{"id":8647,"date":"2025-09-22T14:30:17","date_gmt":"2025-09-22T18:30:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sites.cortland.edu\/dragon-chronicle\/?p=8647"},"modified":"2025-09-22T17:23:44","modified_gmt":"2025-09-22T21:23:44","slug":"dancing-with-the-stars-season-34-week-one-recap","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sites.cortland.edu\/dragon-chronicle\/2025\/09\/22\/dancing-with-the-stars-season-34-week-one-recap\/","title":{"rendered":"Dancing With the Stars Season 34- Week One Recap"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><strong>Returning and new pros, <em>opening numbers, scores, and who to look out for in week two.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Opening Number<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-vertical is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-8cf370e7 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<p>The opening number, choreographed by Ray Leeper, was to the song &#8216;Kill the Lights&#8217; by Whitney Myer, bringing the spotlight to everyone. The dance featured all the stars, even Julianne Hough and Alfonzo Ribeiro (Season 19 Mirrorball Champion), the hosts of the show. They also showed off the all-new troupe featuring Jenna Johnsons Neice, <strong>Hailey Bills, Onye Stevenson, Carter Williams&nbsp;<\/strong>and<strong>&nbsp;Jaxon Willard<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1134\" height=\"1511\" data-id=\"8829\" src=\"https:\/\/sites.cortland.edu\/dragon-chronicle\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2025\/09\/image-14-edited.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8829\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sites.cortland.edu\/dragon-chronicle\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2025\/09\/image-14-edited.png 1134w, https:\/\/sites.cortland.edu\/dragon-chronicle\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2025\/09\/image-14-edited-225x300.png 225w, https:\/\/sites.cortland.edu\/dragon-chronicle\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2025\/09\/image-14-edited-769x1024.png 769w, https:\/\/sites.cortland.edu\/dragon-chronicle\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2025\/09\/image-14-edited-768x1023.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1134px) 100vw, 1134px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">All new troupe (in order from left to right) Carter Williams,Onye Stevenson, Hailey Bills, and Jaxson Willard  <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"824\" height=\"1200\" data-id=\"8828\" src=\"https:\/\/sites.cortland.edu\/dragon-chronicle\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2025\/09\/Screenshot-2025-09-21-at-8.37.34-PM-edited.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8828\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sites.cortland.edu\/dragon-chronicle\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2025\/09\/Screenshot-2025-09-21-at-8.37.34-PM-edited.png 824w, https:\/\/sites.cortland.edu\/dragon-chronicle\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2025\/09\/Screenshot-2025-09-21-at-8.37.34-PM-edited-206x300.png 206w, https:\/\/sites.cortland.edu\/dragon-chronicle\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2025\/09\/Screenshot-2025-09-21-at-8.37.34-PM-edited-703x1024.png 703w, https:\/\/sites.cortland.edu\/dragon-chronicle\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2025\/09\/Screenshot-2025-09-21-at-8.37.34-PM-edited-768x1118.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 824px) 100vw, 824px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Hosts ( left to right) Alfonzo Ribeiro and Julianne Hough<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>While Carrie Ann Inaba, one of the returning judges, was sick as per her Instagram post linked below, stating that she wasn&#8217;t feeling well but would be back next week in better health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/DOq8HdpiYuD\/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&amp;igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==\">https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/DOq8HdpiYuD\/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&amp;igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-spotify wp-block-embed-spotify wp-embed-aspect-21-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"Spotify Embed: Kill The Lights\" style=\"border-radius: 12px\" width=\"100%\" height=\"152\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen allow=\"autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/open.spotify.com\/embed\/track\/240EB5frOv4DKiebAd62Hz?si=c99bd86ddd054751&#038;utm_source=oembed\"><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline\">Performances<\/span> <\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Jordan Chiles and Ezra Sosa<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h6 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Dancing a Salsa to the song &#8220;Break My Soul&#8221; by Beyonc\u00e9 <\/h6>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-spotify wp-block-embed-spotify wp-embed-aspect-21-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"Spotify Embed: BREAK MY SOUL\" style=\"border-radius: 12px\" width=\"100%\" height=\"152\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen allow=\"autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/open.spotify.com\/embed\/track\/5pyoxDZ1PX0KxBxiRVxA4U?si=0b44bf6eeab94010&#038;utm_source=oembed\"><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"http:\/\/sites.cortland.edu\/dragon-chronicle\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2025\/09\/Jordan-Chiles-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8736 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sites.cortland.edu\/dragon-chronicle\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2025\/09\/Jordan-Chiles-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/sites.cortland.edu\/dragon-chronicle\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2025\/09\/Jordan-Chiles-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/sites.cortland.edu\/dragon-chronicle\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2025\/09\/Jordan-Chiles-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https:\/\/sites.cortland.edu\/dragon-chronicle\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2025\/09\/Jordan-Chiles.avif 1500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p><strong>Scores: <\/strong>Bruno: 5 Derek: 5<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>My take: <\/strong>Ezra was given a bad hand last season, when he was given a star who had no interest in being on the show. Ezra now has Jordan chiles as a partner, and their positive energy and friendship is very visible. However, I think that since they were the first ones to go, they set the bar, and the judges were too harsh on them. Jordan&#8217;s athletic ability was much greater than others who claimed to have past dance experience.