made it all the way to the finals on her first season. She came in second place on both seasons she competed on.
Drew Lachey, a former member of the popular boy band 98 Degrees, competed on the second and fifteenth seasons of the show. He won the competition on his first season with partner Cheryl Burke, but came in sixth place on his second season with Anna Trebunskaya.
Joey Fatone, another former boy band member, competed on the fourth and fifteenth seasons of the show. He was partnered with Kym Johnson on his first season and came in second place. On his second season, he was partnered with Chelsie Hightower and came in 12th place.
Other Celebrities Who Have Competed on Dancing With The Stars More Than Once
Aside from the three celebrities mentioned earlier, there are a few others who have competed on the show more than once. This includes:
- Shawn Johnson
- Hélio Castroneves
- Melissa Rycroft
- Gilles Marini
- Mark Ballas
Celebrities Who Have Won The Mirrorball Trophy More Than Once
Since the show’s inception, there have been a few celebrities who have won the Mirrorball Trophy more than once. These include:
| Celebrity | Number of Wins |
|---|---|
| Derek Hough | 6 |
| Cheryl Burke | 2 |
| Mark Ballas | 2 |
| Julianna Hough | 2 |
| Kristi Yamaguchi | 1 |
| Brooke Burke | 1 |
| Shawn Johnson | 1 |
These celebrities have proven that not only are they great at what they do, but they are also great at dancing. Their ability to adapt and learn new skills is truly impressive.
Memorable Performances From Dancing With The Stars History
Gymnasts have had a longstanding presence on Dancing with the Stars, with their natural grace, strength, and flexibility lending itself particularly well to ballroom dancing. Here are some of the most memorable Gymnasts that have appeared on the show in the past.
Top 4 Gymnasts on Dancing With The Stars
- Shawn Johnson: The Olympic gold medalist and three-time world champion gymnast Shawn Johnson has been a favorite on the show, winning the trophy in Season 8.
- Aly Raisman: Another Olympic gold medalist, Aly Raisman turned in a number of memorable performances on the show, including a contemporary dance tribute to the survivors of Larry Nassar’s abuse, which left many in tears.
- Nastia Liukin: The Olympic all-around champion Nastia Liukin also proved to be a gifted dancer, reaching the semifinals in Season 20.
- Laurie Hernandez: At just 16 years old, the Olympic gold medalist Laurie Hernandez proved to be a fan favorite, winning the trophy in Season 23 with partner Val Chmerkovskiy.
Most Memorable Performances
While there are many standout performances from these gymnasts, here are a few that stand out:
- Shawn Johnson’s “Do-It-Yourself” Tango with partner Mark Ballas, which earned a perfect 30 out of 30 in Season 8
- Aly Raisman’s “Contemporary Tribute” with partner Mark Ballas, which honored the survivors of Larry Nassar’s abuse and left many in tears
- Nastia Liukin’s “Legendary” paso doble with partner Derek Hough, which showcased her strength and grace
- Laurie Hernandez’s “Hollow” contemporary dance with partner Val Chmerkovskiy, which highlighted her emotional depth as a performer
Gymnasts Who Have Won the Mirrorball Trophy
Three gymnasts have won the Mirrorball Trophy on Dancing with the Stars, demonstrating the close connection between gymnastics and ballroom dancing:
| Gymnast | Season | Partner |
|---|---|---|
| Shawn Johnson | Season 8 | Mark Ballas |
| Laurie Hernandez | Season 23 | Val Chmerkovskiy |
| Nastia Liukin | Season 20 | Derek Hough |
These gymnasts have proven that their talents extend beyond the competition floor and into the world of dance, delighting fans with their agility, athleticism, and artistry.
Dancing With The Stars: Behind the Scenes
Many gymnasts have graced the stage of Dancing With The Stars over the years, wowing audiences with their incredible flexibility and precision. But what goes on behind the scenes of this popular show?
The Rehearsals
- Each week, contestants and their partners must practice for many hours to perfect their routines.
- These rehearsals can be grueling, with dancers often practicing for eight hours or more per day.
- Despite the intense physical demands of the show, many contestants find that dancing helps them stay in shape and improve their overall fitness.
The Costumes
One of the most exciting parts of Dancing With The Stars is the fabulous costumes worn by contestants. However, behind the glitz and glamour lies a team of dedicated costume designers who work tirelessly to create the perfect look for each dancer.
Each costume must be tailored to fit the dancer’s body perfectly and allow for maximum flexibility and range of motion during their routine. The designers also take into account the music and theme of the dance, as well as the personality of the contestant, when creating each outfit.
The Judging
Each week, contestants are judged by a panel of experts, including former professional dancers, award-winning choreographers, and guest judges from the entertainment industry.
The judges evaluate each performance based on a variety of factors, including technique, style, and showmanship. Throughout the season, contestants receive feedback from the judges and work to improve their skills and performances as they advance in the competition.
The Voting
Viewers at home play a crucial role in deciding which couples advance in the competition. After each performance, viewers can vote online or by phone to show their support for their favorite dancers.
| Viewer Votes | Judges Scores | |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | 50% | 50% |
| Week 2 | 50% | 50% |
| Week 3 | 50% | 50% |
Each week, the couple with the lowest combined score is eliminated from the competition, until only one couple remains as the ultimate champion of Dancing With The Stars.
Judges’ Scoring System on Dancing With The Stars
Dancing With The Stars is one of the most popular reality dance shows, which features celebrities paired with professional dancers performing various dance styles. The judges’ scoring system plays a significant role in determining the contestants’ fate in the competition. Here we will explore the system in-depth.
