Secrets of Dancing With the Stars: A Look at Same-Sex Pairings
Dancing With the Stars (DWTS), a phenomenon television show that hasAcknowledged its struggles but continually strives to inspire its audience, recently delved into a provocative question: could two men eventually find the confidence and visibility to form a dance pair? Inside the show, Ryan O’Dowd, the executive producer, questioned his audience about their belief that same-sex pairings are still missing, but hinted at the possibility as the season unfolds. He emphasized the importance of celebrating changes in its hosting environment and its commitment to supporting these mutually beautiful individuals on the screen.
This year’s season 33 finale, airing in November 2024, featured a unique partnership between Derek Hough and Mark Ballas, two men who previously supplied aMatchers supporting a romantic anymore scene. Hough reflected on his past encounters with the all-female group, stating, “I would say we are constantly looking at the ways by which we can push the envelope and produce a show that reflects and represents society as a whole.” He also praised Mark, complimenting his gonzo.’.$
Hough went on to highlight a special moment in his own career, where the pair explored a tango that questioned expectations about male-and-female harmony, causing a moment of debate during a live broadcast.
The dancefloor’s celestial partner, however, was every bit as special. Joining Hough and Mark in an Argentine tango, TikTokerAliasx Earle and his son, Robert Irwin, entered the scene with a rough impression. The trailer for this storyline didn’t shy away from its boldness, showing real-life male-and-female couples navigating complex dance challenges while relying on technology to overcome their differences.
As the season progresses, ABC is set to announce its lineup for the next year. With the focus of the show currently on supporting voters on social media, O’Dowd expressed unwavering faith in its ability to allow viewers to shape its narrative. While the show has been criticized by some for its perceived “radical.”
In an interview with Gold Derby in April, Mark Ballas compared the idea of same-sex pairings to the origins of the dance scene, explaining, “This is the same [as the origins]. It was cool to see even after seeing that, I loved it.” Mark shared his initial thoughts, mentioning specific memorable moments, and spoke about the viral nature of the pairing between Ilona Maher and Alan Bersten.
Despite the show’s reputation, its ultimate fate remains unchanged. O’Dowd remains confident, stating, “We take that very seriously. We have never, nor would we ever do anything to manipulate the votes.” This theme of Behind the Scenes will likely resonate deeply as DWTS transitions from its current struggles to a brighter future.
In the run-up to the season, a new constellation will be known to all: small브—that is, TikTokerAliasx Earle, a soon-to-be-confirmed stars. While details are being pinned down, it’s clear that this season will explore diverse and unconventional dancecapitals, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.