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Dylan Efron and Daniella Karagach<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h6 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Dancing a Cha-cha to the song &#8220;Milkshake&#8221; By Kelis<\/h6>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-spotify wp-block-embed-spotify wp-embed-aspect-21-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"Spotify Embed: Milkshake\" style=\"border-radius: 12px\" width=\"100%\" height=\"152\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen allow=\"autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/open.spotify.com\/embed\/track\/4LmzPJDil70LpiApWfOI6O?si=febc02df6a1443cd&#038;utm_source=oembed\"><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text has-media-on-the-right is-stacked-on-mobile\"><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p><strong>Scores: <\/strong>Bruno: 5 Derek: 5<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>My Take:<\/strong> It&#8217;s giving Harry Jowsey from season 32. Dylan definitely has the fan base to bring him far, but not enough skill. I think he was really stiff and as his partner Daniella says, it takes a lot or him to come out of his shell. Even after his first dance, I saw the embarrassment on his face. I think he needs to gain more confidence and embrace that what he is doing isn&#8217;t for the weak. He should be proud of himself no matter what.<\/p>\n<\/div><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"http:\/\/sites.cortland.edu\/dragon-chronicle\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2025\/09\/image-8-768x1024.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8744 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sites.cortland.edu\/dragon-chronicle\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2025\/09\/image-8-768x1024.png 768w, https:\/\/sites.cortland.edu\/dragon-chronicle\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2025\/09\/image-8-225x300.png 225w, https:\/\/sites.cortland.edu\/dragon-chronicle\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2025\/09\/image-8.png 960w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Elaine Hendrix and Alan Bersten<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h6 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Dancing a cha-cha to the song &#8220;Woman&#8221; by Kesha<\/h6>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-spotify wp-block-embed-spotify wp-embed-aspect-21-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"Spotify Embed: Woman (feat. The Dap-Kings Horns)\" style=\"border-radius: 12px\" width=\"100%\" height=\"152\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen allow=\"autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/open.spotify.com\/embed\/track\/1kJtfldK9F7XmsSiSNlbth?si=79385b18470c4c13&#038;utm_source=oembed\"><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.usmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Elaine-Hendrix-and-Alan-Bersten-Dancing-with-the-Stars.jpg?w=1000&amp;quality=40&amp;strip=all\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4088727 size-full\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p><strong>Scores:<\/strong> Bruno: 6 Derek: 6<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>My take:<\/strong> Elaine is 55 years old, so for her age, and not having danced in approximately 30 years I think she did really well. going into the premiere, I thought that she was going to be one of the first ones to go, but now I&#8217;m rethinking my decision. She is definitely someone to be on the lookout for.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Whitney Leavitt and Mark Ballas<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Dancing the tango to the song to \u201cGolden\u201d by HUNTR\/X, EJAE, AUDREY NUNA, REI AMI and the Kpop Demon Hunters Cast.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-spotify wp-block-embed-spotify wp-embed-aspect-21-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"Spotify Embed: Golden\" style=\"border-radius: 12px\" width=\"100%\" height=\"152\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen allow=\"autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/open.spotify.com\/embed\/track\/1CPZ5BxNNd0n0nF4Orb9JS?si=f84f00df90f84d61&#038;utm_source=oembed\"><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.usmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/178793_3327_v1-why-mark-ballas-returned-for-dwts-season-34.jpg?w=1000&amp;quality=70&amp;strip=all\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4089383 size-full\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p><strong>Scores:<\/strong> Bruno:8  Derek:7<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>My take:<\/strong> I think Whitney had a strong background in TikTok dances, so she was able to keep up with Mark more than other stars were. I&#8217;m excited to watch her grow as a dancer. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Jen Affleck and Jan Ravnik<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h6 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Dancing the Salsa to the song &#8220;NUEVAYoL&#8221; by Bad Bunny<\/h6>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-spotify wp-block-embed-spotify wp-embed-aspect-21-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"Spotify Embed: NUEVAYoL\" style=\"border-radius: 12px\" width=\"100%\" height=\"152\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen allow=\"autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/open.spotify.com\/embed\/track\/5TFD2bmFKGhoCRbX61nXY5?si=720f4bcb325f44b5&#038;utm_source=oembed\"><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"http:\/\/sites.cortland.edu\/dragon-chronicle\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2025\/09\/image-5-768x1024.