The Scoring System
- Each judge provides a score between 1-10 for each routine, giving a possible total of 30 points for each performance.
- The judges base their scores on several criteria, including technique, performance, and showmanship.
- Each contestant receives two sets of scores: one for technical execution and another for artistic impression.
- The scores from each judge are added together, and the total score is calculated by adding the four judges’ scores.
- The final score for each couple is the sum of their technical and artistic scores.
The Role of the Judges
The judges play a crucial role in the competition, as their scores determine which couples will continue to the next round and which will be eliminated. Their feedback and critiques also help the contestants improve their performances week after week. The judges’ panel usually consists of three to four judges with diverse backgrounds in dance, music, or entertainment. Some of the show’s most notable judges include Len Goodman, Bruno Tonioli, and Carrie Ann Inaba.
The Importance of Scoring High
Scoring high is crucial for the contestants, as it determines their fate in the competition. The couples with the lowest combination of judges’ scores and viewer votes are eliminated each week, while the couples with the highest scores continue to the next round. A high score can also help couples gain a fan base and generate positive media attention, which can be beneficial beyond the show.
The Dancing With The Stars Hall of Fame
| Celebrity Contestant | Professional Partner | Season | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apolo Anton Ohno | Julianne Hough | Season 4 | 57/60 |
| Mario Lopez | Karina Smirnoff | Season 3 | 57/60 |
| Melanie Brown | Maksim Chmerkovskiy | Season 5 | 57/60 |
| Kristi Yamaguchi | Mark Ballas | Season 6 | 60/60 |
The Dancing With The Stars Hall of Fame recognizes the contestants who have achieved the highest scores in the show’s history. These contestants have set the bar high for future contestants to aim for and have cemented their place in the show’s legacy.
Upcoming Season of Dancing With The Stars
The excitement is building for the upcoming season of Dancing With The Stars, with its premiere set to air in the fall of 2021. With a new cast of celebrity competitors and returning professional dancers, there is sure to be plenty of thrilling performances and unexpected twists and turns.
Previous Gymnasts on Dancing With The Stars
- Shawn Johnson (Seasons 8 and 15): Olympic gold medalist in gymnastics, Johnson won Season 8 with partner Mark Ballas and came in second place during her return on Season 15 with partner Derek Hough.
- Nastia Liukin (Season 20): Olympic gold medalist in gymnastics, Liukin dazzled with her partner Derek Hough and made it to fourth place overall.
- Laurie Hernandez (Season 23): Olympic gold medalist in gymnastics, Hernandez won the coveted mirrorball trophy with partner Val Chmerkovskiy and quickly became a fan favorite.
- Aly Raisman (Season 16): Olympic gold medalist in gymnastics, Raisman finished in fourth place overall with partner Mark Ballas.
- Simone Biles (Season 24): Olympic gold medalist in gymnastics, Biles made it all the way to the finale with partner Sasha Farber, ultimately finishing in third place.
Gymnasts in the Rumored Cast
Rumors are swirling about potential gymnast contenders for the upcoming season, with several names being thrown around by fans and media outlets. One name that has been consistently mentioned is Olympic gymnast and all-around champion, Simone Biles. Though nothing has been confirmed, many fans are eagerly anticipating her potential return to the ballroom.
Judging Panel and Pro Dancers
This season will see the return of head judge Len Goodman, as well as returning judges Carrie Ann Inaba and Bruno Tonioli. In addition, several fan-favorite professional dancers will be returning, including reigning champion Artem Chigvintsev and fan favorites Val Chmerkovskiy and Peta Murgatroyd.
| Professional Dancer | Previous Wins |
|---|---|
| Derek Hough | 6 |
| Maksim Chmerkovskiy | 2 |
| Mark Ballas | 2 |
| Cheryl Burke | 2 |
With all of these exciting announcements and rumors, fans of gymnastics and Dancing With The Stars alike are eagerly looking forward to the upcoming season and all of the thrilling performances that are sure to come.
What Gymnasts Have Been on Dancing With the Stars?
1. Who were the first gymnasts on Dancing With the Stars?
The first gymnasts to compete on Dancing With the Stars were Olympic gold medalists Nadia Comăneci and Bart Conner in Season 1.
2. Which Olympic gymnasts have won Dancing With the Stars?
Olympic gymnasts Shawn Johnson, Laurie Hernandez, and Nastia Liukin have all won Dancing With the Stars.
3. Did Simone Biles compete on Dancing With the Stars?
Yes, Simone Biles competed on Dancing With the Stars in Season 24 and placed fourth with her partner, Sasha Farber.
4. Which gymnasts have competed multiple times on Dancing With the Stars?
Aly Raisman and Shawn Johnson have both competed twice on Dancing With the Stars.
5. Have any male gymnasts competed on Dancing With the Stars?
Yes, both Jacoby Jones and Nyle DiMarco were male gymnasts who competed on Dancing With the Stars.
6. Who was the most recent gymnast to compete on Dancing With the Stars?
The most recent gymnast to compete on Dancing With the Stars was Johnny Weir in Season 29.
Closing Thoughts
Thank you for taking the time to read about the gymnasts who have graced the Dancing With the Stars ballroom. From Olympic gold medalists to male gymnasts, these athletes have shown their versatility and grace in a different type of competition. Be sure to check back for more updates and news on your favorite athletes.