Dancing with the Stars

A closer look at the story

Dancing with the Stars is a reality contest where celebrities go head-to-head on the dance floor. Well-known names from many different fields take the stage with carefully prepared choreography. Performing across a broad range of styles, from salsa to samba, the contestants show what they can do. Every routine is scored by a panel of respected ballroom experts. The judges do not have the last word on their own, however; viewers also help decide how the contest unfolds by casting their votes. At the end of the competition, the winner lifts the much-coveted Mirrorball Trophy. Judges such as Carrie Ann Inaba, Bruno Tonioli and Len Goodman have sat on the panel, while Tom Bergeron and Julianne Hough have also played important roles on the show. On ABC since 2005, the programme has also reached viewers through Disney+.