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8732 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sites.cortland.edu\/dragon-chronicle\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2025\/09\/image-5-768x1024.png 768w, https:\/\/sites.cortland.edu\/dragon-chronicle\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2025\/09\/image-5-225x300.png 225w, https:\/\/sites.cortland.edu\/dragon-chronicle\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2025\/09\/image-5-1152x1536.png 1152w, https:\/\/sites.cortland.edu\/dragon-chronicle\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2025\/09\/image-5.png 1400w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p><strong>Score:<\/strong> Derek: 6 Bruno: 6<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>My Take:<\/strong> Since Jen just had a baby 8 weeks ago, I think she did fairly well, however I agree with the judges that the lifts were slowing her down and made her mess up the rhythm. I think she needed to start with more of the basics in order for her to grow, and then she would&#8217;ve been better and cleaner.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Hilaria Baldwin and Gleb Savchenko<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h6 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Dancing the cha-cha to the song&nbsp;\u201cLet\u2019s Get Loud\u201d by&nbsp;Jennifer<strong> <\/strong>Lopez<br><\/h6>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-spotify wp-block-embed-spotify wp-embed-aspect-21-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"Spotify Embed: Let&amp;apos;s Get Loud\" style=\"border-radius: 12px\" width=\"100%\" height=\"152\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen allow=\"autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/open.spotify.com\/embed\/track\/42nSaPdT6g3ZIMHmKLlP2p?si=2503e194ce984c4d&#038;utm_source=oembed\"><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text has-media-on-the-right is-stacked-on-mobile\"><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p><strong>Scores:<\/strong> Derek: 7 Bruno: 7<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>My Take:<\/strong> Consider me unimpressed. Not only do i dislike Gleb as a pro, I feel that Hilaria is kind of washed up and not really relevant for the target audience of Dancing With the Stars. <\/p>\n<\/div><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/sites.cortland.edu\/dragon-chronicle\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2025\/09\/Hilaria-Baldwin-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8737 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sites.cortland.edu\/dragon-chronicle\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2025\/09\/Hilaria-Baldwin-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/sites.cortland.edu\/dragon-chronicle\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2025\/09\/Hilaria-Baldwin-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/sites.cortland.edu\/dragon-chronicle\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2025\/09\/Hilaria-Baldwin-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https:\/\/sites.cortland.edu\/dragon-chronicle\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2025\/09\/Hilaria-Baldwin.avif 1500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Baron Davis and Britt Stewart<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h6 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Dancing the cha-cha to the song &#8221; U Can&#8217;t Touch This&#8221; by MC Hammer<\/h6>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-spotify wp-block-embed-spotify wp-embed-aspect-21-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"Spotify Embed: U Can&amp;apos;t Touch This\" style=\"border-radius: 12px\" width=\"100%\" height=\"152\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen allow=\"autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/open.spotify.com\/embed\/track\/1B75hgRqe7A4fwee3g3Wmu?si=4457835b84c94a21&#038;utm_source=oembed\"><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text has-media-on-the-right is-stacked-on-mobile\"><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p><strong>Scores:<\/strong> Bruno: 5  Derek: 5<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>My Take:<\/strong> Baron&#8217;s pants made me giggle. Nothing in his performance really stood out to me, I feel like all  the pro athletes have the endurance to keep up and the athletic ability to be able to perform. But most don&#8217;t go far and thats what im expecting for Baron.  <\/p>\n<\/div><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/sites.cortland.edu\/dragon-chronicle\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2025\/09\/Baron-Davis-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8738 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sites.cortland.edu\/dragon-chronicle\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2025\/09\/Baron-Davis-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/sites.cortland.edu\/dragon-chronicle\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2025\/09\/Baron-Davis-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/sites.cortland.edu\/dragon-chronicle\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2025\/09\/Baron-Davis-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https:\/\/sites.cortland.edu\/dragon-chronicle\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2025\/09\/Baron-Davis.avif 1500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Alix Earle and Val Chmerkovskiy<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h6 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Dancing the cha-cha to the song &#8220;Circus&#8221; by Britney Spears<\/h6>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-spotify wp-block-embed-spotify wp-embed-aspect-21-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"Spotify Embed: Circus\" style=\"border-radius: 12px\" width=\"100%\" height=\"152\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen allow=\"autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/open.spotify.com\/embed\/track\/7jk7gqyEonmVVYahZN5zhW?si=abed256404df460d&#038;utm_source=oembed\"><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\" style=\"grid-template-columns:54% auto\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"264\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/sites.cortland.edu\/dragon-chronicle\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2025\/09\/th.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8740 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sites.cortland.edu\/dragon-chronicle\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2025\/09\/th.jpg 264w, https:\/\/sites.cortland.edu\/dragon-chronicle\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2025\/09\/th-220x300.jpg 220w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 264px) 100vw, 264px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p><strong>Scores:<\/strong> Derek: 7 Bruno: 6<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>My Take:<\/strong> WOW. I was honestly not expecting Alix to have so much rhythm. I was mostly expecting her to have the votes to carry her but not really having the talent. I was wrong. Alix really showed up and showed out I am excited to see more choreography from Val for them.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Corey Feldman and Jenna Johnson<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h6 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Dancing the tango to the song &#8220;It&#8217;s still Rock &amp; Roll To Me&#8221; by Billy Joel <\/h6>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-spotify wp-block-embed-spotify wp-embed-aspect-21-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"Spotify Embed: It&amp;apos;s Still Rock and Roll to Me\" style=\"border-radius: 12px\" width=\"100%\" height=\"152\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen allow=\"autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/open.spotify.com\/embed\/track\/64UioB4Nmwgn2f4cbIpAkl?si=af0a22dee3b94785&#038;utm_source=oembed\"><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.usmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Corey-Feldman-and-Jenna-Johnson-178793_7199_v1.jpg?w=1000&amp;quality=47&amp;strip=all\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4090249 size-full\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p><strong>Scores:<\/strong> Derek: 4 Bruno: 5<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>My Take:<\/strong> For one of the older contestants I&#8217;ve seen on the show, he was surprisingly in sync with the music and his pro, I don&#8217;t know how Danielle and Pasha got a higher score than Corey and Jenna.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Danielle Fishel and Pasha Pashkov<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h6 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Dancing the tango, to the song &#8220;Stronger (What Doesn&#8217;t Kill You)&#8221; By Kelly Clarkson<\/h6>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-spotify wp-block-embed-spotify wp-embed-aspect-21-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"Spotify Embed: Stronger (What Doesn&amp;apos;t Kill You)\" style=\"border-radius: 12px\" width=\"100%\" height=\"152\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen allow=\"autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/open.spotify.com\/embed\/track\/6D60klaHqbCl9ySc8VcRss?si=f393227012e94443&#038;utm_source=oembed\"><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text has-media-on-the-right is-stacked-on-mobile\"><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p><strong>Scores<\/strong>: Derek: 6 Bruno: 6<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>My Take:<\/strong> Once again, not entirely impressed. I think she has a lot of potential, but won&#8217;t get very far. <\/p>\n<\/div><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.usmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Danielle-Fishel-and-Pasha-Pashkov-inline-178793_8035_v1.jpg?w=1000&amp;quality=55&amp;strip=all\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4089510 size-full\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Scott Hoying and Rylee Arnold<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h6 class=\"wp-block-heading\">dancing the tango to the song &#8220;Abracadabra&#8221; by Lady Gaga<br><\/h6>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-spotify wp-block-embed-spotify wp-embed-aspect-21-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"Spotify Embed: Abracadabra\" style=\"border-radius: 12px\" width=\"100%\" height=\"152\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen allow=\"autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/open.spotify.com\/embed\/track\/5ZLUm9eab8y3tqQ1OhQSHI?si=00d11a8424b345eb&#038;utm_source=oembed\"><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text has-media-on-the-right is-stacked-on-mobile\"><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p><strong>Scores:<\/strong> Derek : 5 Bruno : 5<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>My take:<\/strong> Rylee had such a hard first season as a pro that the producers are being so kind to her now. I love the match up of Scott and Rylee. I love the TikToks they have been posting and showing how close they are becoming. I think Rylee will be going far no matter who she is with and I think that Scott has enough musical talent to bring him far. I see them making it to the semifinals.<\/p>\n<\/div><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.usmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Scott-Hoying-and-Rylee-Arnold-Dancing-with-the-Stars.jpg?w=1000&amp;quality=40&amp;strip=all\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4088719 size-full\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Robert Irwin and Witney Carson<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h6 class=\"wp-block-heading\">dancing the jive to the song &#8220;Born To Be Wild&#8221; by Steppenwolf<\/h6>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-spotify wp-block-embed-spotify wp-embed-aspect-21-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"Spotify Embed: Born To Be Wild - Mathclub Remix\" style=\"border-radius: 12px\" width=\"100%\" height=\"152\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen allow=\"autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/open.spotify.com\/embed\/track\/6DjccE0UjQxKE36q2Wh2Ya?si=ad2f163c40a2410c&#038;utm_source=oembed\"><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.usmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Robert-Irwin-and-Witney-Carson-Dancing-with-the-Stars.jpg?w=1000&amp;quality=40&amp;strip=all\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4088721 size-full\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p><strong>Scores:<\/strong> Derek: 8 , Bruno 7<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>My take:<\/strong> Living in my head rent-free, no notes, I&#8217;m willing to stake my life on the fact that he will be in the final two if not the winner of Dancing with the Stars season 34.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Lauren Jauregui and Brandon Armstrong<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h6 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Dancing the tango to the song &#8220;Yes, and?&#8221; By Ariana Grande<\/h6>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-spotify wp-block-embed-spotify wp-embed-aspect-21-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"Spotify Embed: yes, and?\" style=\"border-radius: 12px\" width=\"100%\" height=\"152\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen allow=\"autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/open.spotify.com\/embed\/track\/7gaA3wERFkFkgivjwbSvkG?si=cd2dfb308f9442fb&#038;utm_source=oembed\"><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text has-media-on-the-right is-stacked-on-mobile\"><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p><strong>Scores: <\/strong>Derek: 7 Bruno: 6<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>My take:<\/strong> I think she tried but won&#8217;t last very long. <\/p>\n<\/div><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.usmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/dwts-brandon-armstrong-lauren-jauregui.jpg?w=1000&amp;quality=74&amp;strip=all\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4096845 size-full\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Andy Richter and Emma Slater<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Dancing a cha-cha to the song \u201cHold On, I\u2019m Coming\u201d by Sam &amp; Dave<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-spotify wp-block-embed-spotify wp-embed-aspect-21-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"Spotify Embed: Hold On, I&amp;apos;m Comin&amp;apos;\" style=\"border-radius: 12px\" width=\"100%\" height=\"152\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen allow=\"autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/open.spotify.com\/embed\/track\/6PgVDY8GTkxF3GmhVGPzoB?si=d27267c356714188&#038;utm_source=oembed\"><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text has-media-on-the-right is-stacked-on-mobile\"><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p><strong>Score: <\/strong>Derek: 5 Bruno: 4<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>My Take<\/strong>: I think his next dance will be his last, and I&#8217;m not mad about it.<\/p>\n<\/div><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.usmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Andy-Richter-and-Emma-Slater-inline-178793_4760_v1.jpg?w=1000&amp;quality=47&amp;strip=all\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4091127 size-full\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Overview <\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>While I think everyone tried their best, there were some performances I was a little more impressed with than others. I think <strong>Robert Irwin<\/strong> will be the person to be on the lookout for.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Returning and new pros, opening numbers, scores, and who to look out for in week two. Opening Number The opening number, choreographed by Ray Leeper, was to the song &#8216;Kill the Lights&#8217; by Whitney Myer, bringing the spotlight to everyone. The dance featured all the stars, even Julianne Hough and Alfonzo Ribeiro (Season 19 Mirrorball [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":450,"featured_media":8735,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_exactmetrics_skip_tracking":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_active":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_note":"","_exactmetrics_sitenote_category":0,"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[98],"class_list":{"0":"post-8647","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-opinions","8":"tag-reality-tv","9":"entry"},"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/sites.cortland.edu\/dragon-chronicle\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2025\/09\/dwts-cover-e1758057239258.jpg","featured_image_src_square":"https:\/\/sites.cortland.edu\/dragon-chronicle\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2025\/09\/dwts-cover-e1758057239258.jpg","author_info":{"display_name":"Abigail Neber","author_link":"https:\/\/sites.cortland.edu\/dragon-chronicle\/author\/abigail-neber\/"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/sites.cortland.edu\/dragon-chronicle\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8647","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/sites.cortland.edu\/dragon-chronicle\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/sites.cortland.edu\/dragon-chronicle\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sites.cortland.edu\/dragon-chronicle\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/450"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sites.cortland.edu\/dragon-chronicle\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=8647"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/sites.cortland.edu\/dragon-chronicle\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8647\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sites.cortland.edu\/dragon-chronicle\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/8735"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/sites.cortland.edu\/dragon-chronicle\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=8647"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sites.cortland.edu\/dragon-chronicle\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=8647"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sites.cortland.edu\/dragon-chronicle\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=8647"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}